Dr. Grey AI

Chinese juniper

Juniperus chinensis is an ornamental plant with folklore medicinal uses but NO proven clinical benefits. NO GRADED HUMAN OUTCOMES. Contains widdrol, a sesquiterpene with preclinical anti-cancer activity. One rat study showed remarkable anti-diabetic effects but this has not been replicated. Has documented insect repellent properties. SAFETY WARNING: Historically used as an abortifacient - AVOID during pregnancy. Preclinical only - not recommended for supplementation.

Quick Answer

What it is

Juniperus chinensis is an ornamental plant with folklore medicinal uses but NO proven clinical benefits. NO GRADED HUMAN OUTCOMES.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Anti-Cancer Effects (Colon Cancer)
  • Grade D: Anti-Angiogenic Effects
  • Grade D: Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects

Safety

  • SAFETY WARNING: Historically used as an abortifacient - AVOID during pregnancy.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Chinese juniper

Quick Facts: Chinese juniper

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:0
  • Research Outcomes:7
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D7
0 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

D
Anti-Cancer Effects (Colon Cancer)
Multiple in vitro studies demonstrate that widdrol induces apoptosis and G1 cell cycle arrest in HT29 colon adenocarcinoma cells via AMPK activation, caspase-3/8/9 activation, and the Chk2-p53-Cdc25A-p21-MCM4 DNA damage checkpoint pathway. One xenograft mouse model showed widdrol reduced tumor growth and blood vessel formation in vivo.
moderate↓Improves
D
Anti-Angiogenic Effects
In vitro studies show widdrol inhibits HUVEC proliferation via G1 phase arrest and suppresses cell migration and tube formation by targeting VEGFR2 signaling. A Juniperus chinensis extract also demonstrated antiangiogenic activity in hepatocellular carcinoma models in vitro and in vivo.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effects
A single study found that Juniperus chinensis extract exhibited antiangiogenic and antihepatocellular carcinoma activities, inhibiting tumor growth in preclinical models through suppression of blood vessel formation.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Blood Glucose Levels
In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, ethanolic extract of Chinese juniper berries reduced blood glucose levels by up to 60% over 9 hours. This single animal study has not been replicated and used a chemically-induced diabetes model with limited translational value.
large↓Improves
D
Blood Lipid Levels
In alloxan-induced diabetic rats, aqueous extract of Chinese juniper berries showed potential hypolipidemic effects. This finding comes from a single animal study and has not been replicated or tested in humans.
small↓Worsens
D
PTP1B Inhibition (Insulin Sensitization)
An in vitro study found that α-methyl artoflavanocoumarin isolated from Juniperus chinensis inhibited PTP1B (IC50 25.27 µM) and increased glucose uptake in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activation. No animal or human validation exists.
small↑Improves
D
Insect Repellent / Larvicidal Activity
Essential oil of J. chinensis showed larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti (80-100% kill at 125-250 ppm) but failed to repel adult mosquitoes at the highest dosage tested (1.5 mg/cm²), performing substantially worse than DEET and J. communis oil.
small↑Improves

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