Desmodium Styracifolium Extract
Also known as: Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr., Desmodium styracifolium extract, D. styracifolium, Desmodium styracifolium
Overview
Desmodium styracifolium is a leguminous plant widely utilized in traditional Chinese and folk medicine, primarily for its efficacy in treating urinary and kidney-related conditions such as urolithiasis (kidney stones), dysuria, and oliguria. The extract is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, and phytosterols, which contribute to its purported therapeutic effects. Research suggests its potential for anti-urolithic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, and metabolic regulatory activities. While preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) show promising results, robust clinical evidence from large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is currently lacking, indicating a need for further human research to establish its clinical efficacy and safety.
Benefits
The primary benefit of Desmodium styracifolium extract is its anti-urolithic activity, demonstrated in animal models and cell lines where it inhibits kidney stone formation and alleviates crystal-induced kidney injury, likely by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. It also exhibits significant hepatoprotective effects, reducing liver injury markers and improving liver function in cholestatic liver disease models, potentially through FXR receptor modulation and gut microbiota interaction. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, attributed to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin, and genistein. Furthermore, preclinical studies suggest potential anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic effects by modulating signaling pathways involved in metabolic syndrome. The strength of evidence for these benefits is moderate for mechanistic and animal studies but low for clinical efficacy due to the absence of robust human trials.
How it works
Desmodium styracifolium extract exerts its effects by modulating key cellular signaling pathways. It influences pathways such as p38 MAPK, NF-κB, STAT3, Nrf2, liver Xα receptor, and farnesoid X receptor (FXR), which are crucial for regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and cellular protection. Its flavonoid constituents, like schaftoside, contribute to antioxidant and antilithic properties. The extract interacts directly with kidney epithelial cells to reduce oxalate crystal-induced injury and inflammation. Additionally, it has been shown to influence gut microbiota composition, which contributes to its observed hepatoprotective effects, suggesting a multi-faceted mechanism of action across various physiological systems.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of Desmodium styracifolium extract in humans is not well characterized due to a significant lack of clinical trials. While traditional use suggests a low toxicity, there are no comprehensive safety data or documented adverse event reports from controlled human studies available in the reviewed literature. Consequently, specific side effects, their severity, or frequency cannot be definitively stated. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified. Given the absence of robust human safety data, caution is strongly advised, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before using this supplement, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
There is no standardized or clinically established dosing regimen for Desmodium styracifolium extract due to the absence of comprehensive human clinical trials. Traditional preparations vary widely, and while a total flavonoids extract capsule (TFDS) has been approved for urolithiasis in China, specific dosing details for this product are not publicly available. Research is ongoing to determine the bioavailability of key flavonoids, such as schaftoside, which is crucial for optimizing dosage. Absorption may be influenced by the formulation and co-administration with other substances, though no specific cofactors are known to be required. Without clinical data, upper limits and safety thresholds remain undefined, and any use should be approached with caution and under professional guidance.
FAQs
Is Desmodium styracifolium extract clinically proven?
No, there are no large-scale randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses to clinically prove its efficacy. Current evidence is primarily preclinical and exploratory.
Is Desmodium styracifolium extract safe?
Traditional use implies safety, but formal human safety data from controlled studies are lacking. Caution is advised due to the absence of comprehensive safety profiles.
How quickly does Desmodium styracifolium extract work?
Animal studies show effects within days to weeks, but there is no human data available to determine the onset of action in people.
Can Desmodium styracifolium extract replace conventional treatments?
No, it is not recommended to replace conventional treatments without clinical evidence. It may be considered as a complementary therapy under medical supervision.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10838797/ – This review summarizes the phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects of Desmodium styracifolium, highlighting its potential in urolithiasis, liver, and metabolic diseases through the modulation of various signaling pathways. It notes the lack of clinical trials, relying mostly on in vitro and in vivo data.
- https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/ctm/10.2174/2215083809666221209085439 – This comprehensive review provides a detailed phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium styracifolium. It confirms traditional uses and identifies over 50 compounds with therapeutic potential, emphasizing the preclinical focus and absence of clinical RCTs.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1073535/full – This experimental study, using mouse and cell models, identified protein targets and mechanisms by which Desmodium styracifolium flavonoids reduce oxalate crystal-induced kidney injury. It provides high-quality preclinical evidence for its antilithic properties.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00620/full – This experimental study, using mouse and cell models, identified protein targets and mechanisms by which Desmodium styracifolium flavonoids reduce oxalate crystal-induced kidney injury. It provides high-quality preclinical evidence for its antilithic properties.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39454708/ – This experimental study in a mouse model of cholestatic liver disease demonstrated that Desmodium styracifolium extract reduced liver injury markers and improved pathology. The effects were mediated via FXR and gut microbiota modulation, providing good preclinical evidence for hepatoprotective effects.