Dictamnus Dasycarpus Extract
Also known as: Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz., Burning bush, Chinese dictamnus, Gas plant, Herbal extract, Traditional medicinal plant extract, Dictamnus dasycarpus
Overview
Dictamnus dasycarpus extract is derived primarily from the root bark or leaves of the plant, traditionally utilized in East Asia for the management of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. This herbal extract is mainly applied topically and has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier protective properties. Key characteristics include its ability to reduce inflammation, alleviate dermatitis symptoms, and enhance the skin's natural barrier function. Research on Dictamnus dasycarpus extract is moderately developed, with several in vitro and animal model studies demonstrating its potential. However, there is a current lack of high-level systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on this extract, indicating a need for more comprehensive human clinical trials to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Dictamnus dasycarpus extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and skin-protective benefits, primarily demonstrated in preclinical studies. It shows anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing nitric oxide (NO) production and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In vitro studies have shown up to a 33% reduction in NO production at 1 mg/mL extract concentration. Furthermore, it has been shown to improve skin barrier function and reduce atopic dermatitis symptoms in mouse models, leading to decreased skin lesion severity, increased skin hydration, and reduced histopathological abnormalities. The extract also demonstrates anti-psoriatic effects, reducing skin inflammation and epidermal thickness in animal models, with significant improvements (p-values < 0.01 or < 0.001) observed in various inflammatory markers. While these benefits are promising, they have primarily been observed in animal models of skin inflammation, and human clinical data are currently lacking. Effects in animal models are typically observed within days to weeks of topical application.
How it works
Dictamnus dasycarpus extract exerts its anti-inflammatory effects primarily by inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway, a crucial regulator of inflammatory responses. This inhibition leads to the suppression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-8, as well as chemokines like MCP-1 and TSLP, all of which are involved in skin inflammation. The extract also downregulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes, thereby reducing the production of key inflammatory mediators. Additionally, it inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, further contributing to its anti-inflammatory action. While the exact absorption and bioavailability are not fully characterized, topical application is the primary route of administration studied.
Side effects
Currently, there is a significant lack of clinical safety data for Dictamnus dasycarpus extract from the provided research. While traditional use suggests that topical application is generally well tolerated, no rigorous human safety studies have been conducted to confirm this. The cited animal studies did not report any common or rare adverse effects, which is a positive indicator but does not translate directly to human safety. Information regarding specific drug interactions or contraindications is also not documented in the reviewed literature. Due to the absence of comprehensive human safety data, caution is strongly advised. Individuals considering its use should be aware of the unknown risks and potential for adverse reactions, especially given the lack of clinical trials. It is crucial not to assume safety based solely on traditional use or animal studies, and professional medical advice should be sought before incorporating this extract into any regimen, particularly for individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Dictamnus dasycarpus extract due to the absence of clinical trials. Research has primarily focused on animal models and in vitro studies. In animal studies, topical doses ranged from 50 μg to 500 μg per day of the extract. For in vitro experiments, effective concentrations were observed between 0.5 to 1 mg/mL. The optimal dosing, timing of application, and specific formulation (e.g., cream, ointment) for human use remain undetermined and require further research. Given the lack of human data, any self-administration of this extract is not recommended. It is crucial to await results from human clinical trials to establish safe and effective dosage ranges, application frequencies, and potential upper limits for various therapeutic purposes.
FAQs
Is Dictamnus dasycarpus extract safe for human use?
While traditional topical use suggests some safety, rigorous human safety data are currently lacking. All available research is based on in vitro and animal studies, so caution is advised.
How quickly does Dictamnus dasycarpus extract work?
In animal studies, improvements in skin conditions were observed within days to weeks of topical application. Human response times are not yet known.
Can Dictamnus dasycarpus extract replace conventional medical treatments?
There is insufficient evidence to suggest it can replace standard medical care. It should not be used as a substitute for prescribed treatments without clinical validation and medical supervision.
Is oral supplementation of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract effective?
Current research primarily focuses on topical application for skin conditions. There is no evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of oral supplementation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4161857/ – This in vitro study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Dictamnus dasycarpus ethanol extract on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. It found that the extract significantly inhibited nitric oxide production by 33% and downregulated the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. The study provides mechanistic insights but is limited to a cell model.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39684888/ – This animal study, conducted on male Balb/c mice, demonstrated that topical application of Dictamnus dasycarpus extract improved skin barrier function and reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis. The research showed suppression of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB signaling, indicating its efficacy in mitigating skin inflammation. This well-controlled animal study provides strong evidence for the extract's skin-protective properties.
- https://phcog.com/article/sites/default/files/PhcogMag-15-61-219.pdf – This animal study, using mice with oxazolone-induced dermatitis, found that topical Dictamnus dasycarpus extract effectively reduced skin thickness, erythema, and cytokine production. The effects were comparable to those of dexamethasone, highlighting its potential as an anti-inflammatory and anti-psoriatic agent. The study provides quantitative measures and controls, reinforcing the observed benefits in an in vivo setting.