Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) contains chlorogenic acid and luteolin as primary bioactive compounds that inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The herb reduces inflammatory markers like IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α through modulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle) is a flowering vine native to East Asia, traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine with therapeutic components derived from flowers (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), leaves, and stems. The plant is typically processed into aqueous extracts, decoctions, or dried preparations, with water-soluble polysaccharides and flavonoid compounds isolated through chromatographic methods.
Current evidence consists primarily of animal studies and in vitro research, with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include mice models showing lung protection (PMID: 38750986, 38115057), rat models demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects (PMID: 26958034), and cellular studies revealing NF-κB pathway inhibition (PMID: 11115613).
Animal studies used 30-60 mg/kg polysaccharide extract for atopic dermatitis and varying doses of flower, leaf, and stem extracts for acute lung injury. Traditional preparations typically use aqueous decoctions of dried flowers or leaves, but specific human dosage ranges are not established in the available literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Lonicera japonica is not consumed as a macronutrient source but contains well-characterized bioactive compounds. Primary bioactive constituents include: chlorogenic acid (the dominant polyphenol, ranging 1.5–5.0% dry weight in flowers, up to 8% in some extracts; CAS 327-97-9), isochlorogenic acids A/B/C (collective concentration ~0.5–2.0% dry weight), and luteolin (flavonoid, ~0.1–0.5% dry weight). Caffeic acid is present at ~0.05–0.2% dry weight. Iridoid glycosides include loganin and secoxyloganin (~0.1–0.3% dry weight). Saponins (hederacoside C, macranthoidin A/B) are present at ~0.5–1.5% dry weight in flower buds. Volatile essential oils (linalool, geraniol, α-terpineol) constitute approximately 0.1–0.3% of fresh flower weight. Flavonoids beyond luteolin include luteolin-7-glucoside, quercetin, and hyperoside at trace to minor concentrations (0.01–0.1% dry weight). Macro/micronutrient content is minimal and not therapeutically relevant; crude fiber content in dried flowers is approximately 8–12% dry weight. Protein content is low (~5–8% dry weight, primarily structural plant proteins). Mineral content includes modest potassium (~300–500 mg/100g dried material), calcium (~150–250 mg/100g), and magnesium (~80–120 mg/100g). Bioavailability notes: Chlorogenic acid undergoes hydrolysis in the gut to caffeic acid and quinic acid; oral bioavailability of intact chlorogenic acid is limited (~5–10%) but colonic microbial metabolism yields bioavailable phenolic metabolites. Luteolin bioavailability is enhanced by gut microbial deglycosylation of its glucoside form. Water-based decoctions (traditional preparation) efficiently extract chlorogenic acid and flavonoid glycosides; alcohol extracts favor aglycone flavonoids and saponins. Standardized extracts are typically normalized to chlorogenic acid content (≥1.5% by HPLC per Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 standard for Flos Lonicerae Japonicae).
Japanese honeysuckle's chlorogenic acid and luteolin compounds suppress inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These bioactive compounds prevent translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus, thereby reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The herb also modulates oxidative stress responses through activation of Nrf2 antioxidant pathways.
Current evidence comes primarily from animal studies rather than human clinical trials. Rat studies using LPS-induced lung injury models showed significant reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels at doses of 200-400mg/kg body weight. One study demonstrated dose-dependent reduction in edema formation in inflammatory conditions. However, human clinical data is lacking, limiting the strength of evidence for therapeutic applications in people.
Japanese honeysuckle is generally considered safe when used traditionally, but comprehensive safety data is limited. The herb may interact with immunosuppressive medications due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical studies, so use should be avoided during these periods.
