Paulownia Tomentosa Leaf Extract
Also known as: Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. leaf extract, PLE, Empress tree leaf extract, Princess tree leaf extract, Foxglove tree leaf extract, Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract
Overview
Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract (PLE) is derived from the leaves of the Paulownia tomentosa tree, also known as the Empress tree, which is native to China and cultivated globally. This extract is rich in various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, thymol, phytol, and pentadecanoic acid. Historically, it has been utilized in traditional folk medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Current research on PLE is primarily conducted in vitro and in animal models, with some applications in agriculture. While these studies suggest promising bioactivities, human clinical trials are notably scarce. Consequently, the overall quality of evidence supporting its use as a human supplement is considered moderate, with a significant lack of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses specifically addressing PLE supplementation in humans. Its potential benefits are largely extrapolated from preclinical data, and its safety and efficacy in human populations remain largely uncharacterized.
Benefits
Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract (PLE) exhibits several potential benefits, primarily demonstrated in preclinical studies. Its most prominent effect is significant antioxidant activity, attributed to its high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. In vitro assays, such as DPPH radical scavenging and peroxynitrite inhibition, have confirmed these properties, suggesting its ability to neutralize free radicals. PLE also demonstrates antimicrobial effects, showing bacteriostatic activity against various plant pathogens and some bacteria, with mild to moderate efficacy observed in inhibition zones. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory potential has been noted, as extracts from Paulownia bark and leaves have been shown to reduce nitric oxide production in macrophage cell lines. In animal studies, specifically with broiler chickens, supplementation with 0.5 g/kg PLE improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio, indicating potential benefits in animal production. However, it is crucial to note that there is no high-quality human clinical data available to confirm these effects or to quantify their clinical significance in humans. The strength of evidence for these benefits is currently limited to in vitro and animal studies, with no established benefits for human health.
How it works
The proposed mechanisms of action for Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract (PLE) are primarily linked to its rich phytochemical composition. Its antioxidant effects are largely attributed to flavonoids and phenolic glycosides, which act as potent free radical scavengers, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and protecting cells from oxidative damage. The anti-inflammatory properties may involve the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme crucial in inflammatory responses, and the modulation of macrophage activation, thereby reducing pro-inflammatory mediators. The antimicrobial activity is thought to stem from compounds like thymol and phytol, which can disrupt bacterial cell membranes or interfere with essential metabolic pathways, leading to bacteriostatic effects. However, the specific absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) profile, as well as the bioavailability of these compounds in humans, are currently not characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive safety data and reports of adverse events from human studies on Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract (PLE) are currently unavailable. While animal studies and in vitro data have not indicated overt toxicity at the tested doses, this does not translate directly to human safety. There are no established potential interactions with medications, nor are there any known contraindications for human use. Due to the significant lack of human clinical trials and safety assessments, caution is strongly warranted regarding its use as a human supplement. Without robust human safety data, the severity and frequency of potential side effects, specific risk factors, and drug interactions remain unknown. Consumers should be aware that the safety profile for human consumption has not been confirmed, and there is no information regarding potential allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, or other systemic effects. Until human safety is thoroughly investigated and confirmed through clinical trials, the use of PLE in humans carries an unquantified risk.
Dosage
There are no established or recommended dosing guidelines for Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract (PLE) in humans due to the complete absence of human clinical trials. The effective doses observed in animal studies, such as 0.5 g/kg of feed in broiler chickens, cannot be directly extrapolated to human consumption. The composition and potency of PLE can vary significantly depending on the specific extraction method used and the source of the plant material, making it difficult to standardize dosage. Without human data, there are no defined dosage ranges for different purposes, no timing considerations for administration, and no established upper limits or safety thresholds. Any current use in humans would be speculative and without scientific basis for dosage. Individuals considering PLE should be aware that there is no evidence-based guidance on how much to take, how often, or in what form, and its absorption characteristics in humans are unknown.
FAQs
Is Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract safe for human use?
Safety in humans is not established. There are no comprehensive human clinical trials or adverse event reports available to confirm its safety for human consumption. More research is needed before it can be deemed safe.
What benefits can I expect from Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract?
Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects have been documented in vitro and in animal models. However, these benefits have not been proven in humans, and there are no high-quality human clinical data to support specific health claims.
How should Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract be taken?
There are no standardized human dosing guidelines or formulations for Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract. Its absorption and optimal usage in humans are uncharacterized, making it impossible to recommend how it should be taken.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9294540/ – This study investigated the effects of Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract (PLE) on broiler chicken growth performance. It found that supplementing broiler feed with 0.5 g/kg PLE improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio, identifying thymol as a major compound. The study was an animal RCT, providing insights into potential benefits in animal production but lacking human relevance.
- https://czasopisma.up.lublin.pl/asphc/article/download/5428/3672 – This experimental in vitro study explored the bacteriostatic and antioxidant properties of Paulownia tomentosa leaf extract. It demonstrated that PLE exhibited bacteriostatic effects against five bacterial strains and showed antioxidant activity directly correlated with its flavonoid content. The research provides strong in vitro evidence for these properties but does not extend to clinical human outcomes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7089068/ – This review focused on the phytochemical profile of Paulownia species, identifying over 130 bioactive compounds. It highlighted in vitro and cell model studies demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities of Paulownia extracts. While comprehensive in its phytochemical analysis, the review primarily discusses preclinical data and does not include human clinical trials.
