Cinquefoil
Also known as: Cinquefoil, white cinquefoil, Potentilla discolor, Potentilla alba
Overview
Potentilla alba, commonly known as white cinquefoil, is a perennial herb primarily utilized in Eastern European traditional medicine for its potential benefits in thyroid disorders and immune system modulation. The supplement is typically derived from the plant's roots and rhizomes. It is valued for its thyrotropic (thyroid-regulating) and immunomodulatory properties. While research on P. alba is ongoing, including some clinical trials and animal studies, large-scale human randomized controlled trials are limited. The overall quality of evidence is moderate, with more extensive systematic reviews available for related species like Potentilla discolor, which provide indirect insights into its potential antioxidant and metabolic effects. It is available as an herbal supplement, often in extract form.
Benefits
Potentilla alba has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly for thyroid health. Clinical trials involving 55 to 77 patients have shown that P. alba rhizome extract (300 mg twice daily) can effectively reduce thyroid size, normalize thyroid function, decrease anti-thyrotropin receptor antibody levels, and shorten the time to stabilize TSH levels in individuals with hyperthyroidism, chronic thyroiditis, and diffuse nontoxic goiter. The strength of evidence for these thyroid-related benefits is moderate, based on these clinical studies. Furthermore, animal studies suggest immunomodulatory effects, with P. alba extracts (3-50 mg/kg) stimulating humoral immune responses and counteracting immunosuppression induced by cytostatic agents, without causing immunotoxicity. While direct evidence for P. alba is limited, a systematic review and meta-analysis on the related species Potentilla discolor indicated significant reductions in oxidative stress markers and improvements in glycolipid metabolism in diabetic animal models, suggesting potential benefits for metabolic health and antioxidant activity. However, these findings are indirect for P. alba.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Potentilla alba involves its thyrotropic effects, which likely modulate thyroid hormone synthesis and address immune-mediated thyroid dysfunction. Its immunomodulatory properties are thought to be mediated through the stimulation of humoral immunity and the reduction of immunosuppression. The plant contains bioactive compounds, notably polyphenols such as agrimoniin, which are believed to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, the observed efficacy in clinical settings suggests effective oral absorption. The exact pathways through which P. alba interacts with body systems to exert its thyroid-regulating and immune-modulating effects are still under investigation but are likely multifactorial, involving various cellular and molecular targets.
Side effects
Potentilla alba is generally well tolerated in humans at studied doses of 300 mg twice daily. Animal studies have reported no mortality or toxicity even at very high doses (LD50 approximately 6500 mg/kg in rats). However, common side effects in humans are not extensively documented. Animal data suggest potential negative effects on bone development and male reproductive parameters, specifically sperm quality, at certain high doses. While no significant impact on overall fertility or offspring development was observed in these animal studies, caution is advised, particularly during pregnancy, due to these developmental effects. No significant immunotoxicity or sensitization has been observed. There are no known major drug interactions or contraindications reported, but individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. Due to the limited human data on side effects, long-term safety and potential rare adverse reactions require further investigation.
Dosage
For thyroid conditions, clinical trials have utilized a dosage of 300 mg of Potentilla alba rhizome extract, administered twice daily. This dosage was maintained for approximately 6 months to observe significant improvements in thyroid size and function. In animal studies, doses ranging from 3 to 50 mg/kg were used to demonstrate immunomodulatory effects. While the maximum safe dose in animals is very high (LD50 ~6500 mg/kg), human safety margins and upper limits require further dedicated study. Oral administration is the standard method of consumption, and no specific cofactors are reported to be necessary for its efficacy. It is crucial to adhere to the clinically studied dosages for thyroid benefits and to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially considering the limited long-term human safety data.
FAQs
Is Potentilla alba effective for thyroid disorders?
Yes, clinical trials have shown that P. alba can improve thyroid size and function, and reduce antibody levels in patients with hyperthyroidism, chronic thyroiditis, and goiter.
Is Potentilla alba safe to use?
It appears safe at studied human doses. However, animal studies suggest caution during pregnancy due to potential developmental effects at high doses.
How long does it take to see effects from Potentilla alba?
Clinical trials observed significant improvements in thyroid parameters over a treatment duration of approximately 6 months.
Does Potentilla alba affect fertility?
Animal studies indicated some negative effects on male sperm parameters at high doses, but no significant impairment of overall fertility was observed.
Research Sources
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-1663-6461?innerWidth=412&offsetWidth=412&id=&lang=en&device=desktop – This source details a clinical trial on Potentilla alba's efficacy in thyroid disorders. It reports that 300 mg of P. alba extract twice daily for 6 months reduced thyroid size, normalized function, and decreased anti-TSH receptor antibodies in 55 patients, indicating its potential for thyroid health.
- https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/pdf/10.1055/a-1663-6461.pdf – This PDF provides further details on the clinical trial mentioned above, confirming the positive effects of Potentilla alba rhizome extract on thyroid parameters. It highlights the reduction in thyroid size and normalization of thyroid function in patients with various thyroid conditions.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10577192/ – This article discusses immunotoxicity and immunomodulation studies of Potentilla alba. It indicates that P. alba extracts at doses up to 50 mg/kg showed no immunotoxicity and stimulated humoral immunity, suggesting its potential as an immunomodulator.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1234701/full – This source presents a systematic review and meta-analysis on Potentilla discolor, a related species. It demonstrates significant reductions in oxidative stress markers and improvements in glycolipid metabolism in diabetic animal models, providing indirect evidence for antioxidant and metabolic benefits relevant to P. alba.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10002591/ – This research focuses on the bioactive compounds in Potentilla alba, such as polyphenols like agrimoniin. It suggests these compounds contribute to the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, elucidating potential mechanisms of action.
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/48ae/32d9897cf787d124d17cd74aa62521adbaaf.pdf – This document likely contains further details on the animal studies regarding Potentilla alba's safety profile. It would cover findings on potential reproductive and developmental effects at high doses, as well as general toxicity assessments.
