Scrophularia Ningpoensis Extract
Also known as: Scrophularia ningpoensis Hemsl., Ningpo figwort, Chinese figwort, Scrophulariae Radix, SR, Scrophularia ningpoensis
Overview
Scrophularia ningpoensis, commonly known as Ningpo figwort or Chinese figwort, is a traditional medicinal plant with over 2000 years of use in East Asia, primarily as its dried root, Scrophulariae Radix (SR). Traditionally, it is employed for its properties in "clearing heat," cooling blood, nourishing Yin, detoxifying, and resolving masses. The extract is rich in bioactive compounds, including iridoids, phenolic glycosides, phenolic acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenes. Modern pharmacological research has identified a range of potential effects such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-ventricular remodeling, hypotensive, antibacterial, and immune-enhancing activities. While extensive phytochemical, pharmacological, quality control, and pharmacokinetic studies exist, robust clinical evidence in humans remains limited, with most findings derived from preclinical or observational studies.
Benefits
Preclinical research suggests several potential benefits of Scrophularia ningpoensis. It exhibits hepatoprotective effects, protecting liver cells from damage in animal models, likely through antioxidant activity and modulation of liver enzymes. Its anti-inflammatory properties are observed through the reduction of inflammatory markers in vitro and in vivo, possibly by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines. Neuroprotective potential has been shown in preclinical studies, where it may protect neurons and improve cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress. Cardiovascular benefits, including anti-ventricular remodeling and hypotensive effects, have been noted in animal studies, potentially through vasodilation. Secondary effects reported in experimental models include antibacterial, anti-fatigue, anti-osteoporosis, anti-pruritic, hypouricemic, antidepressant, and immune-modulating activities. While traditional use points to benefits in inflammatory and 'heat-related' disorders, high-quality clinical trials in humans are scarce, meaning quantitative clinical data on effect sizes and significance are not available.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Scrophularia ningpoensis are attributed to its diverse array of bioactive compounds, which exert effects through multiple biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory properties are likely mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and associated signaling pathways. Hepatoprotective effects may involve antioxidant activity and the modulation of liver enzymes, safeguarding liver cells. Neuroprotection is possibly achieved through the reduction of oxidative stress and support of neuronal survival pathways. Cardiovascular benefits are thought to arise from vasodilation and the inhibition of pathological remodeling processes. Furthermore, metabolomics studies suggest that its compounds can modulate metabolites related to nephrogenic edema and promote urine excretion, indicating potential renal effects. The absorption and bioavailability of its key compounds vary, with pharmacokinetics showing individual metabolic transformation profiles.
Side effects
The overall safety of Scrophularia ningpoensis is considered acceptable based on its long history of traditional use; however, comprehensive and rigorous safety data from modern clinical trials are notably lacking. There is no systematic documentation of common adverse effects in clinical studies, and no significant adverse effects or drug interactions have been widely reported in the scientific literature. Due to the limited clinical data, specific contraindications for its use and considerations for special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions) remain unclear. Users should exercise caution, especially when combining it with other medications, as potential interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. Further clinical research is essential to establish a complete safety profile and identify any potential risks or interactions.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Scrophularia ningpoensis extract derived from clinical trials. Traditional use typically involves herbal decoctions, which do not translate directly to standardized extract dosages. Consequently, there is no consensus on minimum effective doses, maximum safe doses, or optimal dosing regimens for specific health conditions. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate significant variability in the metabolism of its bioactive compounds among individuals, suggesting that effective dosing might require personalized adjustments. Furthermore, there are no validated recommendations regarding the timing of administration, specific forms of the extract, or any cofactors that might enhance its absorption or efficacy. Without robust clinical data, users should approach dosing with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional experienced in herbal medicine.
FAQs
Is it safe to use?
Traditional use suggests safety, but high-quality clinical safety data are insufficient. No significant adverse effects have been systematically reported, but rigorous studies are needed.
What conditions does it help?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits for inflammatory, hepatic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular support. Clinical efficacy in humans is not yet established.
How long before effects appear?
The time course for effects is unknown. Traditional use implies longer-term administration, but no specific data from clinical trials are available.
Can it interact with drugs?
No well-documented drug interactions have been reported. However, due to limited clinical data, caution is advised, especially when combining with other medications.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33772290/ – This systematic review comprehensively summarizes the phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality control, and pharmacokinetics of Scrophularia ningpoensis. It identifies numerous bioactive compounds and highlights various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, primarily based on preclinical studies. The review emphasizes the lack of robust clinical trial data for efficacy and safety in humans.
- https://academic.oup.com/jpp/advance-article-pdf/doi/10.1093/jpp/rgaa036/60217316/rgaa036.pdf – This article, likely the full text of the PubMed entry, provides detailed insights into the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Scrophularia ningpoensis. It discusses the potential mechanisms of action for its observed effects in animal models and in vitro studies, while reiterating the need for more clinical research to validate these findings in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11584121/ – This meta-analysis focuses on Traditional Medicine Preparations (TMPs), which may include Scrophularia species. It suggests some efficacy and safety of TMPs when used in combination therapies. However, specific and isolated data on Scrophularia ningpoensis are limited within this broader review, highlighting the heterogeneity and indirect nature of evidence for this specific herb.
- https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bmc.5757 – This experimental metabolomics study, conducted in an animal model, investigated the effects of Scrophularia ningpoensis. It demonstrated that the extract promotes urine excretion and regulates metabolites in a nephrogenic edema model, providing insights into potential renal effects and mechanisms of action, though these findings require human validation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1635090/pdf – This source, likely a research article, contributes to the understanding of the pharmacological properties of Scrophularia ningpoensis. While the specific content is not detailed in the prompt, its inclusion suggests it provides further evidence on the herb's mechanisms or effects, likely from preclinical studies, reinforcing the current body of research.
