Indian sphaeranthus extract
Also known as: Indian globe thistle, East Indian globe thistle, Sphaeranthus indicus
Overview
Sphaeranthus indicus, commonly known as Indian globe thistle, is a flowering plant extensively utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Extracts, primarily derived from its flower heads, are valued for their purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, and metabolic regulatory properties. Modern research has progressed from traditional uses and preclinical studies to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating its effects on muscle strength, metabolic health, and cardiometabolic parameters. The existing evidence base, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, indicates a moderate level of clinical research maturity, with several high-quality RCTs supporting its potential benefits. It is often used in combination with other botanicals to enhance its effects, particularly in formulations targeting muscle and metabolic health.
Benefits
Sphaeranthus indicus demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, particularly when combined with other botanicals. A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs showed that an 800 mg/day combination of *S. indicus* and *Garcinia mangostana* significantly improved anthropometric measures (body weight, BMI), lipid profiles (reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides), blood glucose, and blood pressure in obese patients over 8-16 weeks. This suggests strong evidence for cardiometabolic benefits in this population. Clinical trials using a proprietary blend of *S. indicus* flower head and *Mangifera indica* bark (425-850 mg/day) combined with resistance exercise training (RET) significantly improved upper and lower body muscle strength and endurance over 8 weeks in healthy young men. These muscle-related benefits are supported by high-quality RCTs. Preclinical studies also indicate potential antiviral activity against various viruses and larvicidal activity against mosquito vectors, though these require further clinical validation.
How it works
Sphaeranthus indicus extracts exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They activate key muscle anabolic signaling pathways, including mTOR and muscle-specific transcription factors (myogenin, myoD), which promotes muscle protein synthesis and enhances mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle cells. The extract also synergistically increases nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cells, potentially improving vascular function and muscle perfusion. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are attributed to phytochemicals like flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which modulate immune responses and reduce oxidative stress. While detailed absorption and bioavailability data are limited, the use of water-soluble extracts in clinical studies suggests reasonable oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Sphaeranthus indicus extracts, at doses up to 850 mg/day, have generally demonstrated a good safety profile in randomized controlled trials. No significant adverse effects have been commonly reported. Studies have not observed significant changes in serum creatine kinase (CK) or lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, indicating an absence of muscle damage. To date, no major drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in clinical trials. However, specific populations such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children have not been extensively studied, and caution is advised for these groups. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Effective doses of standardized Sphaeranthus indicus extract in clinical trials typically range from 425 mg to 850 mg per day. It is often used in combination with other botanical extracts, such as Mangifera indica bark extract, frequently in a 2:1 ratio. The duration of supplementation in studies has ranged from 8 to 16 weeks. For muscle benefits, daily oral administration is recommended, often timed in conjunction with resistance exercise. While no specific cofactors are strictly required, concurrent exercise appears to potentiate its effects on muscle strength and endurance. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the studied doses, and long-term safety data beyond 16 weeks are limited.
FAQs
Is S. indicus safe for long-term use?
Current evidence supports its safety for up to 16 weeks of use. However, longer-term data on safety and efficacy are currently lacking, so caution is advised for extended periods.
Can it be used alone or only in combination?
Most clinical evidence for S. indicus involves its use in combination with other botanicals (e.g., Mangifera indica, Garcinia mangostana). Further research is needed to fully understand its isolated effects.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Muscle strength improvements have been observed after 8 weeks of combined supplementation and exercise. Metabolic benefits, such as improved lipid profiles, may appear within 8-16 weeks.
Does it replace exercise or medications?
No, S. indicus is intended as an adjunct to healthy lifestyle interventions, including exercise and diet. It is not a substitute for prescribed medications or medical treatments.
Research Sources
- https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/a-metaanalysis-of-isphaeranthus-indicusi-and-igarcinia-mangostanai-products-on-cardiometabolic-outcomes-in-obese-patient.pdf – This meta-analysis of high-quality RCTs (n≥30 per group, 8-16 weeks) found that an 800 mg/day combination of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana significantly improved body weight, BMI, lipid profiles (LDL, triglycerides), blood glucose, and blood pressure in obese patients, with a consistent safety profile. The study highlights the cardiometabolic benefits of this botanical combination.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1393917/full – This double-blind, placebo-controlled RCT (n≥30, 8 weeks) demonstrated that a proprietary blend of Sphaeranthus indicus and Mangifera indica extracts, combined with resistance training, significantly increased upper and lower body muscle strength and endurance in healthy young men. The study suggests a role for this blend in enhancing muscle adaptation and performance.
- https://foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/download/8972/15277/ – This RCT further supports the findings of the previous study, showing that the Sphaeranthus indicus and Mangifera indica blend, alongside resistance exercise, led to significant improvements in muscle strength and endurance. It also noted favorable hormonal changes, including decreased cortisol levels, which may contribute to the observed muscle benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3059449/ – This phytopharmacological review summarizes preclinical studies on Sphaeranthus indicus, detailing its reported antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and larvicidal activities. It provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse bioactivities of the plant's extracts, emphasizing the need for further clinical validation of these effects.