Winter’s bark is a blooming plant that is indigenous to Chile and Argentina’s Andean highlands. It is also known by the names Drimys winteri or canelo. Indigenous peoples have utilized the bark of this evergreen tree for millennia in traditional medicine to cure a variety of conditions, such as scurvy, digestive issues, and fever. Winter’s bark has received interest recently as a potential nutritional supplement because of its distinct chemical makeup and potential health advantages. An in-depth examination of winter’s bark’s chemistry, physiological effects, ideal dosage, adverse reactions, drug interactions, and appropriate use are all covered in this page.
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Winter’s Bark: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions, And Other Important Information is an original (NootropicsPlanet) article.
Nature of Winter’s Bark
The evergreen tree known as winter’s bark (Drimys winteri) is a member of the Winteraceae family. It grows well in temperate rainforests and marshes in the Andean areas of Chile and Argentina, where it is indigenous. The tree, which may grow to a height of 20 meters, has small, berry-like fruits in addition to fragrant, hermaphroditic white flowers. The tree has thick, corky bark that is grayish-brown in color and has an aromatic smell. Native Americans have long utilized the bark as a medicine, and because of its distinctive chemical makeup, it has also generated interest as a possible nutritional supplement.
Health Benefits of Winter’s Bark
A growing body of scientific evidence supports the potential health benefits of winter’s bark, including the following:
1. Antioxidant activity: Winter’s bark exhibits strong antioxidant activity, primarily attributed to its high content of coumarins and flavonoids. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which cause oxidative stress and cellular damage, can be neutralized by these substances. Winter’s bark may aid in the prevention of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological diseases by reducing oxidative stress.
2. Inflammatory resistant qualities: In vitro and in vivo research have shown that polygodial, the main bioactive component of winter’s bark, has strong anti-inflammatory effect. It has been demonstrated to limit the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which in turn suppresses the generation of pro-inflammatory mediators such nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and cytokines. Winter’s bark may therefore be helpful in controlling chronic inflammatory disorders such asthma, inflammatory bowel illness, and arthritis.
3. Antimicrobial and antifungal properties: The antibacterial and antifungal properties of winter’s bark have been shown to work against a range of infections, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. As it disrupts the cell membrane of microorganisms, polygodial is thought to be the main chemical responsible for these activities. As a result, winter’s bark might be a possible source of brand-new antimicrobial drugs for treating diseases brought on by microorganisms that are resistant to common antibiotics.
4. Analgesic and antinociceptive effects: In animal studies, the analgesic and antinociceptive properties of winter’s bark have been demonstrated. Because it interacts with TRPV1 receptors, a key component of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V that regulates pain perception, polygodial appears to be the main active ingredient. Due to this characteristic, winter’s bark may be a viable substitute for traditional analgesics in the treatment of pain and inflammation brought on by a variety of illnesses, including osteoarthritis, neuropathy, and postoperative pain.
Chemistry of Winter’s Bark
Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils are only a few of the bioactive substances that are abundant in winter’s bark. The principal bioactive components found in the bark include umbelliferone, polygodial, and drimenol.
The primary active ingredient in winter’s bark is thought to be polygodial, a sesquiterpene dialdehyde of the drimane family. It demonstrates a variety of pharmacological traits, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antinociceptive actions. A bicyclic sesquiterpene known as drimenol has been found to be the precursor of polygodial and to be involved in some of its biological functions. A coumarin derivative known as umbelliferone has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects.
Physiological Mechanism of Action of Winter’s Bark
Winter’s bark contains bioactive chemicals such as polygodial, drimenol, and umbelliferone, which are responsible for its pharmacological effects.
Flavonoids and coumarins found in winter’s bark, such as umbelliferone, work as antioxidants by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS), which cause oxidative stress and cellular damage. Winter’s bark antioxidant chemicals protect cells from oxidative damage and lower the risk of chronic diseases related to oxidative stress by neutralizing these damaging molecules.
Polygodial, the principal bioactive ingredient of winter’s bark, has anti-inflammatory characteristics due to its capacity to suppress the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). These signaling pathways are important in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide, prostaglandins, and cytokines. Polygodial decreases inflammation and may help control chronic inflammatory disorders by blocking these pathways.
Polygodial has antibacterial and antifungal properties by breaking microorganism cell membranes, resulting in cell death. The chemical alters the permeability and integrity of bacterial and fungal cell membrane lipid bilayers. This disturbance results in the release of vital cellular components, which eventually leads to cell death.
Polygodial exerts analgesic and antinociceptive effects via transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptors. TRPV1 receptors play a role in pain sensation and are activated by a variety of stimuli, including heat and inflammatory mediators. Polygodial works as a TRPV1 antagonist, inhibiting receptor activation and lowering pain perception.
Optimal Dosage of Winter’s Bark
Due to the scarcity of clinical research, determining the correct dosage of winter’s bark is difficult. However, animal studies and traditional use suggest that a dose of 100-300 mg per day of a standardized extract containing at least 1% polygodial may be effective for most adults. Before beginning supplementation, it is critical to check with a healthcare practitioner because individual demands and underlying health issues may influence the proper amount.
Side Effects of Winter’s Bark
Winter’s bark is typically considered safe when used in moderation and for brief periods of time. Some people, however, may develop minor side effects such as stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Allergic symptoms, such as skin rash, itching, and trouble breathing, have been recorded on rare occasions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as anybody who is allergic to winter’s bark or its compounds, should avoid taking this supplement.
Potential Substance Interactions with Winter’s Bark
Although there is a scarcity of comprehensive data on potential substance interactions with winter’s bark, the following interactions should be considered:
1. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: Because of its coumarin concentration, winter’s bark may enhance the effects of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs like as warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. Winter’s bark in combination with these drugs may increase the risk of bleeding and should be used with caution.
2. Substrates for Cytochrome P450 (CYP): Winter’s bark has the potential to interact with drugs processed by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system. Winter’s bark’s bioactive chemicals, particularly polygodial, have the ability to inhibit or activate specific CYP enzymes, potentially influencing the metabolism and efficacy of co-administered drugs. Statins, calcium channel blockers, and some antidepressants are examples of CYP substrates. Before mixing winter’s bark with other drugs, consult with a healthcare provider.
Responsible Usage of Winter’s Bark
Before beginning supplementing, consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a pre-existing health condition, or are using drugs. To maintain constant potency and efficacy, choose standardized extracts of winter’s bark containing at least 1% polygodial.
Begin with a low dose and gradually increase as needed, keeping an eye out for potential side effects and interactions. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare expert.
Winter’s Bark:
Conclusion
Antifungal and anti-inflammatory supplements like winter’s bark are invaluable for those who are immunocompromised or work in positions where infection is probable. Though using winter’s bark can be effective for common health issues or general enhancement, it is not recommended to use winter’s bark as a replacement for your existing prescriptions.
Winter’s bark can be easily integrated into your meals as well. Consider using winter’s bark liqueurs or consuming desserts with the plant if you’re looking to receive the health benefits while getting to enjoy the unique flavor profile it exhibits.
References:
- Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of extracts from Drimys winteri bark. Natural Product Communications, 7(12), 1611-1614. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320089
- Antimicrobial activity of three baccharis species used in the traditional medicine of Northern Chile. Molecules, 13(4), 790-794. Retrieved from: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/13/4/790
- Plant secondary metabolites as an alternative in pest management. II: Plant secondary metabolites role in plants. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311845747_Plant_secondary_metabolites_as_an_alternative_in_pest_management_II_Plant_secondary_metabolites_role_in_plants
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
