Supplement
Trichopus zeylanicus is a forest plant from southern India, known as the ginseng of Kerala, whose extracts contain polyphenols and other compounds that act as antioxidants. People mostly look at it for fatigue, and rodent studies found extracts lengthened swimming time in young rats and aged mice without stimulant-like effects. The evidence is limited, though, because nearly all of this work was in animals or the lab, so it says little yet about people.
Sources: PMID 16617470; PMID 16177968
- Updated
- How we grade
- 13 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 2
- Outcomes
- 6
- Graded outcomes
- 0033
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fatigue Resistance In rodent models, Trichopus zeylanicus extracts (250-500 mg/kg) significantly increased swimming endurance time in young rats (p<0.005) and aged mice (p<0.01) without amphetamine-mimetic activity. Multiple independent groups have confirmed anti-fatigue effects, with one study showing enhanced free fatty acid utilization over glucose during exercise. Traditional use by the Kani tribe for sustained physical activity is consistent with these findings. | Changes; see studies | Moderate effect | 5 studies | |||
Studies that measured fatigue resistance
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General
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptogenic / Anti-Stress Activity In rodent models, the glyco-peptido-lipid fraction showed significant dose-dependent antistress activity across multiple stress paradigms including immobilization-induced gastric ulceration, adjuvant-induced trauma, and chemical stress. Seed extracts also prevented stress-induced gastric ulcers and increased swimming performance in adrenalectomized mice. Compared favorably to Withania somnifera in one study. No mortality observed at doses up to 3000 mg/kg. | Changes; see studies | Moderate effect | 4 studies | |||
Studies that measured adaptogenic / anti-stress activity
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| Liver Protection In rodent models, methanol extract (100 mg/kg) showed hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, restoring serum enzyme markers and reducing lipid peroxidation. Separate studies confirmed protection against mercury chloride and ibuprofen-induced liver damage, with benefits attributed to modulation of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic signaling, and antioxidant restoration. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Moderate effect | 3 studies | |||
Studies that measured liver protection
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| Immune Function In animal models, the alkaloid fraction demonstrated dose-dependent immunomodulation: increased neutrophil adhesion (50-54%), enhanced delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, and significantly increased WBC, RBC, and hemoglobin (P<0.001). Prevented cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. The adaptogenic glyco-peptido-lipid fraction also enhanced immune function in normal and immunosuppressed animals. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 2 studies | |||
| Sexual Function In male mice, ethanol extract stimulated sexual behavior with dose-dependent increases in mount frequency and mating performance. The effect was cumulative, with 6-day administration more effective than a single dose. The active component was heat-sensitive and present only in ethanol extract (not water or hexane). Offspring from treated males showed normal development. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 1 study | |||
Studies that measured sexual function | ||||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant Status In vitro, Trichopus zeylanicus significantly scavenged free radicals, reduced lipid peroxidation, inhibited lipoxygenase activity, exhibited iron-chelating activity, and protected against ROS-induced DNA damage. The herb contains NADH, polyphenols, and sulfhydryl compounds. In aged mice, the extract increased antioxidant status in liver mitochondria and showed greater lipid peroxidation inhibition than Ganoderma lucidum. | Improves (the measure goes up) | Small effect | 3 studies | |||
Studies that measured antioxidant status | ||||||
Key findings
- Fatigue ResistanceChanges; see studies
- Adaptogenic / Anti-Stress ActivityChanges; see studies
- Liver ProtectionImproves (the measure goes up)
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- Grade C
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Studies cited
13 studies from PubMed
- Trichopus zeylanicus ameliorates ibuprofen inebriated hepatotoxicity and enteropathy: an insight into its modulatory impact on pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic signaling pathways
- Evaluation of Immunomodulatory Activity of the Alkaloid Fraction of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn on Experimental Animals
- Beneficial effect of Trichopus zeylanicus extract on mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats
- Free-radical scavenging and mitochondrial antioxidant activities of Reishi-Ganoderma lucidum and Arogyapacha-Trichopus zeylanicus extracts
- Trichopus zeylanicus combats fatigue without amphetamine-mimetic activity
- Adaptogenic activity of glyco-peptido-lipid fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerten (part II)
- Antioxidant and DNA protecting properties of anti-fatigue herb Trichopus zeylanicus
- Adaptogenic activity of a glyco-peptido-lipid fraction from the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn
- Adrenocorticosterone alterations in male, albino mice treated with Trichopus zeylanicus, Withania somnifera and Panax ginseng preparations
- Hepatoprotective activity of Trichopus zeylanicus extract against paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in rats
- Aphrodisiac property of Trichopus zeylanicus extract in male mice
- Adaptogenic activity of seeds of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn, the ginseng of Kerala
- 'Arogyappacha' (Trichopus zeylanicus Gaerin), the 'Ginseng' of Kani Tribes of Agashyar Hills (Kerala) for Ever Green Health and Vitality