Fresh Pulsatilla Herb
Also known as: Pulsatilla chinensis, Fresh Pulsatilla Herb, Chinese Pulsatilla, Pulsatilla koreana, Pulsatilla alpina, Pulsatilla cernua, Pulsatilla patens
Overview
Fresh Pulsatilla Herb primarily refers to Pulsatilla chinensis, a perennial herb utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains bioactive compounds such as anemoside B4 (AB4) and Pulsatilla saponin A. Traditionally, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, and antitumor properties. Modern research is increasingly focused on its anticancer potential and some anxiolytic effects. The herb contains saponins, including AB4 and Pulsatilla saponin A, which have demonstrated bioactivity. Research indicates potential anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and possibly anti-anxiety properties. While several pharmacological studies and systematic reviews exist, particularly on antitumor effects, clinical trials remain limited. The available evidence is primarily preclinical, involving in vitro and animal models, with a scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans.
Benefits
Pulsatilla chinensis extracts and isolated compounds (AB4, Pulsatilla saponin A) exhibit strong inhibition of tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo mouse models. AB4 demonstrated a tumor inhibitory rate of 98.4% at 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally over 10 days, surpassing cisplatin's 95.1% inhibition in one study. Pulsatilla saponin A induced DNA damage, G2 cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer cells, significantly reducing tumor growth in mouse xenografts. Pulsatilla chinensis and related species have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, though these are less well quantified in human studies. Some evidence suggests potential anxiolytic benefits, but direct evidence specific to fresh Pulsatilla herb is limited and requires further clinical validation. Most evidence is from preclinical cancer models; human clinical data are scarce.
How it works
Pulsatilla's antitumor effects are primarily mediated through the induction of DNA damage, cell cycle arrest at the G2 phase, and apoptosis in cancer cells. It targets cancer cell proliferation pathways and modulates proteins such as p53 (upregulated), cyclin B (upregulated), and Bcl-2 (downregulated), which are critical in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. The specific pharmacokinetic data on fresh Pulsatilla herb or its active compounds in humans are limited; saponins generally have variable oral bioavailability. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the absorption and bioavailability of its active components.
Side effects
The safety profile of Fresh Pulsatilla Herb is not well-documented in controlled trials. Traditional use suggests tolerability; however, detailed safety profiles from high-quality human studies are lacking. Common side effects are not well documented, and traditional use cautions about potential toxicity if improperly used. There is a lack of systematic data on uncommon and rare side effects. Studies suggest potential interactions with chemotherapeutic agents, with AB4 showing a reduction in cisplatin toxicity. Contraindications are not well established; caution is advised in pregnancy, lactation, and in patients on chemotherapy until more data are available. Special population considerations are currently undefined.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose in preclinical studies reported an effective dose of AB4 at 3 mg/kg intraperitoneally in mice. Optimal dosage ranges for humans have not been established, and the maximum safe dose is unknown. Animal studies have used 10-day treatment courses. Extracts standardized to anemoside B4 content are used in research. Absorption factors and cofactors are not well studied. Due to the lack of human data, specific dosage recommendations cannot be made, and caution is advised until further research clarifies safe and effective dosing parameters.
FAQs
Is Fresh Pulsatilla Herb effective for cancer treatment?
Preclinical studies show promising antitumor effects, but no high-quality human clinical trials confirm efficacy.
Is it safe to use with chemotherapy?
Some evidence suggests AB4 may reduce chemotherapy toxicity, but clinical safety data are insufficient.
Can it be used for anxiety?
Limited evidence suggests potential anxiolytic effects, but more rigorous human trials are needed.
How long until effects appear?
Animal studies show effects within 10 days; human data are lacking.
Are there risks of toxicity?
Traditional caution exists; safety in humans is not well established.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9259996/ – This systematic review on Pulsatilla chinensis highlighted AB4 as a key active compound with significant antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. The study demonstrated AB4’s tumor inhibitory rate of 98.4% at 3 mg/kg in mice, exceeding cisplatin. The review's limitations include a lack of human clinical trials, and its quality was rated as moderate due to its preclinical focus.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35378276/ – This Bayesian network meta-analysis on medicinal herbs for anxiety included multiple herbs but did not specifically isolate Pulsatilla chinensis effects. It suggested some medicinal herbs have anxiolytic effects; however, direct evidence for Pulsatilla is limited. The meta-analysis was well-conducted but has limited applicability to Pulsatilla specifically.
- https://www.science.gov/topicpages/p/pulsatilla+pratensis+ranunculaceaein.html – This in vitro and in vivo study demonstrated that Pulsatilla saponin A induces DNA damage, G2 arrest, and apoptosis in human cancer cell lines and significantly inhibits tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. The study used appropriate controls and statistical analysis, but the sample size was limited to animal models, with no human data available.
- https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/vitamins-and-supplements/herbal-licensed/guide-to-pulsatilla-benefits-side-effects/ – This resource provides a general overview of Pulsatilla, mentioning its traditional uses and potential benefits. However, it lacks detailed scientific evidence and specific citations to support its claims, making it a less reliable source for in-depth research.
- https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-2-3-116.pdf – This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Pulsatilla species. It discusses the various bioactive compounds found in Pulsatilla and their potential therapeutic applications. The review highlights the importance of further research to fully understand the clinical potential of Pulsatilla.