Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit Extract
Also known as: Glossy privet, Nu Zhen Zi, Dong Qing Zin, Privet, Ligustrum lucidum
Overview
Ligustrum lucidum fruit extract is derived from the ripe fruits of the Ligustrum lucidum plant, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is primarily used as a tonic for kidney and liver health, and for conditions like vision impairment, dizziness, fever, insomnia, and immune support. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and other phytochemicals with antioxidant and antibacterial properties. While preclinical research is growing, human clinical evidence is limited and often of low quality, with few rigorous randomized controlled trials. The overall evidence quality for its efficacy and safety in humans is considered low to moderate.
Benefits
Preclinical studies suggest several potential benefits for Ligustrum lucidum. Animal studies indicate liver protection, with aqueous extracts (e.g., 100 mg/kg in mice) reducing liver enzyme markers and oxidative stress in chemically induced liver injury models, likely via antioxidant effects and AMPK pathway modulation. In vitro studies show anti-fibrotic effects by downregulating TGF-β/Smad signaling in hepatic stellate cells. A mini-review highlights its potential for bone health and anti-osteoporosis by improving calcium balance and modulating calciotropic hormones, particularly relevant for aging or postmenopausal populations, though clinical confirmation is needed. In vitro and animal studies also suggest antioxidant, antibacterial, and immune-modulating properties. Limited, small-scale clinical evidence (non-RCT) suggests a formula containing L. lucidum may help maintain quality of life in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, but direct anti-cancer effects are unproven.
How it works
The bioactive compounds in Ligustrum lucidum fruit extract exert their effects primarily through antioxidant mechanisms, scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and preventing glutathione depletion. In liver cells, it modulates AMPK signaling, which improves mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress. Its anti-fibrotic activity is linked to the downregulation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, a key regulator of hepatic stellate cell activation and fibrosis. For bone health, it may influence calcium homeostasis and calciotropic hormones, though the precise molecular targets are not fully elucidated. Immune modulation is suggested by in vitro studies on immune cells, but detailed human mechanistic insights are lacking.
Side effects
Ligustrum lucidum appears generally safe in traditional doses and animal studies, with no major safety concerns reported in the literature. However, due to limited human clinical data, common side effects are not well documented. Hypersensitivity reactions are possible, and it is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to the plant. No significant drug interactions or contraindications are well established, and caution is advised due to the lack of comprehensive clinical safety data. Safety data for special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and children are also lacking, and its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.
Dosage
There is no standardized or clinically validated dosing for Ligustrum lucidum in humans due to the absence of rigorous randomized controlled trials. Animal studies have utilized aqueous extracts at doses ranging from 5 to 100 mg/kg, demonstrating biological effects. However, these doses do not directly translate to human recommendations. Traditional use doses vary widely and are not scientifically established. The optimal dose, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., aqueous versus ethanol extracts) remain to be determined. Data regarding its absorption and bioavailability in humans are also sparse, making precise dosage recommendations difficult. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been defined.
FAQs
Is Ligustrum lucidum effective for liver protection in humans?
High-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking; current evidence for liver protection is limited to animal and in vitro studies.
Can Ligustrum lucidum treat osteoporosis?
Preclinical evidence is promising for bone health, but clinical confirmation in humans is currently lacking.
Is Ligustrum lucidum safe to use?
It appears safe in traditional use and animal models, but comprehensive human safety data, especially for long-term use, are limited.
Does Ligustrum lucidum have anticancer effects?
In vitro data suggest potential, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a cancer treatment.
Should Ligustrum lucidum be used for insomnia or dizziness?
While traditionally used for these conditions, there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy for insomnia or dizziness.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11199554/ – This preclinical animal study (Seo et al., 2017) demonstrated that a 100 mg/kg aqueous extract of Ligustrum lucidum significantly reduced liver enzymes and oxidative stress markers in mice with CCl4-induced liver injury. In vitro experiments further confirmed its antioxidant effects via the AMPK pathway. The study highlights potential liver-protective properties but notes limitations in translating findings directly to humans due to the lack of a positive control.
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1934578X1501001242 – The mini-review by Che & Wong (2015) synthesizes preclinical evidence on Ligustrum lucidum's anti-osteoporotic potential, indicating its ability to improve calcium balance and modulate bone metabolism markers. While promising, the review emphasizes the absence of human clinical trials and calls for further research to confirm these benefits in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11880369/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Lin Hui et al., 2025) focused on animal studies of kidney-tonifying formulas containing Ligustrum lucidum. It found consistent improvements in hormonal and biochemical markers related to bone and kidney health in rats. However, the study noted the lack of human data and the heterogeneity of formulas, which limits the attribution of effects solely to Ligustrum lucidum.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ligustrum-lucidum – The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center review (2024) summarizes the limited human data on Ligustrum lucidum, including a small non-RCT in lung cancer patients suggesting improved quality of life with a formula containing the herb. The review critically highlights the lack of rigorous clinical trials and insufficient evidence to support any direct cancer treatment claims for Ligustrum lucidum.
