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From The May 2001 Issue of Nutrition Science News
Chinese Herb May Quell IBD
Anthony Almada
Dangshen, the root of Codonopsis pilosula, has a rich history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used as a qi tonic. Explored for immunostimulatory potential, dangshen water extracts displayed only modest effects with human immune cells in the test tube.1 However, effects were more noticeable with a water and ethanol multi-step extract, rich in polysaccharides. Animals that received the extract for four weeks experienced immune suppression; curiously, those who received it for eight weeks experienced immune stimulation.2
A water extract of dangshen showed protective effects against a variety of ulcer-inducing agents in animal studies, marked by a suppression of stomach acid production.3
One dangshen study that garnered national attention involved patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).4 In this placebo-controlled, 16-week study in Australia, 116 patients were given 15 capsules/day of either a commercial Chinese herb formula, a Chinese herb formula individualized to each patient, or placebo. The formula provided about 600 mg/day (7 percent by weight) raw, dried dangshen. Researchers observed significant improvement of symptoms in the subjects that received the formula—more so for those who received the individualized formula. Dangshen's role in the treatment of IBD requires further research, particularly since the positive effects were the result of using many herbs in combination and not just dangshen alone.
Anthony Almada is a nutritional and exercise biochemist and has collaborated on more than 50 university-based clinical trials. He is the co-founder of EAS and founder and chief scientific officer of IMAGINutrition.
References
1. Shan BE, et al. Stimulating activity of Chinese medicinal herbs on human lymphocytes in vitro. Int J Immunopharm 1999;21(3):149-59.
2. Wang ZT, et al. Immunomodulatory effect of a polysaccharide-enriched preparation of Codonopsis pilosula roots. Gen Pharmacol 1996;27(8):347-50.
3. Wang Z-T, et al. Investigations on the protective action of Condonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) extract on experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Gen Pharmacol 1997;28(3):469-73.
4. Bensoussan A, et al. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with Chinese herbal medicine: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 1998;280(18):1585-9.
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