Collinsonia Extract
Also known as: Stone root, Collinsonia root, Collinsonia canadensis
Overview
Collinsonia canadensis, commonly known as Stone root, is a perennial herb native to North America, traditionally valued for its medicinal properties. The root is the primary source of its bioactive compounds, which include saponins, flavonoids, tannins, volatile oils (such as thymol and carvacrol), and phenolic acids like rosmarinic acid. Historically, it has been employed in traditional medicine to support digestive health, alleviate gastrointestinal spasms, enhance appetite, and assist in the passage of kidney stones. Its traditional applications also extend to treating hemorrhoids, inflammation, and potentially neurodegenerative conditions. Despite its long history of use, high-quality human clinical trials, such as randomized controlled trials or systematic reviews, are currently lacking. Most of the available scientific evidence is derived from preclinical studies, in vitro experiments, or is based on traditional anecdotal reports.
Benefits
Collinsonia canadensis is traditionally recognized for several potential benefits, though clinical evidence is limited. For digestive health, it has been used to stimulate digestion, reduce intestinal spasms, and improve appetite, likely due to its astringent and antispasmodic properties. In the urinary tract, traditional and anecdotal accounts suggest it may help relax the ureters and urethra, potentially aiding in the passage of kidney stones and increasing urine flow. In vitro studies have indicated anti-inflammatory activity, attributed to phenolic compounds, and anti-acetylcholinesterase effects from volatile oils like thymol and carvacrol, suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits relevant to conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, traditional Native American medicine reports topical use for skin healing and rheumatism. However, due to the absence of human clinical trials, the strength of evidence for these benefits is low, and their clinical significance, effect sizes, and time course of action remain unestablished. No specific population-specific benefits have been clinically confirmed.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Collinsonia canadensis are primarily based on its traditional uses and in vitro studies. Its astringent and antispasmodic effects, particularly on the gastrointestinal tract, are believed to be mediated by tannins and mucilage, which interact with mucosal linings. Volatile oils, such as thymol and carvacrol, have demonstrated in vitro inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, suggesting a potential neuroprotective pathway relevant to cognitive function. Phenolic compounds, including rosmarinic acid, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by modulating macrophage activity. However, comprehensive data on the absorption, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics of Collinsonia canadensis in the human body are currently unavailable, limiting a full understanding of its systemic effects.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Collinsonia canadensis is not well-characterized due to a lack of extensive clinical research. Traditional use suggests it is generally well-tolerated when consumed in moderate amounts. The most commonly reported side effect, though infrequent, is gastrointestinal upset, particularly if taken in large doses. Due to the unknown safety profile and lack of clinical data, Collinsonia canadensis should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from clinical studies available in the current literature. Furthermore, no reports of serious adverse events have been identified in scientific publications. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
There are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Collinsonia canadensis due to the absence of high-quality randomized controlled trials. Traditional preparations typically involve warm infusions or liquid extracts of the root. Historically, it has been administered in various forms, including oral infusions, topical applications, and suppositories. However, optimal dosages for specific conditions, maximum safe doses, ideal timing of administration, and factors influencing absorption remain undefined. Without clinical research, it is not possible to provide evidence-based recommendations for dosage, upper limits, or safety thresholds. Any use should be approached with caution, ideally under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner familiar with traditional herbal medicine.
FAQs
Is Collinsonia extract effective for kidney stones?
Traditional use and in vitro evidence suggest it may help relax urinary tract muscles and promote stone passage, but no clinical trials confirm efficacy.
Is it safe to use Collinsonia extract?
Generally considered safe in traditional doses; however, avoid use during pregnancy and lactation, and large doses, due to limited safety data.
How long does it take to see effects from Collinsonia extract?
The time course for effects is unknown. Traditional use implies gradual benefits with consistent, regular use, but no scientific data supports this.
Does Collinsonia extract help with hemorrhoids?
Historical reports suggest benefits for hemorrhoids, but there is a lack of modern clinical evidence to support this claim.
Research Sources
- https://wholisticmatters.com/collinsonia-root-digestive-health/ – This source provides an overview of Collinsonia root's traditional uses, particularly for digestive health, and highlights its historical applications. It emphasizes the presence of bioactive compounds but notes the limited modern scientific research supporting its efficacy.
- https://journals.indexcopernicus.com/api/file/viewByFileId/1748984 – This citation refers to a meta-analysis on antiurolithiatic plants. While it did not specifically include Collinsonia, it underscores the general need for standardized studies to confirm the efficacy of herbal extracts in preventing kidney stone formation, providing context for Collinsonia's traditional use in this area.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collinsonia-root – This source summarizes traditional applications of Collinsonia root, including its use for urinary tract relaxation and hemorrhoid treatment. It acknowledges the historical context but stresses the critical absence of contemporary clinical trials to validate these traditional claims.
- https://wholisticmatters.com/herb-detail/collinsonia-canadensis/ – This detailed herb profile from WholisticMatters discusses the bioactive compounds in Collinsonia canadensis, such as phenolic compounds and volatile oils, and their in vitro anti-inflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects. It suggests potential for neurodegenerative disease management but clearly states that these findings are from cell-based assays and lack clinical validation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3956726/ – This source, likely a review or research article, contributes to the understanding of traditional uses and potential mechanisms of action for Collinsonia. It supports the claims of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties based on in vitro studies, while also implicitly highlighting the gap in human clinical research.
