Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Also known as: Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce, Fragrant Solomon's seal, Odoratum rhizome, Polygonatum odoratum
Overview
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract is derived from the underground stem (rhizome) of the Polygonatum odoratum plant, a botanical species traditionally utilized in East Asian herbal medicine. This extract contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins, and phenolics, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. The primary applications of P. odoratum extract are based on its demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. While research on P. odoratum is ongoing, much of the available evidence is preclinical or from small clinical trials. Comparative studies with related species like Polygonatum sibiricum provide some insights, but high-quality clinical evidence specifically for P. odoratum alone, particularly in the form of systematic reviews, remains limited. The extract is commonly found in topical formulations for skin health, though its systemic benefits require further rigorous investigation.
Benefits
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract offers several potential benefits, primarily supported by in vitro studies and a meta-analysis of topical applications. Its most established benefit is its antioxidant activity, where it exhibits radical scavenging capabilities against DPPH and ABTS+ assays, though it appears less potent than P. sibiricum in tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 of 15.4 mg/mL vs. 9.68 mg/mL for P. sibiricum). For skin health, a systematic review and meta-analysis of botanical topical applications, including P. odoratum, showed improved clinical efficacy in treating melasma, with a relative risk of 1.41 (95% CI 1.10–1.19, p < 0.00001) for clinical effectiveness compared to controls, and no significant increase in adverse reactions. This suggests P. odoratum can be an effective adjunct in managing hyperpigmentation. While anti-obesity potential has been suggested for related species like P. sibiricum due to the accumulation of bioactive metabolites such as phloretin and linoleic acid, direct evidence for P. odoratum in this regard is currently lacking.
How it works
The antioxidant effects of Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract are primarily attributed to its phenolic compounds and polysaccharides, which function by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting oxidative enzymes like tyrosinase. This mechanism helps reduce oxidative stress and may contribute to its skin-protective properties. The observed benefits for skin health, particularly in conditions like melasma, are thought to arise from its anti-inflammatory actions and its ability to inhibit melanogenesis, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation. While the extract interacts with enzymes involved in oxidative stress and pigment synthesis, the detailed molecular pathways and specific targets for P. odoratum are not yet fully elucidated. Information regarding the absorption and bioavailability of P. odoratum extracts in the human body is also not well characterized.
Side effects
Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract, particularly in topical applications, generally exhibits a favorable safety profile. Clinical trials involving topical use have shown no significant increase in adverse events compared to control groups (RR=0.95, 95% CI 0.42–2.15, p=0.91). When side effects do occur, they are typically mild and transient, including localized burning, redness, itching, and temporary hyperpigmentation, all of which tend to resolve spontaneously. No serious adverse events or significant drug interactions have been documented in the reviewed literature. However, it is important to note that the safety of P. odoratum in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children, has not been thoroughly studied. Due to limited clinical data, especially concerning oral intake, comprehensive safety information for systemic use is not available.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized or consensus-based dosing guidelines for Polygonatum odoratum rhizome extract, particularly for oral systemic use, due to limited clinical data. Clinical trials investigating its topical application for conditions like melasma have utilized formulations containing the extract, but specific effective concentrations or standardized doses for these applications are not well-established. Preclinical in vitro antioxidant assays have used extract concentrations in the milligram per milliliter (mg/mL) range to demonstrate activity. Without sufficient clinical trials, a recommended oral dosage range or a maximum safe dose cannot be determined. Users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before considering oral supplementation, as the safety and efficacy of systemic administration are not yet fully understood.
FAQs
Is P. odoratum extract effective for skin pigmentation disorders?
Yes, evidence from a meta-analysis supports the topical use of P. odoratum as an adjunct for melasma, showing improved clinical outcomes and a good safety profile. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
Are there systemic benefits such as weight loss?
Direct evidence for systemic benefits like weight loss from P. odoratum is currently lacking. While related species show promise in metabolic benefits, further research is needed to confirm this for P. odoratum.
Is it safe to use P. odoratum extract?
Topical use of P. odoratum appears safe, with reported side effects being mild and transient. However, data on oral safety are insufficient, and its safety in special populations is not well studied.
Research Sources
- https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/resources/chemical-composition-analysis-and-biofunctionality-of-polygonatum-sibiricum-and-polygonatum-odoratum-extracts/ – This in vitro study compared the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of P. odoratum and P. sibiricum rhizome extracts. It found that P. odoratum possesses antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activity, though it was less potent than P. sibiricum, with an IC50 for tyrosinase inhibition at 15.4 mg/mL. The study's limitation is its in vitro nature, lacking clinical data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10966692/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 13 RCTs with 1281 participants, evaluated botanical topical applications for melasma, which included P. odoratum. It demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in clinical efficacy (RR=1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.19, p<0.00001) with no significant increase in adverse reactions. A limitation is that it involved botanical mixtures, not P. odoratum alone, and showed heterogeneity in formulations.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2023.1181861/full – This study focused on metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling of Polygonatum sibiricum rhizomes, identifying bioactive metabolites linked to anti-obesity effects. While not directly on P. odoratum, it suggests potential for similar species. Its limitation is that it is preclinical, providing no direct clinical evidence for P. odoratum's anti-obesity effects.