Lophatherum Herb Extract
Also known as: Lophatherum Herb, Dan Zhu Ye, Lophatherum Herb Extract, Lophatherum gracile
Overview
Lophatherum gracile, commonly known as Lophatherum Herb or Dan Zhu Ye, is a perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. Its dried leaves, Lophatheri Herba, have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine for their ability to reduce fever, quench thirst, and alleviate symptoms of urinary tract inflammation. Modern research, primarily preclinical, has explored various extracts (ethanol or water-based) for their potential anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and bone-protective properties. While promising, the current body of evidence is largely based on in vitro and animal studies, with a notable scarcity of high-quality human clinical trials. This limits definitive conclusions regarding its efficacy and safety in humans, highlighting the need for further rigorous research.
Benefits
Lophatherum Herb Extract has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in preclinical settings. Ethanol extracts have shown anti-cancer properties by inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and angiogenesis in vitro, suggesting a potential role in reducing metastatic potential at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Water extracts have exhibited bone-protective effects, suppressing osteoclast differentiation and preventing bone loss in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model, indicating a possible therapeutic application for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, specific flavone C-glycosides isolated from Lophatherum have displayed potent activity against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), suggesting antiviral potential. Traditional uses, supported by some pharmacological studies, include diuretic and anti-pyretic effects. Additionally, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects have been observed in animal models. However, it is crucial to note that most of these findings are from in vitro or animal studies, and robust human clinical evidence is largely absent, meaning these benefits are not yet confirmed for human use.
How it works
The mechanisms of action for Lophatherum gracile extract are thought to involve several biological pathways. Its bone-protective and anti-inflammatory effects are linked to the inhibition of signaling pathways such as MAPKs (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases) and NF-κB (Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells), which are crucial in osteoclastogenesis and inflammatory responses. The anti-cancer effects, particularly the suppression of tumor metastasis and angiogenesis, are likely mediated through the modulation of malignant cell behavior and their microenvironment. The anti-viral properties, especially against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are attributed to its flavonoid components, which are believed to interfere with viral replication processes. Overall, the diverse pharmacological activities appear to stem from its rich phytochemical composition, particularly flavonoids.
Side effects
Currently, there are no significant adverse effects reported for Lophatherum gracile extract in animal studies at the tested doses. Human safety data are extremely scarce, with traditional use suggesting a low toxicity profile. However, the lack of high-quality human clinical trials means that a comprehensive safety profile, including potential side effects, frequency, and severity, has not been established. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from rigorous, high-quality studies. Due to the limited human data, individuals should exercise caution. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before using Lophatherum Herb Extract. The absence of reported side effects does not equate to proven safety, especially given the variability in extract concentrations and potential for individual sensitivities.
Dosage
There are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Lophatherum gracile extract due to the significant lack of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Preclinical studies have utilized various forms, including ethanol or water extracts, often standardized by their active flavonoid content. However, these dosages are not directly translatable to human use. Traditional Chinese medicine typically employs decoctions of the dried leaves, but the concentration of active compounds and their bioavailability can vary widely in such preparations. Without robust human data, specific recommendations for dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes cannot be provided. Furthermore, upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption remain undetermined. Any use of Lophatherum Herb Extract as a supplement should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional, given the absence of standardized and clinically validated dosing information.
FAQs
Is Lophatherum Herb Extract effective for cancer or osteoporosis in humans?
Current evidence for Lophatherum Herb Extract's efficacy in cancer or osteoporosis is primarily from preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies. There are no robust human clinical trials to confirm its effectiveness in these conditions.
Is Lophatherum Herb Extract safe to use as a supplement?
Traditional use suggests a low toxicity, but human safety data are very limited. No significant adverse effects have been reported in animal studies, but comprehensive human safety profiles, including potential drug interactions, are not established.
How quickly do benefits appear when using Lophatherum Herb Extract?
In animal studies, effects have been observed within days to weeks. However, the timeline for any potential benefits in humans is unknown due to the lack of human clinical research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5093764/ – This study by Kim et al. (2016) investigated the anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects of Lophatherum gracile ethanol extract. It found that the extract inhibited tumor cell metastasis and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo at non-cytotoxic concentrations, suggesting its potential as an anti-cancer agent.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9699449/ – Lee et al. (2022) explored the bone-protective effects of Lophatherum gracile water extract. Their research demonstrated that the extract suppressed osteoclast differentiation in vitro and prevented bone loss in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model, indicating its potential for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis without uterine atrophy.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2019/9458676 – Li et al. (2019) conducted a systematic review on herbal teas, some of which included Lophatherum ingredients. While the review suggested that these herbal teas might alleviate certain symptoms, it concluded that the evidence was inconclusive due to the low methodological quality and lack of blinding in the included randomized controlled trials.
