Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceWeight management

Ashitaba

Ashitaba is a Japanese herb whose yellow sap chalcones (4-hydroxyderricin, xanthoangelol) have one small positive RCT for visceral fat. One 42-person industry-run trial is not a track record, and the general "longevity herb" marketing has no human support at all.

What the science says

  • Reduces visceral fat Limited evidence

    A 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 42 overweight adults (BMI 25 to under 30) gave 16 mg/day of ashitaba chalcone (10.1 mg 4-hydroxyderricin plus 5.9 mg xanthoangelol). CT-measured visceral fat area was significantly lower than placebo at 12 weeks and waist circumference at both 8 and 12 weeks (p<0.05). The sample was small, the effect sizes modest, and the study was run by the ingredient supplier — it needs independent replication before this counts as established.

  • Extends lifespan or induces autophagy Limited evidence

    The longevity claim comes from a 2019 paper showing the ashitaba flavonoid DMC induces autophagy and extends lifespan in yeast, worms and flies, plus cell work. Nothing in humans tests lifespan, healthspan or any autophagy marker, and the doses used in model organisms do not translate to a capsule.

  • Improves blood sugar and lipids Limited evidence

    Rodent studies report improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles with chalcone-rich extracts, but there is no adequately controlled human trial with glycaemic or lipid primary endpoints.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe one positive human trial used 16 mg/day of standardized ashitaba chalcone for 12 weeks. Whole-leaf powder products are typically sold at 1-3 g/day, which contains an unstated and usually much lower chalcone dose — leaf powder and standardized chalcone extract are not interchangeable.
SafetyToxicology assessments of ashitaba chalcone extract found no genotoxicity and a high no-observed-adverse-effect level in rodents; human trials at 16 mg/day for 12 weeks reported no notable adverse events. Ashitaba is an Apiaceae plant containing coumarins and furanocoumarins, so photosensitivity and cross-reactivity in people allergic to celery, carrot or angelica are plausible; the sap can irritate skin. Coumarin content raises a theoretical anticoagulant interaction — caution with warfarin. No data in pregnancy, breastfeeding or children, and no long-term human safety data beyond 12 weeks.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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