Brickellia: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Brickellia, a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, is gaining recognition for its traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly across Central America, Mexico, and parts of the United States. Species like Brickellia cavanillesii, Brickellia veronicifolia, and Brickellia arguta are commonly prepared as teas or extracts and are heralded for a host of potential health benefits. These range from blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory effects to anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) actions. But what does the science actually say? Here, we explore the benefits, side effects, and dosage recommendations for Brickellia, drawing from recent research.

Benefits of Brickellia

Brickellia has captured attention for its diverse therapeutic profile. Traditionally, it’s been used to manage diabetes, anxiety, pain, and digestive issues. Recent scientific investigations are beginning to validate many of these uses, providing insight into the plant’s active compounds and mechanisms of action.

Benefit	Description	Key Compounds	Source(s)
Hypoglycemic	Lowers blood sugar and aids diabetes	Flavonoids, Chromenes	1, 2, 4, 5
Analgesic	Reduces pain and inflammation	Methoxysalicylic acids	2
Spasmolytic	Relieves gastrointestinal spasms	Not specified	2
Anxiolytic	Reduces anxiety	Acacetin, Nicotiflorin	6, 7
Anti-cataract	Inhibits aldose reductase	Flavonoids	3

Table 1: Overview of Documented Benefits of Brickellia

Hypoglycemic Effects and Diabetes Management

One of the most robustly supported benefits of Brickellia, especially B. cavanillesii, is its ability to lower blood sugar levels. Animal studies demonstrate that aqueous extracts can significantly reduce fasting and postprandial (after-meal) glucose spikes in diabetic mice. The effect is likely due to the inhibition of α-glucosidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into glucose, thus slowing sugar absorption. Certain compounds, such as chromenes and flavonoids like isorhamnetin and quercetin, have been isolated and shown to be potent inhibitors—sometimes even more effective than standard drugs like acarbose 1. Additional in vitro work suggests that Brickellia extracts can upregulate glucose transporter proteins (GLUT2), further enhancing glucose uptake and utilization by cells 4,5.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Brickellia veronicifolia has been extensively used in folk medicine for pain management. Research supports this use: various extracts and isolated metabolites from the plant exhibit significant analgesic effects in animal models, reducing pain responses in hot plate and writhing tests. Compounds such as 2-methoxybenzoic acid and benzyl-2,6-dimethoxybenzoate are particularly effective. These same extracts also demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, making Brickellia a potential natural remedy for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions 2.

Spasmolytic and Gastrointestinal Benefits

Digestive health is another area where Brickellia shines. Traditional usage for stomachaches, dyspepsia, and biliary colics is supported by animal studies showing that extracts can significantly reduce gastrointestinal motility, indicating spasmolytic (antispasmodic) effects. This action can help alleviate stomach cramps and discomfort associated with digestive disorders 2.

Anxiolytic and Central Nervous System Effects

Anxiety is a prevalent condition, and Brickellia’s role as a natural anxiolytic is gaining scientific backing. Methanol extracts of B. cavanillesii have shown significant anxiolytic-like effects in mice, comparable to diazepam in some behavioral models. The compounds acacetin and nicotiflorin, isolated from the plant, are identified as partially responsible for these calming effects 6,7. Notably, these extracts did not induce toxicity at effective doses in animal studies, supporting their potential as safe alternatives for anxiety management.

Anti-cataract and Other Potential Benefits

Certain flavonoids isolated from Brickellia arguta exhibit inhibitory activity against aldose reductase, an enzyme implicated in the development of diabetic cataracts. This suggests that Brickellia may have a role in preventing diabetes-related eye complications 3. Additional bioactive compounds found in Brickellia display cytotoxic activity against cancer cells in vitro, though more research is needed to confirm anticancer effects in humans 4.

Side Effects of Brickellia

While Brickellia is widely used and generally considered safe in traditional practice, scientific studies have begun to shed light on its safety profile and potential adverse effects.

Effect	Description	Severity	Source(s)
Low toxicity	No acute or sub-acute toxicity in animals	Mild	6, 7
Cytotoxicity	Some compounds cytotoxic in vitro	Moderate	4, 5
Sedation	Sedative effects observed at high doses	Mild	7
Unknowns	Lack of data in pregnant/nursing women	?	[All]

Table 2: Documented Side Effects and Safety Considerations of Brickellia

General Safety and Toxicity

Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in mice reveal that Brickellia extracts have a high median lethal dose (LD50 > 2000 mg/kg), suggesting a wide safety margin. Repeated administration at therapeutic doses did not result in significant changes to body weight, organ function, or clinical chemistry parameters (like ALT and AST, markers for liver health). No toxic changes were observed in the liver, kidney, or heart 6.

Cytotoxicity and Cell Studies

Although whole plant extracts are generally safe, some isolated compounds from Brickellia exhibit cytotoxicity in vitro, especially against cancer cell lines. However, these effects are not typically seen when consuming whole-plant extracts or teas at traditional doses 4,5. This suggests that standard use is unlikely to cause harm, but concentrated extracts or isolated compounds should be approached with caution.

Central Nervous System and Sedative Effects

Sedative effects have been observed at higher doses, particularly with methanol extracts of B. cavanillesii. While this can enhance its anxiolytic properties, excessive sedation might interfere with daily activities, especially if combined with other sedative substances. Appropriate dosing mitigates this risk 7.

Unknowns and Groups Needing Caution

There is currently no safety data for Brickellia use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, nor in young children. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (such as ragweed, daisies, or marigolds) should exercise caution.

Dosage of Brickellia

Determining the right dosage for Brickellia is essential to maximize benefits while minimizing risk. Most available data is based on animal studies and traditional use, as no standardized human dosages exist yet.

Form	Typical Dose (Animal)	Human Equivalent (Est.)	Source(s)
Tea/Infusion	Not specified (tradition)	1-2 cups/day	4
Aqueous Extract	100 mg/kg (mice/rats)	~8-12 mg/kg	1, 2
Methanol Extract	100 mg/kg (mice)	~8 mg/kg	6, 7
Isolated Compounds	1-100 mg/kg (mice)	Not established	2

Table 3: Dosage Data for Brickellia (Animal and Estimated Human Equivalents)

Traditional Usage and Preparation

Brickellia is most commonly consumed as a tea or infusion, with 1-2 cups daily being the norm in traditional practice. The aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers) are steeped in hot water for several minutes before consumption. This method delivers a broad spectrum of active compounds and is considered safe for most adults 4.

Animal Studies: Translating to Human Dosage

Animal studies typically use doses ranging from 100 to 600 mg/kg, with significant effects observed at the lower end of this range. When converting to human equivalent doses (HED) based on body surface area, 100 mg/kg in mice roughly translates to 8-12 mg/kg in humans. For a 70 kg adult, this would be approximately 560-840 mg per day of extract—though actual safe and effective doses for humans still require formal clinical validation 1,2,6.

Isolated Compounds

Some studies have examined the effects of isolated Brickellia metabolites (e.g., acacetin, nicotiflorin, 2-methoxybenzoic acid) at doses ranging from 1-100 mg/kg in animals 2. However, such high doses of purified compounds are not typically achieved through tea or traditional preparations, and the safety of concentrated extracts has not been established for humans.

Practical Considerations

• Start low: If trying Brickellia for the first time, begin with small amounts (e.g., half a cup of tea) and monitor for adverse effects.
• Avoid combining with sedatives: Due to possible sedative effects at higher doses.
• Consult healthcare providers: Particularly if you have chronic illnesses, take regular medications, or are pregnant/nursing.

Conclusion

Brickellia species, especially B. cavanillesii and B. veronicifolia, offer a promising array of health benefits backed by emerging scientific research. Here’s what we’ve learned:

• Hypoglycemic activity: Brickellia extracts can help regulate blood sugar and may be beneficial in managing type 2 diabetes 1,2,4,5.
• Pain and inflammation relief: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are supported by both traditional use and animal studies 2.
• Gastrointestinal support: Spasmolytic effects can ease digestive discomfort 2.
• Anxiety relief: Anxiolytic properties have been demonstrated in animal models, with key roles for acacetin and nicotiflorin 6,7.
• Safety: Traditional and experimental use suggests a strong safety profile at normal doses, with minimal toxicity observed in animal studies 6,7.
• Dosage: While animal studies inform estimated dosages, human data is lacking; traditional use as a tea is generally safe, but concentrated extracts should be used cautiously.

In summary:

• Brickellia holds promise as a natural supplement for blood sugar control, pain relief, digestive health, and anxiety
• Scientific evidence is strongest for its hypoglycemic, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects
• Side effects are rare and mild at traditional doses, but concentrated extracts can have cytotoxic effects in vitro
• Dosage guidance is based on animal and traditional use due to lack of clinical trials—start low and consult healthcare professionals as needed

As research continues, Brickellia may become a valuable addition to evidence-based herbal medicine. However, more clinical studies are needed to define its full therapeutic potential and optimal dosing in humans.