Kalopanax septemlobus (Kalopanax septemlobus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Kalopanax septemlobus work to reduce inflammation?

Kalopanax septemlobus contains active compounds called kalopanaxsaponins and hederagenin which are believed to modulate inflammatory pathways. Research suggests these saponins inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which supports the herb's traditional use for treating rheumatism and skin diseases. While laboratory studies indicate anti-inflammatory activity, human clinical trials are necessary to fully confirm these mechanisms (Evidence Level C).

Is Kalopanax septemlobus safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Kalopanax septemlobus is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The bark contains saponins that may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional Chinese Medicine contraindications explicitly advise against its use in pregnant women. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb due to a lack of safety data and potential risks to the infant (Evidence Level D).

What is the recommended dosage for Kalopanax septemlobus bark?

The standard adult dosage for Kalopanax septemlobus dried bark is typically 6 to 12 grams daily. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is often prepared as a decoction or boiled in water. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated and individual tolerance. It is important not to exceed recommended amounts to avoid gastrointestinal side effects (Traditional use).

Does Kalopanax septemlobus interact with any medications?

Specific drug interaction studies for Kalopanax septemlobus are currently lacking. However, because it contains saponins which can affect blood clotting, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with anticoagulant or anti-platelet medications. Patients taking blood thinners should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before use. It is advisable to separate herbal intake from prescription drugs by several hours.

What are the common side effects of Kalopanax septemlobus?

Kalopanax septemlobus is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, but some users may experience mild gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms can include nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. These effects are often associated with the saponin content found in the bark. Taking the herb with food may help minimize stomach irritation. If symptoms persist, discontinuation is recommended (Evidence Level C).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Kalopanax septemlobus, also known as the castor aralia tree, is a woody medicinal tree from the Araliaceae family used in traditional East Asian medicine [PMID:29186583, PMID:37290493].

Contexte

It is a deciduous, ring-porous woody species native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and the Korean Peninsula [PMID:22646502, PMID:27376942, PMID:29186583].

Usages traditionnels

It is used as a traditional herbal medicine for various diseases, with its bark specifically noted for curative effects on rheumatoid arthritis and other documented therapeutic efficacy against scabies [PMID:37290493, PMID:40763762, PMID:26549816].

Composés actifs

The plant contains triterpenoids and saponins (including hederagenin and kalopanaxsaponin A), phenylpropanoids, and lignan derivatives such as (-)-(7R, 8S)-dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol [PMID:37290493, PMID:29186583, PMID:16392665, PMID:19924082]. Other identified constituents include liriodendrin, syringarenol, trans-coniferyl aldehyde, trans-caffeic acid, beta-daucosterol, and beta-sitosterol [PMID:21954557], as well as chlorogenic acid and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid [PMID:21835418].

Mécanisme d'action

Leaf extracts may induce caspase-dependent apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via AMPK activation and induce G1 phase cell cycle arrest through dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (pRB) [PMID:26549816, PMID:27086152]. The compound DHDA may induce neurite outgrowth by amplifying MAPK and PKC pathways [PMID:16392665]. Kalopanaxsaponin A has demonstrated antifungal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum [PMID:40763762].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2/Hep3B cells)

Ethanol extract of leaves reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis [PMID:26549816, PMID:27086152]

Preuve DFungal infections (T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum)

Extracts and monomeric compounds (kalopanaxsaponin A) showed inhibitory effects in vitro [PMID:40763762]

Preuve DNeurite outgrowth (PC12 cells)

The lignan derivative DHDA induced neurite outgrowth and enhanced NGF-mediated outgrowth [PMID:16392665]

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, phytochemical analyses, and comprehensive reviews; there are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 37290493 (2023) — Kalopanax septemlobus: its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity (1966-2022). · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 29186583 (2018) — Transcriptomic Analysis of Kalopanax septemlobus and Characterization of KsBAS, CYP716A94 and CYP72A397 Genes Involved in Hederagenin Saponin Biosynthesis. · Plant & cell physiology
3.PMID: 40763762 (2025) — The Antifungal Activity and Potential Mechanism of Kalopanax septemlobus against Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum. · Planta medica
4.PMID: 22646502 (2012) — Climate oscillation during the Quaternary associated with landscape heterogeneity promoted allopatric lineage divergence of a temperate tree Kalopanax septemlobus (Araliaceae) in East Asia. · Molecular ecology
5.PMID: 26549816 (2016) — Ethanol extract of Kalopanax septemlobus leaf induces caspase-dependent apoptosis associated with activation of AMPK in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Kalopanax septemlobus

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Kalopanax septemlobus