Trichosanthes Kirilowii Seed Extract
Also known as: Trichosanthes kirilowii, Chinese cucumber, snake gourd seed, TKSE, Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract
Overview
Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract (TKSE) is derived from the seeds of the Trichosanthes kirilowii plant, a botanical traditionally used in Chinese medicine. The extract is typically prepared via ethanol extraction of dried seeds. TKSE is primarily investigated for its anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Research on TKSE is emerging, with several preclinical and some clinical studies, but no large-scale meta-analyses or Cochrane systematic reviews specifically on the seed extract were identified. The quality of evidence is moderate, mostly from in vitro and animal studies, with some small controlled trials. It is considered a botanical supplement and herbal extract.
Benefits
TKSE shows promising benefits across several areas, primarily supported by preclinical research. It exhibits potent anti-cancer activity, particularly against colorectal cancer cells, by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. This suggests its potential as a complementary therapy in colorectal cancer. Furthermore, the seed oil from T. kirilowii has demonstrated hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in animal models of hyperlipidemia, improving lipid profiles (lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol) and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, thereby reducing tissue lesions in the liver and aorta. Additionally, extracts and bioactive compounds, notably cucurbitacin D, from T. kirilowii seeds have shown neuroprotective effects by alleviating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in animal models through reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and improving neurite outgrowth. While these findings are significant, the evidence base is promising but preliminary, requiring well-designed randomized controlled trials in humans to confirm efficacy.
How it works
Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract (TKSE) exerts its effects through several proposed mechanisms. For its anti-cancer properties, TKSE activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which subsequently leads to apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways in cancer cells. Its antioxidant effects are attributed to the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, thereby reducing oxidative damage in tissues. In neuroprotection, TKSE reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis in neuronal cells, promoting cell viability and neurite growth. The bioactive molecules responsible for these effects include cucurbitacins (especially cucurbitacin D), flavonoids, and fatty acids such as punicic acid, which may metabolize into conjugated linoleic acid, contributing to its diverse biological activities.
Side effects
Detailed human safety data for Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract (TKSE) are limited, and no significant adverse effects have been reported in the reviewed preclinical studies. However, caution is advised as cucurbitacin B, a related compound found in the plant family, has demonstrated dose-dependent cytotoxicity in non-cancerous cells, suggesting that certain cucurbitacins may have adverse effects at higher concentrations. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from the currently reviewed literature. Safety in specific populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, has not been established. Therefore, while preclinical data suggest a favorable safety profile, comprehensive human safety trials are necessary to fully understand potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications.
Dosage
Standardized human dosing for Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract (TKSE) has not been established, as most research has been conducted in preclinical settings. In studies, the extract preparation typically involved ethanol extraction, yielding approximately 4.5% dried extract from the seeds. Animal studies utilized gavage or cell culture concentrations, which do not directly translate to human dosages. Optimal dosing ranges, timing considerations, and specific dosages for different therapeutic purposes in humans remain undetermined and require further clinical trials. There are no specified upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption based on current research. Therefore, TKSE should not be used as a primary treatment, and any use should be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Is Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract safe for human consumption?
Preliminary preclinical data suggest safety, but comprehensive human safety data are insufficient. No significant adverse effects have been reported in animal studies, but human trials are needed to confirm safety.
What conditions might Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract help with?
Based on preclinical research, it shows potential as a complementary therapy for colorectal cancer, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress-related conditions, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
How quickly can one expect to see benefits from using this extract?
Animal studies showed effects over several weeks, but the time course for human benefits is currently unknown due to a lack of clinical trials.
Can Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract be used as a standalone treatment?
No, current evidence supports its use only as a complementary therapy, not as a primary or standalone treatment for any condition.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6781338/ – This in vitro and animal study investigated Trichosanthes kirilowii seed extract (TKSE) for its anti-tumor effects. It found that TKSE activated the AMPK pathway and induced apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, inhibiting tumor growth in an animal model. The study suggests TKSE's potential as a complementary therapy for colorectal cancer, though it is preclinical.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jfbc.13272 – This animal study explored the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of T. kirilowii seed oil in hyperlipidemic rats. It demonstrated that the seed oil improved lipid profiles (lowering triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol) and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing tissue lesions in the liver and aorta. This indicates its potential for managing hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfbc.13272 – This is a duplicate entry for the same source as the previous one, focusing on the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of T. kirilowii seed oil. It highlights the improvement in lipid profiles and antioxidant enzyme activities in hyperlipidemic animal models, suggesting benefits for cardiovascular health and oxidative stress reduction.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12089711/ – This preclinical study, involving in vitro and animal models, investigated the neuroprotective effects of T. kirilowii extracts and cucurbitacin D. It found that these compounds reduced chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis, and promoting neurite outgrowth. The research suggests a potential role for TKSE in alleviating neuropathic pain.