Yerba Santa

Generic name: Eriodictyon Angustifolium Nutt., Eriodictyon Californicum (Hook. And Arn.) Torrey
Brand names: Bear's Weed, California Yerba Santa, Consumptive's Weed, Eriodictyon, Gum Plant, Mountain Balm, Santa Herba, Tarweed, Yerba Santa

Usage of Yerba Santa

Alzheimer disease

Animal and in vitro data

In vitro studies suggest that sterubin, found in E. californicum, is a potent neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory compound with possible benefits in Alzheimer disease.(Fischer 2019) The activity of sterubin was investigated for the first time in vivo using an Alzheimer disease mouse model. Sterubin HAD a positive impact on short- and long-term memory at low doSages.(Hofmann 2020)

Anti-inflammatory effects

In vitro data

Anti-inflammatory effects have been proposed for Eriodictyon extracts based on screening studies(Mazzio 2016, Walker 2016); it has been suggested that the chemical constituent eriodictyol can inhibit mast cell degranulation.(Yoo 2012)

Cancer

Animal data

In animal models, eriodictyol has been used as an effective chemopreventive agent against dimethylhydrazine-induced colon carcinogenesis.(Mariyappan 2017)

Hair pigmentation

In vitro data

Eriodictyon angustifolium extracts, but not E. californicum extracts, have been shown to reduce human hair graying. It has been proposed that an E. angustifolium extract, which is abundant in sterubin, may be suitable as a potential cosmetic and medical agent for the prevention and improvement of hair graying. It is unclear why E. californicum, which also contains sterubin, did not have a comparable effect, though the difference is possibly explained by the difference in quantity of the flavonoid.(Taguchi 2020)

Weight management

Animal and in vitro data

In a study evaluating in vitro and in vivo models (in an oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and in Caenorhabditis elegans, respectively) to determine whether santa herba exerts caffeine-like energizing effects, an E. californicum extract was shown to bind to adenosine receptor A2A, stimulate C. elegans motility (+7.5%) and locomotion, and yield high antioxidative capacities.(Mӧdinger 2021)

Clinical data

In a study evaluating effects of santa herba extract on body weight and appetite-related parameters in women who were overweight (body mass index [BMI] 25 to less than 30 kg/m2) or obese (BMI 30 to 35 kg/m2) (N=50), participants received either 400 mg of an E. californicum extract containing at least 4% homoeriodictyol (n=25) or placebo capsules (n=25) twice daily for 12 weeks with main meals. While a nonsignificant trend toward body weight reduction was observed in the overall study population, E. californicum consumption resulted in significant reductions in body weight (P=0.042) and body fat (P=0.044), as well as a tendency toward reduced leptin levels (P=0.065), in women with obesity compared to placebo. The authors concluded that daily E. californicum consumption may aid in weight management, particularly in individuals with a BMI exceeding 30 kg/m2.(Mӧdinger 2021)

Other uses

Tertiary resources report that eriodictyol has an expectorant action.(Khan 2010) Yerba santa has also been investigated for treating xerostomia, as a substitute for tobacco use, for reducing skin or mucosal irritation, and as a moisturizer.(Coy-Herbert 2002, Lewis 1977, Parnell 1993)

Yerba Santa side effects

There are no reports of significant adverse Reactions associated with topical or systemic use of yerba santa.

Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported for the related species Eriodictyon parryi (poodle-dog bush).(Czaplicki 2013)

Before taking Yerba Santa

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Yerba Santa

Clinical data are lacking to provide dosing recommendations for yerba santa. One small study in women with a BMI of at least 25 kg/m2 evaluated an E. californicum extract (at a dosage of 400 mg twice daily for 12 weeks) as a possible aid in weight management.(Mӧdinger 2021)

Warnings

There are no reports of significant toxicity associated with topical or systemic use of yerba santa.

What other drugs will affect Yerba Santa

None well documented.

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