Wise Mind Herbs

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Sedum sp.

Sedum is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Crassulaceae family, commonly known as stonecrops. Despite its widespread use in traditional medicine across various cultures, scientific research on Sedum's therapeutic properties remains limited compared to more extensively studied medicinal plants. This review examines the current state of peer-reviewed research on Sedum's health benefits.

Image source and license: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sedum_sarmentosum_1.jpg.
Modified by Peter Jorgensen.

Botanical Classification and Common Names

The genus Sedum comprises approximately 400-500 species of succulent plants. Some of the most commonly studied species for medicinal purposes include:

• Sedum roseum (L.) Scop. (syn. Rhodiola rosea) - Common names: roseroot, golden root, Arctic root
• Sedum sarmentosum Bunge - Common names: stringy stonecrop, gold moss stonecrop
• Sedum alfredii Hance - No widely used common name
• Sedum acre L. - Common names: biting stonecrop, goldmoss sedum
• Sedum telephium L. - Common names: orpine, livelong, witch's moneybags

It's important to note that Rhodiola rosea, formerly classified as Sedum roseum, is now generally recognized as a separate genus (Rhodiola) by most botanists, though some classification systems still include it within Sedum. This taxonomic distinction is significant because most of the clinical research on plants previously classified as Sedum has focused on Rhodiola rosea. A page dedicated to Rhodiola can be found here >>>

Conditions Potentially Treated or Alleviated

Based on the current peer-reviewed literature, various Sedum species have demonstrated potential therapeutic effects for the following conditions:

• Fatigue and stress-related disorders (primarily studied with S. roseum/Rhodiola rosea)
• Mild to moderate depression and anxiety (S. roseum/Rhodiola rosea)
• Cognitive function and memory enhancement (S. roseum/Rhodiola rosea)
• Anti-inflammatory conditions (S. sarmentosum, S. alfredii)
• Liver protection (S. sarmentosum)
• Antimicrobial activity (S. acre, S. telephium)
• Wound healing (S. telephium)

It's crucial to emphasize that most of these potential benefits have primarily been observed in preclinical (in vitro and animal) studies, with fewer well-designed human clinical trials, particularly for species other than Rhodiola rosea.

Active Compounds

The therapeutic effects of Sedum species are attributed to various bioactive compounds, including:

• Phenolic compounds (flavonoids, phenylpropanoids)
• Alkaloids
• Terpenoids
• Cyanogenic glycosides
• Rosavins and salidroside (primarily in S. roseum/Rhodiola rosea)

Recommended Dosages

Scientific evidence for standardized dosing is limited for most Sedum species. The exception is Rhodiola rosea (formerly S. roseum), for which clinical studies suggest:

• For fatigue and stress-related disorders: 200-600 mg daily of extract standardized to contain 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside
• For cognitive enhancement: 300-400 mg daily of standardized extract
• For mild to moderate depression: 340-680 mg daily of standardized extract

For other Sedum species, there is insufficient clinical evidence to establish effective dosage ranges. Most traditional uses involve decoctions or infusions of varying concentrations, which have not been standardized in scientific studies.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Reported side effects of Sedum preparations are generally mild and may include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, stomach upset)
• Dizziness or headache
• Sleep disturbances (particularly when taken later in the day)
• Allergic reactions (rare)

Potential contraindications include:

• Pregnancy and lactation (insufficient safety data)
• Bipolar disorder (theoretical risk of triggering manic episodes with Rhodiola rosea)
• Autoimmune conditions (theoretical immunomodulatory effects)
• Concurrent use with stimulants, antidepressants, or sedatives (potential interactions)

It's worth noting that S. acre (biting stonecrop) contains acrid compounds that can cause irritation to mucous membranes and skin, potentially leading to blistering with concentrated preparations.

High-Dose Studies and Knowledge Gaps

There is a significant knowledge gap regarding high-dose administration of Sedum preparations. No comprehensive dose-escalation studies have been published for most Sedum species.

Notable knowledge gaps include:

• Long-term safety data (most studies are short-term)
• Precise mechanisms of action for many reported effects
• Standardization of active compounds in species other than Rhodiola rosea
• Potential drug interactions
• Comparative efficacy between different Sedum species

It should be noted that many of these products are registered as medications only in specific countries and may be considered supplements in others.

Conclusion

While traditional uses of various Sedum species suggest potential therapeutic applications, scientific evidence supporting most of these uses remains preliminary. The strongest evidence exists for Rhodiola rosea (formerly classified as Sedum roseum), particularly for stress-related conditions and mild depression. For other Sedum species, more rigorous clinical research is needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety profiles. Individuals considering Sedum-based treatments should consult healthcare providers, especially when managing chronic conditions or taking other medications.

References

Boriollo, M. F. G., Marques, M. B., Da Silva, T. A., Da Silva, J. J., Dias, R. A., Silva Filho, T. H. N., ... & Spolidorio, D. M. P. (2020). Antimicrobial potential, phytochemical profile, cytotoxic and genotoxic screening of Sedum praealtum A. DC.(balsam). BMC complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20, 1-14.

Cappellucci, G., Paganelli, A., Ceccarelli, P. L., Miraldi, E., & Biagi, M. (2024). Insights on the in vitro wound healing effects of Sedum telephium L. Leaf Juice. Cosmetics, 11(4), 131.

Choi, J. Y., Jeong, M., Lee, K., Kim, J. O., Lee, W. H., Park, I., ... & Choi, J. H. (2023). Sedum middendorffianum Maxim induces apoptosis and inhibits the invasion of human ovarian cancer cells via oxidative stress regulation. Antioxidants, 12(7), 1386.

Qiu, Q., Jiang, L., Zhen, H., Huang, F., Zhen, D., Ye, M., ... & Qin, X. (2022). Promotion of HepG2 cell apoptosis by Sedum emarginatum Migo and the mechanism of action. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 22(1), 31.

Trabsa, H., Krach, I., Boussoualim, N., Ouhida, S., Arrar, L., & Baghiani, A. (2020). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Sedum sediforme extracts. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 19(10), 2109-2114.

Wang, B. L., Ge, Z. K., Qiu, J. R., Luan, S. Q., Hao, X. C., & Zhao, Y. H. (2024). Sedum aizoon L.: A review of its history, traditional uses, nutritional value, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and quality control. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15, 1349032.