Notopterygium Incisum Extract
Also known as: Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H.T. Chang, Qianghuo, Notopterygium incisum
Overview
Notopterygium incisum is a perennial herb native to China, traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine for various ailments, including headaches, colds, pain relief, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The extract, primarily derived from its roots and rhizomes, contains bioactive compounds such as pterostilbene and notopterol. These compounds have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Emerging research, predominantly preclinical, explores its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications, particularly in neuroinflammation and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). While the current evidence base is limited, it is growing, with some experimental studies and network pharmacology analyses providing insights into its potential. However, comprehensive human clinical trials are still lacking.
Benefits
Notopterygium incisum extract demonstrates several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It exhibits significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2 through the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, a key mediator of chronic inflammation. In models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the root extract has shown neuroprotective properties by alleviating neuroinflammation via modulation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to reduced microglial activation and cytokine release. Furthermore, active metabolites, including pterostilbene and notopterol, have shown therapeutic potential in animal models of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by modulating inflammatory and hypoxia-related pathways. Traditionally, it has been used for analgesia, rheumatoid arthritis, and cold symptoms, though modern clinical evidence for these specific indications is currently insufficient.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Notopterygium incisum extract involves its active compounds targeting inflammatory signaling pathways, most notably the NF-κB pathway. This pathway regulates the expression of various inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, TNF-α, and PGE2. Specifically, pterostilbene, one of its key compounds, is thought to promote the proteasome-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of PTGS2 (COX-2), thereby reducing inflammation. In neuroinflammatory contexts, the extract's neuroprotective effects are linked to its ability to modulate the TLR4-NF-κB pathway, which is crucial for reducing microglial activation. Additionally, in models of OSAS, the extract's effects have been implicated in influencing hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1A) and apoptosis pathways. The exact absorption and bioavailability of its compounds in humans are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data and large-scale clinical trials for Notopterygium incisum extract are currently unavailable. While traditional use suggests a degree of tolerability, caution is advised due to the limited formal toxicology data. No specific side effects or adverse drug interactions have been consistently reported in the reviewed preclinical studies. There are no direct reports of hepatotoxicity or severe adverse events specifically linked to Notopterygium incisum extract in the available literature. However, it is important to note that some Chinese herbal medicines have been associated with hepatotoxicity, though this specific extract has not been implicated. Safety in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, has not been studied, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without further research.
Dosage
There are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Notopterygium incisum extract due to the absence of human randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Preclinical animal studies and in vitro experiments have utilized variable concentrations, and these findings cannot be directly translated to human doses. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations vary significantly in their preparation methods and dosages, which are often individualized based on traditional diagnostic principles. Without robust human clinical data, a safe and effective dosage range for human consumption cannot be defined. Furthermore, upper limits and safety thresholds for this extract in humans have not been determined, emphasizing the need for caution and further research before recommending specific dosages.
FAQs
Is Notopterygium incisum extract effective for Alzheimer's disease or neuroinflammation?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits in reducing neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's models by modulating specific pathways. However, these findings are from animal and cell studies, and no human clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy for these conditions.
Is Notopterygium incisum extract safe to use?
Safety data for Notopterygium incisum extract is limited. While traditional use suggests low toxicity, formal human safety studies are needed. No specific severe side effects have been reported in preclinical research, but comprehensive human trials are required to establish its safety profile.
Can Notopterygium incisum extract be used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS)?
Early experimental data in animal models indicate possible therapeutic benefits for OSAS by modulating inflammatory and hypoxia-related pathways. However, this is preclinical evidence, and robust human clinical trials are lacking to confirm its effectiveness for OSAS.
How long does it take to see effects from Notopterygium incisum extract?
Based on animal studies, administration periods of several weeks were used to observe effects. However, the timeline for effects in humans is currently unknown due to the lack of human clinical trials and absorption data.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10500596/ – This preclinical study used network pharmacology and molecular biology to identify pterostilbene and notopterol as active metabolites of Notopterygium incisum. It demonstrated their ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines and modulate the NF-κB pathway in models relevant to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), providing mechanistic insights into its potential therapeutic effects.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39094757/ – This experimental study investigated Notopterygium incisum root extract (NRE) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models and cell lines. It found that NRE reduced neuroinflammation by inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to decreased microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, suggesting neuroprotective potential.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/3560812 – This systematic review focused on hepatotoxicity risks associated with various Chinese herbal medicines. While it highlighted the importance of safety assessment for herbal products, it did not provide specific data on Notopterygium incisum, indicating a general context for safety concerns in traditional Chinese medicine rather than direct evidence for this specific extract.