Sesbania Grandiflora Leaf Extract
Also known as: Agati, Hummingbird tree, Sesbania, Sesbania grandiflora
Overview
Sesbania grandiflora, commonly known as Agati or the Hummingbird tree, is a botanical supplement derived from a fast-growing tree native to Southeast Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine, where its leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots are utilized for various therapeutic purposes. The leaf extract is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, anthraquinones, steroids, and terpenoids. Traditional applications and emerging research highlight its potential antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer properties. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies support these traditional uses, high-quality human clinical trials are currently limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract shows promising benefits, primarily in antidiabetic and anticancer applications. For antidiabetic effects, methanolic leaf extract significantly reduced blood glucose and improved lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic rat models, demonstrating antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipemic activities comparable to metformin in some aspects (p < 0.05). It also inhibited alpha-amylase enzyme activity in vitro (IC50 of ~51 µg/mL), suggesting a mechanism to reduce carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption. Regarding anticancer potential, in vitro studies revealed cytotoxic effects on human neuroblastoma (IMR-32) and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines, with IC50 values around 200 µg/mL, inducing apoptosis and reducing cell viability dose-dependently. The extract also exhibits antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, attributed to phytochemicals like isoflavonoids and betulinic acid, supporting its traditional use. Secondary benefits, such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-urolithiatic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic properties, have been noted but require further clinical validation.
How it works
The antidiabetic effects of Sesbania grandiflora are believed to stem from its ability to inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes like alpha-amylase, thereby reducing glucose absorption. It may also improve insulin sensitivity and offer antioxidant protection to pancreatic beta cells. The anticancer activity is attributed to its phytochemical constituents, such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which induce apoptosis and cytotoxicity in cancer cells. These compounds are thought to modulate cell cycle progression and oxidative stress pathways. The antioxidant effects are primarily due to phenolic compounds that scavenge free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative damage throughout the body. The specific bioavailability of its active compounds is not fully characterized, though nanoparticle formulations are being explored to enhance delivery and efficacy.
Side effects
The safety profile of Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract in humans is not extensively documented, with limited clinical data available. Traditional use at culinary doses suggests a low toxicity, but this has not been rigorously tested in controlled human trials. Animal studies have not reported significant adverse effects at tested doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg/kg. Currently, there are no documented drug interactions or contraindications identified in the reviewed literature. However, due to the lack of comprehensive human safety and tolerability studies, caution is advised. Individuals with pre-existing conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. The long-term effects and potential for allergic reactions or other adverse events in humans remain largely unknown.
Dosage
Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract. Effective doses observed in animal studies for antidiabetic effects ranged from 200 to 400 mg/kg orally, administered over a 28-day period. It is important to note that these animal dosages cannot be directly extrapolated to humans without further research. The specific form of the extract (e.g., methanolic, aqueous) and its preparation method can significantly influence the phytochemical content and, consequently, its biological activity and potency. Without human clinical data, any self-administration is speculative, and consultation with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended to determine appropriate and safe dosages, if any, for specific health conditions.
FAQs
Is Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract safe for diabetes management?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefits for diabetes, but human clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in humans before it can be recommended for diabetes management.
How quickly does Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract show effects?
Animal studies investigating antidiabetic effects observed significant changes within 28 days of administration. However, human response times may vary and are not yet established.
Can Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract replace standard medications?
Currently, it should be considered a complementary agent, not a substitute for prescribed medications. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11768378/ – This in vitro study investigated the cytotoxic effects of Sesbania grandiflora leaf extracts on human neuroblastoma (IMR-32) and colon cancer (HT-29) cell lines. The findings indicated that the extracts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity and induced apoptosis, suggesting potential anticancer properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4893447/ – This in vivo randomized controlled trial in rats evaluated the antidiabetic activity of methanolic Sesbania grandiflora extract. The study found that doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced blood glucose levels and improved lipid profiles in type 2 diabetic rats over 28 days, comparable to standard treatments.
- https://japer.in/storage/models/article/LyOsj8K5giY6VB8dkZwvesvrSTdnkr6kgf9USEaamj4kyVQlUgPUKIduC604/anti-diabetic-activity-of-sesbania-grandiflora-alpha-amylase-inhibitory-effect.pdf – This in vitro study assessed the alpha-amylase inhibitory effect of Sesbania grandiflora extract. The results showed that the extract effectively inhibited alpha-amylase with an IC50 of 50.95 µg/mL, suggesting a mechanism for reducing carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption, which contributes to its antidiabetic potential.