Dr. Grey AI

Luo Bu Ma

Apocynum venetum (Luo Bu Ma or Rafuma) is a Chinese shrub whose leaves are used to make tea, traditionally consumed for cardiovascular and calming effects. Contains bioactives similar to St. John's Wort, including hyperforin. May reduce blood pressure and have mild anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects based on animal studies. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human evidence is minimal. Popular in China as a health tea. Appears safe for consumption as tea; shares some drug interaction concerns with St. John's Wort due to similar compounds.

Quick Answer

What it is

Apocynum venetum (Luo Bu Ma or Rafuma) is a Chinese shrub whose leaves are used to make tea, traditionally consumed for cardiovascular and calming effects. Contains bioactives similar to St.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Blood Pressure
  • Grade C: Anxiety and Stress
  • Grade C: Sleep Quality

Safety

  • Appears safe for consumption as tea; shares some drug interaction concerns with St.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Luo Bu Ma

Quick Facts: Luo Bu Ma

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Cardiovascular Health
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C3
D2
2 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Blood Pressure
One uncontrolled Chinese clinical study (n=60) found Apocynum venetum leaf extract significantly reduced systolic blood pressure from 171 to 148 mmHg and diastolic from 98 to 89 mmHg over 8 weeks (P<0.01). Multiple animal studies in spontaneously hypertensive, renal hypertensive, and NaCl-fed hypertensive rats demonstrate consistent blood pressure reduction. Mechanistic studies show the extract inhibits angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction via nitric oxide release and superoxide scavenging.
moderate↓Improves
D
Cholesterol and Lipid Levels
One uncontrolled Chinese clinical study (n=40 hyperlipidemic patients) found Apocynum venetum leaf extract significantly increased HDL-C from 47.5 to 63.9 mg/dL (P<0.01). The review literature reports lipid-lowering as a traditional use, but no controlled human trials have been conducted for this outcome.
small↓Improves
C
Anxiety and Stress
A large RCT (n=370 completers) found 50 mg/day Venetron for 6 weeks significantly reduced perceived stress and showed marginal significance for anxiety reduction vs placebo. A small crossover RCT (n=17) found reduced mental stress with 50 mg/day for 8 days. In animal models, the extract showed anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus maze mediated primarily through the GABAergic system, with kaempferol identified as an active anxiolytic compound.
small↓Improves
C
Sleep Quality
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study (n=17) found 50 mg/day Venetron for 8 days significantly improved sleep initiation and maintenance scores. A larger RCT (n=370 completers) found 50 mg/day for 6 weeks significantly improved sleep disturbance scores compared to placebo in adults with self-reported anxiety. Both studies used the standardized Venetron extract.
small↑Improves
D
Depression and Mood
In rodent models, Apocynum venetum leaf flavonoid extract (50-100 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time in forced swim and tail suspension tests, comparable to imipramine and fluoxetine. Mechanisms involve increased hippocampal noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations, inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and upregulation of BDNF. No human clinical trials have specifically assessed antidepressant effects.
moderate↑Worsens

Related Supplements

Spikenard

2 shared conditions · 8 outcomes

Spikenard (Jatamansi) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for calming, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotection. Similar traditional uses to Bacopa but with less research. Contains sesquiterpenes and volatile oils. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is very limited. Preclinical studies show neuroprotective potential. Traditionally used for epilepsy, anxiety, and memory. The plant is endangered due to overharvesting; sustainable sourcing is a concern.

Palmatine

2 shared conditions · 9 outcomes

Palmatine is a protoberberine alkaloid found alongside berberine in plants like Coptis, Phellodendron, and Berberis. Shares many mechanisms with berberine (AMPK, metabolic effects) but less potent. Some unique sedative/anxiolytic properties via GABA-A and D2 receptor modulation. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Limited human studies compared to berberine. May contribute to effects of berberine-containing extracts but rarely supplemented alone.

Fennel Essential Oil

2 shared conditions · 10 outcomes

Fennel essential oil is extracted from fennel seeds and used in aromatherapy as a 'stimulatory' essential oil. Contains trans-anethole (60-80%), which has estrogenic activity. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited clinical evidence. Used traditionally for digestive complaints, respiratory conditions, and lactation support. The estrogenic activity raises safety concerns for hormone-sensitive conditions. May have mild anxiolytic and antispasmodic effects when inhaled. Not recommended for internal use due to potential toxicity. For fennel seed evidence, see the fennel entry.

Celastrus Paniculatus

2 shared conditions · 7 outcomes

Celastrus paniculatus is an Ayurvedic nootropic known as 'Jyotishmati' (light-giving) or 'Intellect Tree'. Seed oil is used for cognitive enhancement and intestinal health. Animal studies show memory improvement, neuroprotection, and anxiolytic effects - notably, effects strengthen over 2 weeks of use (single doses ineffective). Mechanism involves cholinergic enhancement and antioxidant activity. Also shows potent intestinal smooth muscle relaxation. However, NO human clinical trials exist. Traditional use for centuries but requires modern human validation.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone

2 shared conditions · 15 outcomes

7,8-DHF is a natural flavonoid which can reach the brain and activate a receptor (TrkB) that promotes neuronal growth. Some animal evidence suggests that 7,8-DHF may have some cognitive and motor benefits and may be nootropic, but no human evidence for these claims exists to date.

White Kidney Bean Extract

1 shared condition · 6 outcomes

White Kidney Bean extract (Phase 2) is an alpha-amylase inhibitor that blocks starch digestion. It DOES work but potency is variable and modest - blocks ~25-65% of starch calories in acute studies. Meta-analyses show ~2kg weight loss over 4-12 weeks. Must be taken with starchy meals. Undigested starch goes to colon bacteria (gas, bloating). Better for preventing weight gain than losing existing weight. Works best with high-starch meals.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

1 shared condition · 10 outcomes

Vitamin K2 MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2, derived from natto (fermented soybeans). Unlike vitamin K1, MK-7 has a long half-life allowing it to reach extrahepatic tissues including bone and vasculature. Clinical trials demonstrate benefits for osteocalcin carboxylation, bone mineral density preservation in postmenopausal women, and arterial stiffness reduction. MK-7 activates proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) that direct calcium to bones and away from arteries.

Valine

1 shared condition · 7 outcomes

Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine. It's essential (must come from diet). NO GRADED OUTCOMES for isolated valine. Least studied and likely least important of the BCAAs for muscle building. Generally supplemented as part of BCAA mixture rather than alone. No unique proven benefits compared to other BCAAs. Safe as an amino acid. Adequate protein intake typically provides sufficient valine.