Millettia Reticulate
Also known as: Ji Xue Teng, Evergreen Wisteria, Millettia reticulata Benth., Millettia reticulata
Overview
Millettia reticulata, also known as Ji Xue Teng or Evergreen Wisteria, is a leguminous plant native to Asia, primarily utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is valued for its purported blood-nourishing, circulation-promoting, and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, notably flavonoids, which contribute to its recognized antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Traditionally, it's employed for conditions related to blood deficiency, inflammation, and immune support. While in vitro and animal studies suggest promising effects, including anticancer potential and hepatoprotection, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on this species are limited. The current evidence base is considered low to moderate, indicating a need for more rigorous clinical research to substantiate its traditional uses and observed benefits.
Benefits
Millettia reticulata exhibits several potential benefits, primarily attributed to its flavonoid content. In vitro studies have shown significant anticancer activity, with isolated flavonoids like genistein demonstrating inhibitory effects on various human cancer cell lines (IC50 ~16 μM), suggesting potential cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Animal studies indicate anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects, where extracts protected against chemically induced liver damage and inflammation, supporting its potential for liver health. Traditionally, it's used to vitalize blood, improve circulation, and modulate immune function. Observational clinical data suggest benefits in supporting blood cell counts and reducing side effects in chemotherapy patients, though these findings lack rigorous control. While antimicrobial activity has been reported in related Millettia species, specific data for M. reticulata are limited. Its antioxidant properties, linked to its flavonoid content, contribute to overall cellular health. The strength of evidence is currently low to moderate, with most findings from preclinical or observational studies, necessitating further clinical validation.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Millettia reticulata are primarily mediated by its rich flavonoid content. These compounds, such as genistein, are believed to exert anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis, potentially by modulating cell cycle regulators. The anti-inflammatory properties may stem from the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduction of oxidative stress, interacting with pathways like NF-κB and MAPK. Its traditional role in blood nourishment and immune modulation likely involves stimulating hematopoietic function and enhancing white blood cell production. While specific pharmacokinetic data for M. reticulata flavonoids are not well-characterized, flavonoids generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability, allowing for systemic effects after ingestion.
Side effects
Millettia reticulata is generally considered safe when used in traditional contexts. Animal studies have not reported significant toxicity at therapeutic doses. Common side effects are typically mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort. There are no reports of serious or rare adverse events in the reviewed literature. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, particularly with anticoagulants or certain chemotherapeutic agents, due to its traditional use in promoting blood circulation and its observed effects on blood cell counts. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation, as safety in these populations has not been established. Individuals on blood thinners should consult a healthcare provider before use. In cancer patients, its use should be supervised by a medical professional due to potential interactions and the need for clinical validation of its supportive role.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosage for Millettia reticulata established through rigorous clinical trials. Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations commonly incorporate 15 grams of Millettia reticulata, often in combination with other herbs, for its therapeutic effects. When using extracts, it is generally recommended to opt for products standardized for flavonoid content to ensure consistency. The timing of administration, particularly in supportive care for chemotherapy patients, is traditionally aligned with chemotherapy cycles. However, without specific clinical guidelines, individual dosages should be determined cautiously, ideally under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner, especially given the lack of established upper limits and safety thresholds for isolated use.
FAQs
Is Millettia reticulata effective for cancer?
In vitro studies show anticancer potential of isolated flavonoids, but clinical efficacy in humans is unproven and requires further research. It is not a standalone cancer treatment.
Is it safe to use during chemotherapy?
Traditional use suggests supportive benefits, but clinical evidence is limited. Medical supervision is necessary due to potential interactions and lack of rigorous safety data in this context.
How long before effects appear?
Traditional protocols suggest several weeks for noticeable effects. Animal studies have shown effects within days, but human response times can vary and are not well-established.
Can it be used alone or only in combinations?
Millettia reticulata is traditionally used in multi-herb formulas. Its isolated use lacks clinical validation, and most research has focused on extracts or compounds within the plant.
Are there any significant side effects?
Generally considered safe with mild gastrointestinal discomfort possible. No serious adverse events have been reported, but caution is advised with blood thinners or during pregnancy/lactation.
Research Sources
- https://dacemirror.sci-hub.st/journal-article/73f7b87518caa6b6f61d44720b45cd89/fang2010.pdf – This in vitro study by Fang et al. (2010) investigated the anticancer activity of flavonoids isolated from Millettia reticulata stems. It found that these compounds inhibited the viability of various human cancer cell lines, with genistein being the most potent, showing an IC50 of approximately 16 μM. The study provides preliminary evidence for the cytotoxic potential of M. reticulata compounds against cancer cells, though it is limited to in vitro observations.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7783215/ – This systematic review on the Millettia genus (2021) documented the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of various Millettia species extracts. While it included M. reticulata in its discussion of traditional uses, it highlighted that direct clinical trials specifically on M. reticulata for these effects are limited. The review synthesizes existing knowledge on the genus but points to a gap in species-specific clinical research.
- https://www.lifebiotic.com/protectival/ingredients/milletia-reticulata/ – This source, likely a product ingredient page or informational article, mentions Millettia reticulata's traditional uses and potential benefits, including its role in liver health. It references animal studies that demonstrated protective effects against chemically induced liver damage and inflammation. While providing context for its use, it is not a primary research paper and should be considered alongside peer-reviewed studies.
- http://www.itmonline.org/arts/millettia.htm – This report from the Institute for Traditional Medicine presents clinical observations on the use of herbal formulas, including Millettia, in cancer patients. It suggests that such formulas improved blood cell counts and reduced chemotherapy side effects in a significant percentage of patients. However, this was a non-randomized study without a control group, limiting the strength of its conclusions regarding direct efficacy.
