Clematis Armandii Extract
Also known as: Caulis Clematidis Armandii, Chuan-Mu-Tong, Clematis armandii, Clematis armandii Franch.
Overview
Clematis armandii Franch., commonly known as Caulis Clematidis Armandii or Chuan-Mu-Tong, is a woody vine native to China, traditionally used in Chinese medicine. The stem extract is the primary form utilized, valued for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. Key bioactive compounds include lignans and oleanolic acid, with oleanolic acid often serving as a quality control marker. Research on Clematis armandii is primarily preclinical, focusing on phytochemical analysis and in vitro/animal studies, indicating a moderate level of research maturity. While traditional use suggests potential benefits, high-quality clinical trials in humans are currently lacking, limiting the understanding of its efficacy and safety in human populations.
Benefits
Preclinical studies suggest that Clematis armandii possesses anti-neuroinflammatory activity, primarily attributed to lignans isolated from its stems. These lignans have been shown to inhibit inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cell models, indicating potential therapeutic effects for inflammation-mediated neurodegenerative and aging-associated diseases. The presence of oleanolic acid, a triterpenoid with known anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties, further supports its traditional use. However, these findings are based on in vitro and animal studies, and there is no clinical data to confirm these benefits in humans. Therefore, the strength of evidence for human benefits is currently low, and effect sizes or clinical significance have not been established.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Clematis armandii involves its bioactive lignans, which have been observed to inhibit neuroinflammatory mediators. Specifically, these compounds interfere with pathways that produce nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cellular models. By modulating these inflammatory pathways, the extract is thought to exert its anti-neuroinflammatory effects, primarily interacting with the central nervous system's inflammatory responses. While these molecular targets have been identified in preclinical settings, the absorption and bioavailability of these compounds in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
The safety profile of Clematis armandii extract in humans is not well-established due to a lack of clinical safety data and rigorous toxicological studies. While traditional use might suggest some level of tolerability, common, uncommon, or rare side effects have not been documented. There is no information available regarding potential drug interactions or contraindications, and specific considerations for special populations are also unknown. A significant safety concern is the risk of adulteration with toxic species, such as Aristolochia manshuriensis, which contains nephrotoxic aristolochic acid. Proper identification and quality control, often through the quantification of oleanolic acid, are critical to mitigate this risk. Due to the absence of comprehensive safety data, caution is advised.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges, minimum effective doses, and maximum safe doses for Clematis armandii extract have not been established in humans. There are no specific recommendations regarding timing of administration, form-specific guidelines, or absorption factors. While extracts standardized to oleanolic acid content may improve quality control and consistency, this does not provide dosing guidance for efficacy or safety. No required cofactors have been reported. Due to the lack of clinical data, any use of this extract should be approached with caution, and professional medical advice is recommended before considering supplementation.
FAQs
Is Clematis armandii extract safe for human consumption?
The safety of Clematis armandii extract in humans has not been clinically established. While it has a history of traditional use, rigorous safety studies and clinical trials are lacking, making its overall safety profile unknown.
What are the primary uses of Clematis armandii extract?
Traditionally, it is used for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, particularly in the context of neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. However, these uses are primarily supported by preclinical research.
How quickly can one expect to see effects from Clematis armandii extract?
There is no clinical data available to determine the onset of effects in humans. All current research is preclinical, so the time course of benefits is not established.
Can Clematis armandii extract be used long-term?
Long-term use of Clematis armandii extract is not recommended due to the absence of comprehensive safety studies. Its long-term effects and potential risks in humans are unknown.
Is there a risk of adulteration with Clematis armandii extract?
Yes, there is a known risk of adulteration with toxic species like Aristolochia manshuriensis. It is crucial to ensure proper identification and quality control, often by verifying the presence of oleanolic acid as a marker.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24661966/ – This preclinical pharmacology study identified lignans from the stems of Clematis armandii that exhibited anti-neuroinflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in cell lines and mice. The findings support the traditional use of the plant for inflammatory conditions, though it notes the absence of human data and the preclinical nature of the research.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10133656/ – This phytochemical study focused on the isolation and identification of oleanolic acid from Clematis armandii, establishing it as a key quality marker. It also developed HPTLC/HPLC methods for differentiating the plant from potential adulterants, highlighting its importance for quality control but providing no pharmacological or clinical data.
- https://www.extrica.com/article/16271 – This pharmacognostic and chemical analysis characterized the plant anatomy and quantified beta-sitosterol content in Clematis armandii samples from various regions. While useful for botanical standardization and identification, the study did not provide any efficacy or safety data related to the extract's use.