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Shea Extract

Also known as: Shea extract, Shea butter extract, Shea nut oil extract, Vitellaria paradoxa extract

Overview

Shea extract is derived from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, commonly known as the shea tree, which is native to Africa. This natural plant extract is rich in triglycerides, primarily composed of oleic, stearic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, along with bioactive triterpenes. Traditionally, shea extract has been widely used for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in topical applications for skin health. Emerging research suggests potential benefits when taken orally, specifically in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms and for cardiovascular health, including blood pressure regulation. While preclinical studies, especially in animal models, show promising results regarding its anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective effects, and large observational human studies indicate associations with cardiovascular benefits, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are limited. The overall evidence quality is mixed, with more robust data needed to confirm efficacy, establish optimal dosages, and fully characterize its safety profile for oral supplementation.

Benefits

Shea extract shows promising benefits, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In animal models of osteoarthritis (OA), oral supplementation with a specific shea nut oil triterpene concentrate (SheaFlex75) significantly reduced joint degeneration and inflammation, suggesting potential for symptomatic relief and cartilage protection in both early and chronic OA stages. This indicates a strong potential for individuals suffering from OA, though human trials are needed to confirm these effects. Furthermore, an observational study involving over 9,000 humans found that cooking with shea butter was associated with statistically significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (by 2.43 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (by 1.78 mmHg). While modest, these reductions are considered clinically relevant at a population level, suggesting a potential cardiovascular benefit, particularly for those at risk of hypertension. Additionally, the animal study noted a reduction in triglyceride levels without affecting total cholesterol or HDL, indicating a possible lipid-modulating effect. The strength of evidence for OA benefits is based on preclinical animal studies, while cardiovascular benefits are suggested by large observational human data, both warranting further high-quality human clinical trials.

How it works

Shea extract exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of fatty acids and bioactive triterpenes, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In the context of osteoarthritis, these compounds are believed to modulate joint inflammation and inhibit cartilage degradation pathways. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, it likely involves the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress mediators within the joint. For cardiovascular health, the observed blood pressure reduction may be due to vascular effects mediated by these same anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. Oral supplementation in animal studies has demonstrated systemic effects, indicating that the active components of shea extract are bioavailable and can interact with various body systems to produce therapeutic outcomes.

Side effects

The safety profile of oral shea extract supplementation is not fully established in humans, as comprehensive human clinical trials are limited. In animal studies, specifically with a proprietary shea nut oil triterpene concentrate (SheaFlex75), long-term oral administration (over 12 weeks) did not show any adverse effects on liver function (assessed by AST levels) or kidney function (assessed by BUN levels). Furthermore, no negative impact on cholesterol profiles was observed in these animal models. Common side effects have not been reported in the available animal research, and human data on adverse effects are currently lacking. There are no documented drug interactions, but caution is advised due to the limited research. Contraindications for shea extract supplementation have not been established. Safety in special populations, such as pregnant women, children, or individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases, has also not been determined. Therefore, individuals in these groups should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before considering supplementation.

Dosage

The optimal and minimum effective dosages for oral shea extract supplementation in humans have not yet been established due to a lack of comprehensive human clinical trials. Animal studies, particularly those using the proprietary product SheaFlex75, employed doses equivalent to 1X dietary ingestion, which showed benefits in osteoarthritis models. However, this does not directly translate to human dosing recommendations. The maximum safe dose for human consumption is also unknown. In animal models, benefits for osteoarthritis were observed with long-term administration, specifically over 12 weeks, suggesting that sustained intake might be necessary for therapeutic effects. Shea extract is typically consumed orally as a concentrate or within lipid-based formulations, which likely enhances the absorption of its active components. There are no specified required cofactors to enhance its efficacy. Until more human clinical data become available, any oral supplementation should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Is shea extract safe for long-term use?

Animal studies suggest safety over 12 weeks with no observed liver or kidney toxicity. However, long-term human safety data are currently lacking.

Can shea extract lower blood pressure?

Observational human data indicate an association between cooking with shea butter and modest reductions in blood pressure, but randomized controlled trials are needed for confirmation.

How quickly do benefits appear?

In animal models of osteoarthritis, improvements were noted after 12 weeks of supplementation. Human data on the onset of benefits are not yet available.

Is shea extract effective for skin or joint health?

Shea extract is traditionally used for skin health. Emerging preclinical evidence supports its potential for joint health benefits in osteoarthritis models, but human confirmation is needed.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6474620/ – This animal study investigated the effects of oral SheaFlex75, a shea nut oil triterpene concentrate, in rat models of osteoarthritis. It found that supplementation significantly reduced joint degeneration, inflammation, and triglyceride levels over 12 weeks without adverse effects on liver or kidney function, suggesting potential for symptomatic relief and cartilage protection in OA.
https://article.imrpress.com/journal/IJVNR/90/5-6/10.1024/0300-9831/a000587/58b101e47eed08b2a64e6d5726a9ae95.pdf – This large observational study involving 9,044 participants explored the association between cooking with shea butter and blood pressure. It reported statistically significant reductions in both systolic (2.43 mmHg) and diastolic (1.78 mmHg) blood pressure, indicating a potential cardiovascular benefit, though causality cannot be established from this design.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8362305/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis identified 40 articles on shea butter and related compounds, with 15 quantitative analyses. It highlights the bioactive fatty acid composition and potential health effects of shea, but notes the heterogeneity of studies and the limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials specifically on its clinical efficacy.