Schizonepeta Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., Schizonepeta, Japanese Catnip, Jing Jie, Schizonepeta tenuifolia
Overview
Schizonepeta Aerial Parts Extract is derived from the aboveground parts of *Schizonepeta tenuifolia*, a plant widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. This extract contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids (such as luteolin and apigenin glycosides), organic acids, glycosides, and cyclic terpenes like menthone and pulegone. Traditionally, it has been employed for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, hemostatic, and anti-allergic properties. While research on this extract is moderately developed, with a growing body of in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical studies, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically focusing on Schizonepeta aerial parts extract remain limited.
Benefits
Schizonepeta Aerial Parts Extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, primarily in anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capacities. In atopic dermatitis models, extracts effectively suppress inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-6, and IgE, reducing epidermal thickness and inflammatory cytokine expression by downregulating NF-κB and MAPK pathways, indicating strong evidence in preclinical settings. Anti-allergic effects are also noted, with animal studies showing a reduction in anaphylaxis mortality and plasma histamine levels. Furthermore, the extract exhibits potential cardiovascular benefits by inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by collagen and thrombin, reducing intracellular calcium mobilization, granule secretion, and fibrinogen binding, suggesting its role as an antithrombotic agent. Traditional uses as an analgesic and antipyretic are supported by some pharmacological evidence, though clinical effect sizes and randomized controlled trial (RCT) data for these specific benefits are currently limited.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for Schizonepeta Aerial Parts Extract involves the inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways. It achieves this by suppressing NF-κB and various mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including JNK, ERK, and p38, which subsequently reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The extract also inhibits platelet function by blocking MAPK and Akt phosphorylation, thereby reducing platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Its beneficial effects are attributed to its rich composition, including flavonoids like luteolin and apigenin glycosides, and terpenes such as menthone and pulegone, all of which contribute to its observed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The specific bioavailability of these compounds is not yet fully characterized, but extracts are typically prepared as aqueous or ethanol solutions for experimental use.
Side effects
Schizonepeta Aerial Parts Extract is generally considered safe based on its traditional use, with no major adverse effects reported in the reviewed studies. However, potential side effects are not extensively documented in high-quality clinical trials, leading to a lack of comprehensive safety data. A notable component, pulegone, a cyclic terpene present in the extract, is known to be hepatotoxic at very high doses. While typical extract doses are likely below these toxic thresholds, caution is advised. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications documented in the available literature. Furthermore, sufficient safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating individuals and children are lacking, warranting prudence in these groups.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Schizonepeta Aerial Parts Extract derived from randomized controlled trials. Experimental animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 0.005 to 1 g/kg administered intraperitoneally, with anti-inflammatory effects observed at 250 mg/kg in atopic dermatitis models. Traditional uses involve varying doses, typically administered as decoctions or topical applications, which lack standardization. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and specific formulation requirements for human use necessitate further rigorous clinical investigation. Without robust clinical data, it is challenging to define safe and effective dosage ranges, upper limits, or safety thresholds for human consumption.
FAQs
Is Schizonepeta extract effective for eczema?
Animal and in vitro studies indicate that the extract can reduce inflammatory markers and skin thickness, suggesting potential benefits for eczema. However, high-quality human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm these effects.
Can it be used for cardiovascular health?
Preclinical evidence supports the extract's antiplatelet effects, which could be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Nevertheless, clinical trials are essential to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans for this application.
Are there risks of toxicity with Schizonepeta extract?
No significant adverse effects have been reported at studied doses. However, due to the presence of pulegone, a compound known to be hepatotoxic at high concentrations, caution is advised, especially with prolonged or high-dose use.
How is Schizonepeta extract typically administered?
In research settings, it is mostly used as aqueous or ethanol extracts. Traditionally, it is administered as decoctions (boiled preparations) or applied topically, depending on the intended therapeutic effect.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1413513/full – This in vivo animal study investigated the effects of Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract in an atopic dermatitis mouse model. The findings demonstrated that the extract significantly reduced epidermal thickness, IgE, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and inhibited NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, suggesting potent anti-inflammatory effects relevant to atopic dermatitis.
- https://www.integrmed.org/journal/view.php?number=73 – This systematic review compiled findings from multiple in vivo and in vitro studies on Schizonepeta tenuifolia. It concluded that the extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, evidenced by reductions in inflammatory cytokines and histamine, primarily in animal models, highlighting a need for human clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6813526/ – This study, conducted in vitro and ex vivo, explored the antiplatelet effects of Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract using platelets from healthy donors. It revealed that the extract effectively inhibited platelet aggregation, intracellular calcium mobilization, and the phosphorylation of MAPK and Akt, indicating its potential as an antithrombotic agent.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9415675/ – This PMC article, while not a primary study on Schizonepeta aerial parts extract, provides broader context on traditional Chinese medicine and herbal components. It indirectly supports the traditional uses and chemical constituents of Schizonepeta, contributing to the understanding of its pharmacological basis.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1102/schizonepeta – This WebMD entry provides a general overview of Schizonepeta, including its common names, traditional uses, and some reported effects. It serves as a general informational source, summarizing common knowledge about the herb without delving into detailed scientific methodologies or specific study findings.