Litchi Fruit Extract
Also known as: Litchi, Lychee, Litchi fruit extract, Litchi seed extract, Oligonol, Litchi chinensis
Overview
Litchi fruit extract is derived from the tropical fruit *Litchi chinensis*, including its seeds and pulp, and is notably rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other beneficial phytochemicals. It is primarily investigated for its potential anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits, including anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering effects, as well as its role in liver protection. Key characteristics include its high antioxidant content and the presence of bioactive flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol, and catechin. While extensive in vitro and animal studies support its therapeutic potential, human clinical trials are limited but emerging, indicating a moderate level of research maturity. The evidence quality varies, with strong preclinical data but a current scarcity of robust clinical randomized controlled trials.
Benefits
Litchi fruit extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits. Strong preclinical evidence from a comprehensive systematic review indicates significant anticancer effects, including the reduction of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo animal models by modulating proapoptotic and antiproliferative pathways. Metabolic benefits are supported by animal studies, where litchi seed extracts improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood glucose and triglycerides in diabetic rat models, suggesting potential for type 2 diabetes management. For liver health, a randomized controlled trial (n=38) showed that oligonol, a litchi-derived polyphenol, significantly reduced liver fat content (MRI-PDFF) in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) over 24 weeks, alongside favorable modulation of gut microbiota. Additionally, litchi seed extracts have shown antiviral properties against hepatitis B virus and protective effects against liver inflammation in animal models. While human trial data are preliminary, the significant reduction in MRI-PDFF in NAFLD patients (p<0.05) is a promising indicator of clinical efficacy.
How it works
Litchi polyphenols and flavonoids exert their effects primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. They scavenge free radicals and modulate signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and autophagy within cancer cells. The metabolic benefits are attributed to improved insulin signaling and lipid metabolism, potentially via the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and lipid regulatory genes. Liver health improvements are linked to the extract's ability to modulate gut microbiota, promoting beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria while reducing pathogenic species. Specific flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, found abundantly in litchi seeds, contribute significantly to its bioactivity. The low-molecular-weight polyphenol oligonol is noted for its improved absorption, enhancing its bioavailability.
Side effects
The overall safety profile of litchi fruit extract is considered good based on available data, with no major adverse effects reported in the limited clinical trials conducted to date. However, common side effects are not well-documented due to the scarcity of extensive human studies. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications specifically reported, but caution is advised given the limited clinical safety data. While traditional use suggests low toxicity, the long-term safety and effects of high-dose supplementation require further dedicated study. Comprehensive safety data, particularly from large-scale human trials, are needed to fully ascertain its safety profile and potential interactions.
Dosage
Clinical dosing data for litchi fruit extract are currently limited. In the randomized controlled trial for NAFLD, oligonol was administered for 24 weeks, but the exact dosage was not specified in the summary. Animal studies have utilized variable doses, and the translation of these doses to human equivalent doses requires further research. Therefore, optimal dosing, timing, and the most effective formulation (e.g., seed extract vs. pulp extract vs. purified polyphenols) for specific health benefits remain to be definitively established. There are no clear upper limits or safety thresholds defined for human consumption at this time, necessitating further research to provide comprehensive dosing guidelines.
FAQs
Is litchi fruit extract effective for cancer prevention?
Preclinical evidence is strong, showing anticancer effects in lab and animal studies. However, robust human clinical evidence is currently lacking, and more trials are needed to confirm efficacy in humans.
Can it help with diabetes?
Animal studies support its glucose-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects. However, human data are insufficient to make definitive claims regarding its effectiveness for diabetes management.
Is it safe?
It is generally regarded as safe based on traditional use and preliminary human trials, with no major adverse effects reported. However, comprehensive safety data from large-scale studies are limited.
How long does it take to see effects?
In a clinical trial for NAFLD, benefits such as reduced liver fat were observed after 24 weeks of consistent supplementation with a litchi-derived polyphenol (oligonol).
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38936122/ – This systematic review comprehensively analyzes the anticancer effects of litchi extracts, showing they reduce cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis and autophagy, and inhibit tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. The study highlights the modulation of proapoptotic and antiproliferative mechanisms but notes the prevalence of preclinical data over clinical trials.
- https://www.wjgnet.com/2220-315x/full/v3/i4/56.htm – This review summarizes experimental studies on litchi seed extract, indicating its potential to lower blood glucose, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce lipid levels in animal models, particularly diabetic rats. It emphasizes the promising pharmacological effects but points out the lack of human randomized controlled trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9319370/ – This randomized controlled trial involving 38 adults with NAFLD demonstrated that supplementation with oligonol, a litchi-derived polyphenol, significantly reduced liver fat content (MRI-PDFF) over 24 weeks. The study also observed favorable modulation of gut microbiota, suggesting a mechanism for its liver-protective effects, despite its small sample size.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1144449/full – This source discusses the spatial distribution of flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol in litchi seeds and their contribution to bioactivity. It provides insights into the phytochemical composition that underpins the observed health benefits of litchi extracts.
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