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Curry Tree Extract

Also known as: Curry leaf, Curry tree extract, Murraya koenigii

Overview

Murraya koenigii, commonly known as curry leaf or curry tree extract, is a botanical extract traditionally used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Its leaves are rich in bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. Research into this extract is primarily focused on its potential antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anxiolytic, and antidepressant properties. While promising, most studies have been conducted in animal models or in vitro, with human clinical trials being scarce. The evidence quality varies, with some rigorous experimental studies, but a significant lack of large-scale human data. It is recognized within broader reviews for its antibacterial activity, particularly as a member of the Rutaceae family. The extract is available in various forms, such as ethanol, hydroalcoholic, and aqueous preparations, which may influence its bioavailability and efficacy.

Benefits

Curry tree extract demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical evidence. Its **anticancer** properties have been observed in rat models, where ethanol extract reduced HER2 expression and increased caspase-3, suggesting an ability to induce apoptosis in mammary tumors. This indicates a moderate strength of evidence from animal studies. For **hepatoprotection**, a hydroalcoholic extract significantly protected against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats, reducing liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers, with effects comparable to silymarin. This benefit shows moderate evidence from dose-dependent animal studies. **Neuropsychiatric** effects include anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities in mice, reducing despair behavior in validated animal models, suggesting a moderate level of evidence from preclinical studies. Lastly, it exhibits **antibacterial** activity, as noted in a systematic review of plant antibacterials, with the Rutaceae family (to which *Murraya koenigii* belongs) showing moderate activity against various bacteria. While these findings are encouraging, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits and determine their applicability to human health.

How it works

The mechanisms of action for *Murraya koenigii* are multifaceted, primarily attributed to its rich phytochemical composition. Its potential anticancer effects are thought to involve the downregulation of HER2 expression and the induction of apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. Hepatoprotective actions are linked to its potent antioxidant activity, which increases levels of endogenous antioxidants like glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), thereby reducing lipid peroxidation and protecting liver cells from oxidative damage. The neuropsychiatric benefits, such as anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, are hypothesized to involve the modulation of neurotransmitter systems, although specific molecular targets are not yet fully elucidated. The antibacterial activity is likely due to the presence of various phytochemicals, particularly alkaloids (23.73%) and flavonoids (1.24%), which possess known antimicrobial properties and can disrupt bacterial cell integrity or metabolic processes.

Side effects

Based on current research, the safety profile of *Murraya koenigii* extract appears favorable in preclinical settings. Acute toxicity studies in rats have shown no signs of toxicity even at very high doses, up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Animal studies using therapeutic-range doses (200–400 mg/kg) have not reported any significant adverse effects. However, it is crucial to note that human safety data are extremely limited. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified from the available studies. Due to the lack of extensive human clinical trials, the long-term safety, potential side effects, and interactions with medications or pre-existing health conditions in humans remain largely unknown. Therefore, caution is advised, and individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using curry tree extract, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for *Murraya koenigii* extract due to the scarcity of human clinical trials. The available research primarily involves animal studies, where doses ranged from 200 to 400 mg/kg body weight, administered orally. For instance, studies investigating anticancer, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects in rats and mice utilized doses within this range. It is important to recognize that animal dosages do not directly translate to human dosages, and factors such as body weight, metabolism, and species-specific differences must be considered. Furthermore, the efficacy and bioavailability of the extract can vary significantly depending on its form (e.g., ethanol, hydroalcoholic, or aqueous extract). Without human data, specific recommendations for timing, frequency, or upper safety limits cannot be provided. Any use of curry tree extract should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is curry leaf extract safe for human consumption?

Animal studies suggest safety at high doses, with no reported toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg. However, human safety data are insufficient, and long-term effects or interactions are unknown. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

What benefits can I expect from curry leaf extract?

Preclinical evidence suggests potential antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects. These findings are primarily from animal studies, and human efficacy is yet to be established.

How long does it take to see effects from curry leaf extract?

Animal studies have shown effects within days to weeks, depending on the specific benefit being studied. However, the timeline for observing effects in humans is currently unknown due to the lack of clinical trials.

Are there any drug interactions with curry leaf extract?

Currently, there are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from the available scientific literature. However, due to limited human data, caution is advised, especially if taking other medications.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8448650/ – This in vivo RCT in rats investigated the effect of curry leaf extract on mammary tumors. The study found that the extract reduced HER2 expression and increased caspase-3, indicating potential antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis. While controlled, the study was conducted on an animal model with a small sample size, limiting direct human applicability.
https://www.ijbcp.com/index.php/ijbcp/article/view/1692 – This in vivo RCT in rats explored the hepatoprotective effects of hydroalcoholic curry leaf extract against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity. The extract significantly reduced liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and oxidative stress markers, demonstrating dose-dependent protection comparable to silymarin. The study was well-controlled with adequate dose-response data, but it was an animal model.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5726189/ – This in vivo RCT in mice evaluated the neuropsychiatric effects of aqueous curry leaf extract. The study demonstrated dose-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects in standard behavioral tests. Despite using validated tests, the study involved small group sizes (n=6) and was conducted on an animal model, requiring further human research.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.586548/full – This systematic review focused on the antibacterial activity of various plant species. It included *Murraya koenigii* within the Rutaceae family, noting its moderate antibacterial activity with MIC values in the range of 92–185 μg/mL for related families. While a high-quality review for antibacterial context, its findings are indirect for *Murraya koenigii* specifically.
https://www.phcogj.com/article/2276 – This study provided a phytochemical analysis of curry leaf extract, identifying its composition, including 23.73% alkaloids and 1.24% flavonoids. This research is valuable for understanding the bioactive compounds responsible for the extract's properties, but it does not include clinical data on efficacy or safety.