Lophatherum Gracile Extract
Also known as: Lophatheri Herba, Danzhuye, Lophatherum gracile Brongn., Lophatherum gracile
Overview
Lophatherum gracile, also known as Lophatheri Herba or Danzhuye, is a perennial grass widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It is primarily valued for its diuretic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties, often used to treat fever and thirst. The extract, derived from its dried stems and leaves, is rich in bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids. It is classified as a traditional medicinal herb and a medicinal food homology (MFH) supplement, indicating its dual use in both medicinal and dietary contexts. Emerging research suggests its potential applications in bone health, metabolic disorders, and as an adjunct in cancer and cardiovascular health. While preclinical studies show promising results, large-scale human clinical trials are limited, and the evidence quality varies, with most studies being in vitro or animal models.
Benefits
Lophatherum gracile extract demonstrates several potential health benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. For bone health, a 2022 study showed that a water extract of *L. gracile* leaves (WELG) effectively inhibited osteoclast differentiation and prevented bone loss in an ovariectomized mouse model of postmenopausal osteoporosis, without adverse effects on uterine tissue. This suggests a strong potential for managing osteoporosis. Its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects are attributed to flavonoids like luteolin and isoorientin, which have been highlighted in pharmacological reviews for their role in reducing neutrophilic inflammation and fever. Experimental models also indicate that *L. gracile* extract can lower serum uric acid and promote its excretion, suggesting a role in hyperuricemia management. Furthermore, ethanol extracts have shown anti-cancer and anti-metastatic properties by inhibiting metastatic potential and angiogenesis in malignant tumor cell lines and animal models, pointing to possible benefits as an adjunctive cancer therapy. Flavonoid-rich extracts have also been linked to hepatoprotective effects and improved insulin resistance in diabetic models, mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway activation. While these findings are promising, most effect sizes are reported in preclinical models, and human clinical data with quantified effect sizes and confidence intervals are currently lacking.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Lophatherum gracile are primarily mediated by its rich content of flavonoid glycosides (such as luteolin and isoorientin), phenolic acids, and hydrojuglone glucoside. Its bone-protective effects stem from the inhibition of RANKL-induced MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in osteoclast precursors, which reduces bone resorption. Anti-inflammatory actions are achieved through the suppression of JNK and calcium signaling pathways in neutrophils. For uric acid lowering, the extract is believed to inhibit xanthine oxidase and modulate renal urate transporters, thereby reducing uric acid production and promoting its excretion. The anti-cancer effects involve the suppression of matrix metalloproteinases (gelatinase and collagenase), which are crucial for tumor invasion and angiogenesis. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, flavonoid glycosides generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Overall, Lophatherum gracile extracts appear to have a favorable safety profile in animal studies, with no significant toxicity reported at effective doses. Specifically, in osteoporosis models, no major adverse effects or uterine stimulation were observed, suggesting safety in postmenopausal contexts. However, human safety data are very limited, and there are no reports of common or rare side effects from controlled human trials. Due to the lack of comprehensive human safety studies, potential drug interactions are not well-established. Caution is advised when combining *L. gracile* with diuretics or anticoagulants, as there could be additive effects. Contraindications for specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or children, have not been established. Therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution and under medical supervision. Long-term safety in humans also remains to be fully investigated.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Lophatherum gracile extract due to the limited availability of human clinical data. Preclinical studies, primarily conducted in animals, have utilized water or ethanol extracts standardized to their flavonoid content. Typical experimental doses in animal models have ranged from 100 to 300 mg/kg of body weight. However, these animal doses cannot be directly translated to human equivalent doses without further clinical trials. The optimal human dosage, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation (e.g., water vs. ethanol extract) are yet to be determined through rigorous clinical research. Therefore, individuals considering Lophatherum gracile should consult with a healthcare professional, as specific recommendations for human use are not yet established.
FAQs
Is Lophatherum gracile safe for long-term use?
Animal studies suggest a good safety profile, but human data on long-term safety are insufficient. More research is needed to confirm its safety for prolonged human use.
Can it be used for osteoporosis?
Preclinical evidence in animal models supports its potential to inhibit bone loss and osteoclast activity, suggesting a benefit for osteoporosis. However, human clinical trials are required to confirm this effect.
Does it interact with medications?
Potential drug interactions are not well-studied. Caution is advised, especially if taking diuretics or anticoagulants, due to possible additive effects. Consult a healthcare professional.
How soon do effects appear?
In animal models, effects on bone health and uric acid levels were observed within a few weeks. The timeline for effects in humans is not yet established and may vary.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9699449/ – This in vivo and in vitro study demonstrated that a water extract of Lophatherum gracile leaves (WELG) effectively inhibits osteoclastogenesis and prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mice, a model for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The research found no adverse effects on uterine tissue, suggesting a safe profile for bone health applications. This high-quality preclinical study provides strong evidence for the bone-protective potential of L. gracile.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12009075/ – This systematic review summarizes the pharmacological properties of Lophatherum gracile, focusing on its flavonoid and phenolic acid content. It highlights the herb's anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effects, drawing from various studies. While comprehensive, the review notes the limited availability of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data, indicating the need for more clinical research.
- https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FMH.2026.9420099 – This preclinical study, using hyperuricemia mice and cell models, found that Lophatherum gracile extract significantly lowers serum uric acid levels. It promotes uric acid excretion and inhibits the enzymes responsible for its production. This research provides good preclinical evidence for the herb's potential in managing hyperuricemia, though clinical validation in humans is still needed.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/srep36277 – This study, conducted in vitro and in animal models, investigated the anti-cancer properties of Lophatherum gracile ethanol extract. It demonstrated that the extract inhibits tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and overall tumor growth. This solid mechanistic study suggests potential as an adjunctive cancer therapy, but further clinical translation is required.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/5273349 – This preclinical study, using diabetic rats and HepG2 cells, showed that flavonoid-rich extracts of Lophatherum gracile ameliorate liver injury and improve insulin resistance. The effects were linked to the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. This research provides good mechanistic insight into the herb's metabolic benefits, but human clinical confirmation is necessary.
