Silbinol Pterocarpus Marsupium Extract
Also known as: Indian Kino Tree, Malabar Kino, Vijayasar, Silbinol, Pterocarpus marsupium
Overview
Pterocarpus marsupium, also known as the Indian Kino Tree, is a tree native to India and Sri Lanka, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for conditions like diabetes and inflammation. Silbinol is a proprietary extract derived from the bark of Pterocarpus marsupium, specifically standardized to contain a high concentration of pterostilbene, a stilbenoid structurally similar to resveratrol. This extract is primarily recognized for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its main applications in dietary supplements focus on supporting glycemic control, enhancing antioxidant defense, and promoting overall metabolic health. While extensive preclinical studies highlight its potential, clinical research, particularly large-scale human trials, is still limited, with existing studies primarily focusing on safety and preliminary efficacy. The quality of evidence is moderate, consisting mainly of preclinical data and smaller clinical trials.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Pterocarpus marsupium extract, particularly Silbinol, stem from its high pterostilbene content, which confers significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Preclinical studies, especially in animal models, have shown a strong potential for glycemic control, including significant reductions in blood glucose and improved insulin levels in diabetic models. While promising, robust clinical evidence for these glycemic or lipid profile improvements in humans is still limited and not well-quantified. Some preliminary human data suggest maintenance of healthy blood glucose and lipid profiles, but detailed published data are scarce. Secondary effects observed in animal models include support for lipid metabolism and anti-hyperglycemic effects. Based on preclinical data, individuals with diabetes or prediabetes may potentially benefit, though human evidence remains preliminary. Effect sizes and clinical significance in humans are not yet well-established, and while animal studies show statistically significant glucose reductions, human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with clear effect sizes are lacking.
How it works
Pterostilbene, the active compound in Silbinol, exerts its effects primarily through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As an antioxidant, it effectively scavenges free radicals and upregulates the body's endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione peroxidase. Its anti-inflammatory actions involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pathways, including NF-κB, as demonstrated in preclinical studies. Furthermore, animal models suggest that pterostilbene may improve insulin sensitivity and enhance the function of pancreatic beta-cells, contributing to its potential role in glycemic control. A key advantage of pterostilbene is its higher oral bioavailability compared to resveratrol, attributed to its methylated structure, which enhances its metabolic stability and absorption within the body.
Side effects
Silbinol has been shown to be well tolerated in healthy adults at a dosage of 200 mg/day (100 mg twice daily) for a duration of two months, with no serious adverse events or clinically significant changes observed in hematological, hepatic, renal, or cardiovascular parameters in a randomized controlled trial. Common side effects were not reported in this study. Uncommon or rare side effects have not been documented, but longer-term safety data beyond two months are currently lacking. Drug interactions are not well studied; therefore, caution is advised when Silbinol is used concurrently with hypoglycemic or lipid-lowering medications due to the potential for additive effects. Contraindications have not been established, and its safety during pregnancy, lactation, or in children is unknown. Current safety data are limited to healthy adults, and its safety profile in diabetic populations has not been rigorously studied in high-quality RCTs.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Pterocarpus marsupium extract (Silbinol) in humans has not yet been established, as animal studies utilize variable dosages. However, a clinical safety study demonstrated that 200 mg/day of standardized Silbinol extract, containing greater than 90% pterostilbene, was safe for human consumption. The optimal dosage for efficacy remains unknown, and further efficacy trials are needed to determine this. In the safety study, the dosage was administered twice daily. Silbinol is typically available in oral capsule form, standardized to its pterostilbene content. Pterostilbene exhibits enhanced absorption and bioavailability compared to resveratrol due to its methylation. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance its effects, though its antioxidant benefits may be supported by the body's natural glutathione levels.
FAQs
Is Silbinol safe?
Yes, a clinical study showed Silbinol to be safe at 200 mg/day for two months in healthy adults, with no reported adverse effects.
Does it lower blood sugar?
Animal studies indicate significant blood glucose reduction, but human efficacy data are preliminary and not yet conclusive.
How long does it take to see effects?
The time to observe effects in humans is unknown; animal studies suggest effects may appear over several weeks.
Can it replace diabetes medication?
No, there is no clinical evidence to support replacing standard diabetes therapy; it should only be considered as an adjunctive supplement if used.
Are there any drug interactions?
Drug interactions are not well studied. Caution is advised, especially with hypoglycemic or lipid-lowering medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10483972/ – This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=60 healthy adults, 2 months) assessed the safety of Silbinol (200 mg/day). It found no significant changes in clinical lab parameters or adverse events, establishing its safety but not evaluating efficacy endpoints.
- https://phcogrev.com/sites/default/files/PhcogRev-3-6-359.pdf – This review of P. marsupium extracts highlights significant anti-hyperglycemic effects in animal models, showing dose-dependent glucose lowering and increased insulin. It notes limited clinical data suggesting potential benefits in non-obese diabetic patients, but lacks rigorous RCT confirmation.
- https://silbinol.com/benefits/clinical-evidence/ – This source provides general information on Silbinol's benefits and mentions clinical evidence, but lacks detailed published data for specific efficacy claims, particularly regarding human glycemic or lipid profile improvements.