Espirea

Otros Nombres

Aaron's BeardAsian MeadowsweetBeauverd SpireaBilliard's SpiraeaBridal WreathBridal-Wreath SpiraeaBridalwreath SpireaBridewortBroadleaf White SpireaDollofDouglas SpiraeaEastern HardhackFilipendula ulmariaGarland SpiraeaGarland SpireaHardhackHardhack SpiraeaJapanese MeadowsweetJapanese SpiraeaKorean Meadow SpiraeaLady of the MeadowMead WortMeadow QueenMeadow-WortMeadowsweetMeadowsweetsMeadsweetNorthern MeadowsweetPink SpiraeaPride of the MeadowQueen of the MeadowRose MeadowsweetRose SpiraeaRosy MeadowsweetSaint Peter's WreathSpice HardhackSpiraea albaSpiraea alpinaSpiraea betulifoliaSpiraea bumaldaSpiraea cantoniensisSpiraea chamaedryfoliaSpiraea chinensisSpiraea crenataSpiraea douglasiiSpiraea hypericifoliaSpiraea japonicaSpiraea japonica var. alpinaSpiraea L.Spiraea latifoliaSpiraea mediaSpiraea prunifoliaSpiraea salicifoliaSpiraea splendensSpiraea thunbergiiSpiraea tomentosaSpiraea trilobataSpiraea ulmaria L.Spiraea virginianaSpireaSt. Peter's WreathSteeplebushSteeplebushesThunberg's MeadowsweetUlmaria pentapetalaVan Houtte's SpiraeaVirginia SpiraeaWestern SpiraeaWhite MeadowsweetWhitecapWillow SpiraeaWillow-Leaf MeadowsweetWillow-leaved MeadowsweetWillow-leaved SpireaWillowleaf Meadowsweet

Sinopsis

Spiraea: A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity: Botanical Classification, Natural Sources, and Common Forms

1.1 Taxonomy and Botanical Identity

The genus Spiraea L. belongs to the family Rosaceae Juss. and includes more than 100 species distributed in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere, with the center of species diversity in East Asia. Eight species occur in the United States and Canada. The genus is commonly rendered in older literature under the synonymous spelling "Spirea," and many historically important species previously placed in Spiraea — most notably Spiraea ulmaria — have since been reclassified. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is derived from salicylic acid, which, as salicin, occurs in the flower buds of the meadowsweet (Filipendula, formerly Spirea) and in the bark and leaves of several poplars and willows.

Acetylsalicylic acid was first isolated from Filipendula ulmaria, a species at the time classified in the genus Spiraea. The word "aspirin" was coined by adding a- (for acetylation) to spirin, from the German Spirsäure, a reference to Spiraea.

The principal medicinal species within the genus studied in modern literature include:

Spiraea japonica L. f. (Japanese meadowsweet) — widely studied for alkaloids and used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Spiraea salicifolia L. (willow-leaved spirea) — extensively studied in Russia and Central Europe for phenolic profiles and bioactivity.
Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora Nakai — used in Korean traditional medicine.
Spiraea chamaedryfolia L. — documented in European phytochemical research for diterpene alkaloid content.
Spiraea hypericifolia L. and Spiraea crenata L. — studied for phenolic profiles and antiviral and antioxidant activity.
Spiraea media Schmidt — common in Russia, studied for antiviral and antimicrobial properties.
Spiraea tomentosa L. (hardhack, steeple-bush) — documented in 19th-century North American eclectic medicine.

1.2 Botanical Description

As illustrated by Spiraea tomentosa, the genus encompasses small shrubs approximately 3–4 feet in height with simple, straight, round, ferruginous-tomentose, hard, brittle stems. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate-lanceolate, smoothish and dark-green above, with flowers that are small, very numerous, light-purple or rose-colored, in a short, dense, slender, terminal spike or pyramidal cluster. The fruits of Spiraea are multi-seeded leaflets opening along the inner and later the outer sutures. The seeds are flat, lanceolate, brown, 1.5–2 mm long and 0.5 mm wide.

1.3 Common Forms and Preparations

Spiraea species are widely used all over the world as ornamental shrubs for the landscaping of cities and settlements, as fodder, and as melliferous and soil-strengthening plants. In medicinal contexts, preparations documented in the literature include:

Decoctions and infusions from aerial parts (leaves, shoots, flowers), used in folk traditions across Eurasia.
Methanol and ethanol extracts, prepared for laboratory research, often at 40% or 70% alcohol concentration.
Dry extracts from aerial shoots, produced via repercolation or other extraction methods for antiviral and antioxidant research.
Teas, brewed from young leaves, flowers, and roots, recorded in historical North American and European usage.

Most studies on the chemical composition of spireas have been performed on plant samples — leafy shoots, fresh or dry leaves, and extremely rarely, flowers or underground parts — from Siberia and the Far East of Russia, as well as Japan and China.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Korean Traditional Medicine

Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora Nakai (Rosaceae), commonly called "bridal wreath," is a deciduous shrub widely distributed in Korea. The roots of this plant have been used as Korean traditional medicine to treat malaria, fever, and emetic conditions, and its young leaves have been consumed as a salad.

2.2 Traditional Chinese Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, young leaves, fruits, and roots of S. japonica L. and its varieties are used as diuretics and analgesics. Spiraea japonica var. fortunei has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine and is well-known for its alkaloids.

2.3 Russian and Central Asian Folk Medicine

Decoctions and infusions of S. salicifolia L. are used in traditional practice for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism, helminthiasis, gynecological diseases, and diabetes. Various Spiraea species are used in folk medicine as a diuretic, detoxifier, and pain reliever and to treat coughs, colds, inflammation, headaches, and toothaches. Plants of the genus Spiraea L. are widespread in Eurasia and North America, and they are used in conventional medicine to treat various diseases including colds and such symptoms as cough, inflammation, and fever.

2.4 Native American Use

Native American groups have various medicinal uses for local Spiraea species. S. betulifolia is used for abdominal pain and made into a tea. The Blackfoot use S. splendens root in an enema and to treat venereal conditions. Native Americans found S. douglasii useful for making brooms and hanging seafood to cook.

2.5 Celtic and Druidic Tradition (Filipendula ulmaria / Spiraea ulmaria)

Meadowsweet (Spiraea ulmaria, now Filipendula ulmaria) has a very long history of herbal use; it was one of the three most sacred herbs of the Druids. This plant bears small white flowers in corymbs supported on long peduncles; it is indigenous to Europe, where it is known as Meadow-sweet and Queen of the meadow. The leaves and flowering stems were historically regarded as alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aromatic, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stomachic and tonic. The plant was harvested in July when in flower and could be dried for later use. The herb was a valued medicine in the treatment of diarrhoea, indeed considered almost specific in the treatment of children's diarrhoea, and was also considered useful as a stomachic, being used to treat hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis, and peptic ulcers.

2.6 North American Eclectic Medicine (19th Century)

Spiraea tomentosa (hardhack) is a beautiful shrub, common in low grounds and moist meadows throughout the United States, flowering from May to August. The chief constituent of this plant's oil was first observed in 1835 by Pagenstecher; it is heavier than water, strongly aromatic, solidifies at −20°C (−4°F), and produces a deep-violet color with solution of ferric chloride.

2.7 Culinary Use

Young leaves have been cooked as a flavouring in soups; young leaves, flowers, and roots brewed into a tea; and dried leaves used as a flavouring, especially as a sweetener in herb teas. The flowers are used as a flavouring in various alcoholic beverages and in stewed fruits.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

3.1 Overview of Secondary Metabolite Classes

The genus produces a notable diversity of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenolcarboxylic acids, and lignans), terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, and other classes of secondary metabolites. Secondary metabolites with notable biological activity identified in plants of the genus include flavonoids, phenolcarboxylic acids, tannins, coumarins, terpenoids, steroidal glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, neolignans, fatty acids, and essential oils.

3.2 Flavonoids

Spireas, like other flowering plants, produce phenolic compounds, most of which are flavonoids. The flavonoid content of leaves varies within individual species; for example, in S. salicifolia, the concentration ranges from 46.24 to 120 mg/g (dry weight), whereas in S. dahurica, it does not exceed 43.63 mg/g.

Most of the flavonoids of spireas are flavonols, flavones, and catechins: derivatives of quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, luteolin, and catechin. New flavonoid glycosides have been discovered that have been isolated only from spireas so far. New neolignane glycosides, monoterpene acylglycosides, megastigmane glycosides, and other compounds have been isolated from the extracts of various Spiraea species.

Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid detected in flower extracts of S. japonica var. fortunei, while in the leaf extract, it is found in the form of isoquercetin. Casticin, detected in flower samples, is a flavonoid known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, and antiangiogenic characteristics; its antineoplastic properties have also been recently reported.

Thirty-three major components representing flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol derivatives) and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid derivatives) have been identified in Russian Spiraea species via LC-MS analysis.

3.3 Phenolcarboxylic Acids and Salicylates

All Spiraea species contain salicylates. Among spireas, the profile of phenolic acids and their derivatives is most studied in S. salicifolia. In addition to other acids, salicylic acid is present in the leaves of this species, whereas in flowering shoots, researchers have found 1-O-caffeoylglucose, 1-O-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, 1-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, 6-O-cis-n-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, and 6-O-trans-n-coumaroyl-β-D-glucopyranoside.

In the S. canescens whole plant, other phenolic acid derivatives have been found: 6′-O-p-coumaroyl-α/β-D-glucopyranose, 6′-O-p-cinnamoyl-α/β-D-glucopyranose, and 6′-O-(4-methoxy-trans-cinnamoyl)-α/β-D-glucopyranoside. Several phenolcarboxylic-acid derivatives have been identified in the branches of S. formosana, including nonadecyl ferulate, methyl ferulate, ethyl ferulate, ethyl-p-hydroxy-trans-cinnamate, methyl vanillate, and 3-O-β-D-glucoside-p-vanillic acid.

3.4 Diterpene Alkaloids

Diterpene alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites and chemotaxonomical markers with strong biological activity. These compounds are characteristic for the Ranunculaceae family, while their occurrence in other taxa is rare. Several species of the Spiraea genus (Rosaceae) are examples of this rarity.

Some species of the genus Spiraea native to Southeast Asia accumulate diterpene alkaloids of atisine and hetisine types. The Spiraea japonica L. complex is the sole resource of diterpene alkaloids and diterpenes in the genus. Previous investigations on the S. japonica complex have led to the isolation of a variety of diterpene alkaloids and diterpenes with wide bioactivities. Named compounds include the spiramine series, spiradines, spirasines, spiraqine, spiramide, and spiratines, isolated principally from roots and aerial parts of several S. japonica varieties.

Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Spiraea chamaedryfolia — identified as a species containing diterpene alkaloids — showed that its alkaloid-rich fractions exert a remarkable xanthine-oxidase inhibitory activity and a moderate antibacterial activity.

3.5 Tannins and Catechins

The total content of phenolic compounds and tannins is notably high across the genus; for instance, in an extract of S. hypericifolia, the tannin concentration reached 303.1 mg/g (dry extract). The concentrations of phenolcarboxylic acids and catechins are substantially higher in S. hypericifolia, while the contents of flavonoids are higher in S. crenata (78.3 mg/g).

In S. hypericifolia, researchers have found phenolic compounds in effective doses with high biological activity: flavonols, flavones, flavans, and phenolcarboxylic acids. Flavans isolated from the aerial part of S. hypericifolia — including aglycones (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, their glycosides, and dimers of catechins — have relatively low toxicity and exert antitumor action both alone and in combination with radiation therapy, in experiments in vivo and in vitro.

3.6 Other Constituents

Spiraea species have also been reported to contain various diterpenes, diterpene alkaloids, terpenoid glycosides, and flavonoids. In S. prunifolia var. simpliciflora, caffeoyl quinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol are identified as the main active components.

4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Spiraea extracts — specifically methanol extract of S. prunifolia var. simpliciflora — have been shown to significantly suppress the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and p65-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-induced acute lung injury mice and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells. SP treatment enhanced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) with upregulated antioxidant enzymes and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress in the lung tissues of an LPS-induced ALI model and TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells.

Spiramine C–D, atisine-type diterpenoid alkaloids isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine Spiraea japonica complex, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in vitro.

4.2 Antioxidant Mechanisms

Analysis of antioxidant potential across Russian Spiraea species revealed high activity of all tested extracts in the models of antiradical activity (DPPH assay), activity against cation radicals (TEAC assay), and superoxide anion radical (NBT assay). The highest positive correlation with antiviral activity in dry extracts was shown by concentrations of flavonoids and glycosides of isorhamnetin. The highest positive correlation with antiradical activity was manifested by concentrations of catechins and kaempferol glycosides.

4.3 Anti-Adipogenic and Metabolic Mechanisms

Oral administration of S. prunifolia leaves extract (SPE) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice considerably reduced body weight, serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, adipose tissue weight, and adipocyte cell size. SPE significantly decreased protein expression levels of adipogenesis and lipogenesis-related genes such as CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, and adipocyte protein 2.

4.4 Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition

Alkaloid-rich fractions of Spiraea chamaedryfolia were found to exert a remarkable xanthine-oxidase inhibitory activity. Xanthine oxidase inhibition is a recognized target in the management of hyperuricemia and gout, and this activity is attributed to the diterpene alkaloid-containing fractions of the species.

4.5 Anti-α-Amylase Activity

Acylated flavonoids isolated from Spiraea plants exert an anti-α-amylase effect. Inhibition of α-amylase is relevant to slowing the digestion of dietary carbohydrates and is studied in the context of blood glucose regulation.

4.6 Anticancer and Apoptotic Mechanisms

Spiramine derivatives of spiramine C–D bearing α,β-unsaturated ketone induce apoptosis of Bax^−/−/Bak^−/− MEFs cells, with cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines including multidrug-resistance MCF-7/ADR. An oxazolidine ring is necessary, and derivatives bearing double 'Michael reaction acceptor' groups significantly increase activities both of inducing apoptosis of Bax/Bak-independent cells and cytotoxicity of tumor cells. The result indicated that spiramine derivatives with an α,β-unsaturated ketone group represent a new anti-cancer agent with a capability of inducing apoptosis in a Bax/Bak-independent manner.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Inflammation and Respiratory Health

Preclinical (in vitro and animal) evidence — preliminary.

A cell culture and animal study (PMC, 2020) investigated the methanol extract of S. prunifolia var. simpliciflora (SP) leaves in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 human airway epithelial cells and in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. The study aimed to evaluate anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol extract of SP leaves in TNF-α-stimulated NCI-H292 cells and in an LPS-induced ALI mouse model. SP decreased the number of inflammatory cells and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the lung tissues of SP-treated mice. SP effectively inhibited airway inflammation and ROS-mediated oxidative stress, which was closely related to its ability to induce activation of Nrf2 and inhibit the phosphorylation of MAPKs and NF-κB. These findings suggest that SP has therapeutic potential for the treatment of ALI. No human clinical trials are available in this area.

5.2 Antioxidant Activity

Preclinical (in vitro) evidence — consistent across multiple species.

A 2022 study published in Industrial Crops and Products (ScienceDirect) investigated antiviral, antiradical, and phytochemical potential in dry extracts from S. hypericifolia, S. media, and S. salicifolia. Extracts from S. media and S. hypericifolia exerted moderate antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses (selectivity index of 3 to 21), while the S. salicifolia extract had the highest antiradical activity towards DPPH (IC50 38.3 and 35.5 μg/mL). IC50 values were found to be lower for the extract of S. crenata (IC50 = 55.18 µg/mL), which inhibited the radical at lower concentrations than the extract of S. hypericifolia (IC50 = 87.67 µg/mL). All findings are in vitro, and no clinical dosing or human evidence exists.

5.3 Antiviral Activity (Influenza)

Preclinical (in vitro) evidence — promising but preliminary.

All 40%-ethanolic extracts from Spiraea species investigated demonstrated antiviral activity against influenza A (H1N1) virus, with a selectivity index (SI) ranging from 1 to 10. IC50 values indicated that the S. salicifolia L. S15 leaf extract (5.9 µg/mL) had the most pronounced antiviral effect and the lowest toxicity (CC50 = 57.6 µg/mL) among the studied samples. The SI of this extract was 10, which exceeded that of the antiviral agent rimantadine (SI = 6). Dry extracts from the aerial parts of some Spiraea species hold promise for further study as natural inhibitors of influenza A (H1N1) virus and B/Florida/4/2006 virus replication and as antioxidants. These results are entirely in vitro cell-culture data; no animal or human studies have been conducted.

5.4 Antimicrobial Activity

Preclinical (in vitro) evidence — variable by species.

Moderate antibacterial activities have been found in extract fractions of different polarity from the aerial part of S. chamaedryfolia. Three fractions showed antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, and one fraction exerted antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In the fractions from the aerial part of S. chamaedryfolia, alkaloids were found that are possibly responsible for the antibacterial activity of this species. Screening of Russian Spiraea species revealed significant antiviral activity at a concentration of 2 µg/mL and high (MIC <1 mg/mL) or moderate (MIC 1–4 mg/mL) antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative strains. It should be noted that S. alba manifested no antimicrobial activity, and researchers have not detected a high correlation between antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in these plants, suggesting that the antimicrobial action may be exerted by nonphenolic substances.

5.5 Obesity and Lipid Metabolism

Preclinical (animal) evidence — preliminary.

A 2022 study published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy evaluated the effects of Spiraea prunifolia leaves extract (SPE) in a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mouse model. The study investigated the effects of SPE on adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and β-oxidation. Oral administration of SPE in HFD-induced obese mice considerably reduced body weight, serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, adipose tissue weight, and adipocyte cell size. The molecular mechanisms observed included downregulation of adipogenesis/lipogenesis genes and upregulation of β-oxidation pathways. No human clinical data exist for this indication.

5.6 Anticancer Activity (Diterpene Alkaloids)

Preclinical (in vitro) evidence — mechanistically interesting but very preliminary.

Chinese scientists have revealed anticancer activity of diterpene alkaloids from S. japonica. Spiramine derivatives of spiramine C–D bearing α,β-unsaturated ketone have been shown to induce apoptosis of Bax^−/−/Bak^−/− MEFs cells, with positive correspondence to their cytotoxicity against tumor cell lines including multidrug-resistant MCF-7/ADR. An oxazolidine ring is necessary, and derivatives bearing a double 'Michael reaction acceptor' group significantly increased apoptotic and cytotoxic activities. In experimental models, maximum tolerated flavan doses were 60–100 mg/kg of animal weight. In rats with Pliss lymphosarcoma and mice with Sarcoma 180, treatment with polyflavans showed a significant antitumor effect. There are no human data, and these findings have not advanced to clinical investigation.

5.7 Antiviral Activity Against Tobacco Mosaic Virus (Atisine Alkaloids)

Plant virus/in vivo plant model — not applicable to human medicine.

Atisine-type diterpene alkaloids from the ethanolic extract of S. japonica at a concentration of 100 μg/mL can inhibit infection by tobacco mosaic virus and show in vivo curative properties, with cure rates of 53.2–60.3% for various compounds, which is better (p <0.05) than that of the positive control, ningnanmycin (55.2%). The diterpene compound hsp-X40 showed the best inhibitory activity (78.1%). The anti-tobacco mosaic virus activity of atisine-type diterpene alkaloids from S. japonica is related to downregulation of the tobacco mosaic virus coat protein.

5.8 Gastrointestinal Applications (Historical Context)

The flower head of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria, formerly Spiraea ulmaria) contains salicylic acid, from which the drug aspirin can be synthesised. Unlike the extracted aspirin, which can cause gastric ulceration at high doses, the combination of constituents in meadowsweet was historically considered to act to protect the inner lining of the stomach and intestines whilst still providing anti-inflammatory benefits. This traditional claim has not been substantiated in controlled human clinical trials.

5.9 Anti-Diabetic / Anti-Amylase Activity

Preliminary in vitro evidence only.

In recent studies, Spiraea biological activity associated with the presence of phenolcarboxylic acids was well researched, and antidiabetic, insecticidal, and fungicidal effects were shown, as well as properties that regulate plant growth. Acylated flavonoids isolated from Spiraea plants exert an anti-α-amylase effect. These findings remain at the in vitro stage, with no clinical translation documented.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Spiraea

Immune and inflammatory systems: Inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK pathways, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) documented in cell and animal models.
Respiratory system: Attenuation of acute lung injury inflammatory and oxidative markers in murine models.
Cardiovascular and lipid metabolism: Reduction of serum cholesterol and triglycerides in HFD mouse models; historical use of salicylate-containing compounds as antiplatelet agents.
Gastrointestinal system: Long-standing traditional use for diarrhoea, hyperacidity, heartburn, gastritis, and ulcers; folk use for helminthiasis and gastrointestinal infections.
Musculoskeletal system: Traditional use for rheumatism; salicylate content underpins historical use as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for joint pain.
Urogenital system: Traditional use as a diuretic; decoctions of S. salicifolia used for gynecological conditions in folk medicine.
Infectious disease (antiviral/antimicrobial): In vitro activity against influenza A (H1N1), influenza B, and various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA.
Oncology: Preliminary in vitro and animal data on diterpene alkaloids and flavans; no clinical data.
Metabolic system: Anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic activities in animal models; anti-α-amylase effects in vitro relevant to carbohydrate metabolism.

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

No established human clinical dosages exist for any Spiraea species. The following doses are reported strictly as used in the cited preclinical literature:

Anti-inflammatory / ALI murine model (S. prunifolia var. simpliciflora methanol extract): Administered orally to mice; specific mg/kg doses are not specified in the retrieved abstracts.
Antitumor flavan doses (S. hypericifolia): The maximum tolerated flavan doses in animal experiments are 60–100 mg/kg of animal weight.
Anti-TMV alkaloids (S. japonica): Atisine-type diterpene alkaloids tested at a concentration of 100 μg/mL.
Antiviral in vitro (S. salicifolia leaf extract): IC50 of 5.9 µg/mL and CC50 of 57.6 µg/mL.
Antiviral/antiradical in vitro (S. salicifolia): DPPH IC50 of 38.3 and 35.5 μg/mL.
Antibacterial (S. chamaedryfolia, multiple species): High antibacterial activity assessed at MIC <1 mg/mL; moderate activity at MIC 1–4 mg/mL against gram-positive and gram-negative strains.
Antiviral screening (multiple species): Significant antiviral activity demonstrated at a concentration of 2 µg/mL.

No pharmacopoeial monograph or regulatory authority (EMA, WHO, NIH) has established a standardized dosage for any Spiraea species preparation as a human supplement or medicine.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

8.1 Salicylate Content and Related Risks

All Spiraea species contain salicylates. The salicylate content of Spiraea preparations is therefore a primary safety consideration. Salicylate toxicity is a complex problem that may develop with either acute or chronic exposure to salicylates. Salicylates are found in over-the-counter medications including aspirin, as well as alternative medication products such as willow bark, which share chemical kinship with Spiraea. Patients with salicylate toxicity may have involvement of multiple organ systems, including particularly the central nervous system (cerebral edema, coma, agitation, tinnitus, seizures), the pulmonary system (hyperventilation/tachypnea, acute lung injury), and the gastrointestinal system (nausea, vomiting).

The primary effects of salicylate toxicity are complex and include direct stimulation of the CNS respiratory center leading to a respiratory alkalosis. Salicylates also uncouple oxidative phosphorylation at a cellular level, producing an increased metabolic rate. This results in increasing oxygen consumption, glucose utilization, and heat production. Salicylates inhibit the Krebs cycle and alter lipid and amino acid metabolism, producing lactic acid and ketones with resultant metabolic acidosis. They also interfere with hemostasis by damaging hepatocytes and interfering with prostaglandin synthesis.

8.2 Cyanogenic Glycoside Content in Certain Species

Aruncus dioicus [formerly Spiraea aruncus] should be eaten only when young shoots contain very little cyanogenetic glycoside. The plant is not easy to identify at that stage and can be mistaken for the more dangerous Aconitum napellus L.; in 2005, in Lombardia, the confusion with Aconitum napellus caused the poisoning of approximately 20 people, two of whom died.

8.3 In Vitro Cytotoxicity

Extracts from studied Spiraea species demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity in cell culture, with CC50 values ranging from 5.6 to 95.6 μg/mL. This variability in cytotoxic potential across species underscores the importance of species-specific and preparation-specific safety evaluation.

8.4 Potential Drug Interactions

Because all Spiraea species contain salicylates, additive salicylate toxicity is a pharmacologically plausible risk when Spiraea preparations are used concurrently with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), or other salicylate-containing products. Salicylates are commonly used for their analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet properties, all of which may be amplified or complicated by concurrent exposure from botanical sources. No published pharmacokinetic interaction studies with Spiraea preparations and pharmaceutical drugs have been identified in the retrieved literature.

8.5 Evidence on Toxicity of Alkaloid Fractions

The diterpene alkaloids characteristic of the S. japonica complex (spiramines, spiradines, etc.) belong to chemical classes — atisine and hetisine types — that in related genera (notably Aconitum and Delphinium, also Ranunculaceae) are associated with significant mammalian toxicity. Diterpene alkaloids are secondary plant metabolites with strong biological activity; these compounds are characteristic for the Ranunculaceae family, and their occurrence in other taxa, including Spiraea, is rare. The toxicological profile of Spiraea-specific diterpene alkaloids in mammals has not been fully characterized, and no regulatory safety assessments have been published for isolated alkaloid fractions.

8.6 Absence of Established Safety Data

There are no published human clinical trials, systematic reviews, or formal toxicological assessments specifically evaluating the safety of Spiraea genus preparations in humans. No EMA Community Herbal Monograph, WHO monograph, Commission E monograph, ESCOP monograph, or NIH/NCCIH advisory specifically addresses the genus Spiraea (distinct from Filipendula ulmaria) as of the most recent literature reviewed. Only marginal ethnomedicinal use of Spiraea species has been documented in North America and Asia, though pharmacological studies have reported noteworthy activities of Spiraea extracts and isolated compounds.

9. Overall Evidence Assessment

The analysis of the literature shows that further chemical and pharmacological studies on Spiraea plants are quite promising. However, the entire body of scientific evidence for Spiraea species as medicinal or dietary supplement ingredients consists of in vitro cell-culture studies and animal models; no controlled human clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses have been published for any therapeutic application of any Spiraea species preparation. Historical and traditional use is well-documented across Korean, Chinese, Russian, Central Asian, European, and Native American traditions, but this evidence does not substitute for clinical data. Several phytochemical and bioactivity studies indicate young Spiraea shoots as a promising source of pharmaceutically and nutraceutically active natural products. The preclinical data — particularly for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-adipogenic effects — are internally consistent and mechanistically plausible, but translational evidence to human populations is entirely absent.

References

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