Snow Lotus

Generic name: Saussurea Involucrata (Kar. Et Kir.) Sch.-Bip., Saussurea Laniceps Hand.-Mazz., Saussurea Medusa Maxim.
Brand names: Himalayan Snow Lotus, Snow Lotus, Tianshan Snow Lotus, Xue Lian

Usage of Snow Lotus

Analgesic effects

Animal data

Central analgesic properties of S. laniceps have been suggested after antinociceptive effects were demonstrated by both aqueous and ethanolic extracts in mice. Dose-dependent effects were observed in thermal stimulation tests.(Yi 2012) In a comparative rodent study, oral administration of S. laniceps demonstrated significant antinociceptive effects that were greater than with either S. involucrata or S. medusa. At 400 mg/kg, both S. laniceps and S. involucrata exhibited peripheral analgesic potency comparable with the reference drug. S. laniceps also significantly inhibited responses to thermal stimulation in a dose-dependent manner, indicating central analgesic properties.(Yi 2010)

Anti-inflammatory effects

Animal data

In a comparative rodent study, S. laniceps administered orally demonstrated significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects that were greater than with either S. involucrata or S. medusa; S. involucrata exhibited moderate inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema while S. medusa exhibited very little effect on edema.(Yi 2010)

Anti-inflammatory effects of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of S. laniceps have been documented in a dose-dependent manner in mice, with the ethanolic extract demonstrating higher efficacy. Phenolic acids and coumarins were present in both extracts, with higher concentrations observed in the ethanolic extract. The constituents umbelliferone and scopoletin exhibited dual inhibitory activity on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase.(Yi 2012, Yi 2014) In an animal model of autoimmunity with similarities to rheumatoid arthritis, oral administration of S. involucrata capsules significantly reduced the arthritic index as well as swelling (P<0.05), without inflammatory cell infiltration in the joint cavity.(Xu 2016)

Antioxidant effects

Animal and in vitro data

Significant dose-dependent radical scavenging activity was demonstrated in vitro with both an aqueous and an ethanolic extract of S. laniceps, with the latter exhibiting a higher percentage of oxidant inhibition.(Yi 2012) Antioxidant activity of an alcoholic extract of dried aerial parts of S. involucrata was demonstrated via hydrogen peroxide chemiluminescence assays but was fairly weak compared with vitamin E in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays.(Lee 2011) In a brain-injured mouse model, rutin (obtained by an ethyl acetate extract of the dried aerial parts of S. involucrate) demonstrated marked inhibition of COX-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase via downregulation of nuclear factor kappa B in the brain. Additional antioxidant activity was observed via assays of malondialdehyde, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase in a mouse aging model.(Yang 2012)

CNS effects

Animal data

Neuroprotective effects in the hippocampal cells of brain-injured mice have been demonstrated by rutin obtained via an ethyl acetate extract of the dried aerial parts of S. involucrata. A significant improvement in memory impairment was also documented.(Yang 2012)

Fatigue

Animal data

Dose-dependent antifatigue effects of an alcoholic extract of the dried aerial parts of S. involucrata (snow lotus) have been documented in mice. Exhaustion, blood lactic acid, and serum urea nitrogen were all significantly improved with snow lotus compared with controls.(Lee 2011)

Snow Lotus side effects

Information regarding potential adverse reactions is lacking.

Before taking Snow Lotus

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Abortifacient activity has been reported.(Lee 2011)

How to use Snow Lotus

Clinical studies are lacking to provide dosage recommendations for snow lotus.

Warnings

No data.

What other drugs will affect Snow Lotus

None well documented.

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