# ProLivenol (Lonicera japonica extract)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/prolivenol
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Lonicera japonica extract, Japanese honeysuckle extract, Jin Yin Hua extract, Honeysuckle flower extract, Lonicera extract, Suikazura extract, Gold and Silver Flower extract, Woodbine extract

## Overview

ProLivenol is a standardized Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) extract containing chlorogenic acid (1.75%) and luteolin as primary bioactives, which exert [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) radical scavenging and nitric oxide pathway inhibition. Current evidence is limited to in vitro and preliminary cell-based studies, with no large-scale human clinical trials yet published.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): In vitro studies show DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 56.8 μg/ml) and SOD scavenging (IC50 134.1 μg/ml) for 75% ethanol extracts (preliminary evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Cell studies demonstrate nitric oxide inhibition attributed to chlorogenic acid (1.75%) and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (0.035%) content (preliminary evidence)
• Traditional fever reduction: Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 1,000 years to treat heat-related conditions and fevers (traditional evidence only)
• Respiratory support: Historically used for respiratory issues including severe acute respiratory syndromes and H1N1 influenza (traditional evidence only)
• Detoxification support: Traditional use for clearing heat and detoxifying, though no clinical evidence exists (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

ProLivenol's chlorogenic acid and luteolin inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), reducing pro-inflammatory nitric oxide production in macrophage cell models. The extract's polyphenols neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s through hydrogen atom transfer and electron donation mechanisms, demonstrated by DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 56.8 μg/ml) and superoxide dismutase-comparable scavenging (IC50 134.1 μg/ml) in 75% ethanol extract preparations. Chlorogenic acid also modulates NF-κB signaling pathways, potentially reducing downstream cytokine cascades relevant to hepatic [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation).

## Clinical Summary

Available evidence for ProLivenol is currently restricted to in vitro assays and cell-based studies; no peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials in human subjects have been published as of the current data. DPPH and SOD radical scavenging activity was quantified in laboratory assays using 75% ethanol extracts, establishing preliminary [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) benchmarks. Nitric oxide inhibition attributed specifically to chlorogenic acid (1.75% standardization) was demonstrated in cell culture models, providing a mechanistic rationale but not proof of clinical efficacy. Until controlled human trials with defined dosages and liver-specific biomarkers (ALT, AST, GGT) are completed, efficacy claims must be considered preliminary and extrapolated from phytochemical research.

## Nutritional Profile

ProLivenol is a standardized Lonicera japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) extract, not a conventional food, so macronutrient content (protein, fat, carbohydrate) is negligible at typical supplement doses. Key bioactive compounds include: • Chlorogenic acid: ~1.75% (primary phenolic acid; contributes to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity; bioavailability is moderate, undergoing hydrolysis to caffeic acid and quinic acid by gut esterases and microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), with peak plasma levels at ~1–2 hours post-ingestion) • Luteolin-7-O-glucoside: ~0.035% (flavonoid glycoside; hydrolyzed to luteolin aglycone in the gut, which has moderate absorption; undergoes extensive phase II conjugation reducing free-form bioavailability to ~5–10%) • Luteolin (aglycone): trace amounts present; low aqueous solubility limits oral bioavailability without glycoside or lipid-based delivery • Caffeic acid: present as a secondary metabolite and chlorogenic acid degradation product • Loganin and secologanin: iridoid glycosides characteristic of Lonicera japonica, typically present at 0.5–2% in whole extracts; contribute to anti-inflammatory signaling; bioavailability is moderate via intestinal absorption • Saponins: minor amounts present, may enhance membrane permeability of co-administered compounds • Cynaroside and other minor flavonoids: trace levels • Polyphenol content (total): estimated at 3–8% by gallic acid equivalents depending on extraction solvent (75% ethanol extracts yield higher polyphenol concentration) • Essential minerals and vitamins: not a significant source; negligible amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium may be present from plant matrix • Fiber: not applicable at extract doses • Extraction solvent note: 75% ethanol extraction preferentially concentrates mid-polarity phenolics (chlorogenic acid, flavonoid glycosides) over water-soluble sugars or highly lipophilic terpenes • Bioavailability considerations: overall polyphenol bioavailability is limited by first-pass hepatic metabolism and glucuronidation/sulfation; co-administration with piperine or lipid carriers may enhance absorption; colonic microbiota further metabolize unabsorbed polyphenols into smaller phenolic acids (e.g., 3-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid) which may contribute to systemic effects

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for ProLivenol in humans have been established. In vitro studies used extract concentrations equivalent to 0.89-1.75% chlorogenic acid or 0.017-0.035% luteolin-7-O-glucoside, but no standardization for human therapeutic use is available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lonicera japonica extracts are generally regarded as well-tolerated in traditional use, but standardized ProLivenol extract lacks long-term human safety data from clinical trials. Individuals taking anticoagulants such as warfarin should exercise caution, as chlorogenic acid may influence platelet aggregation and CYP450 enzyme activity, potentially altering drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established for this specific extract, and use is not recommended without medical supervision in these populations. Those with known allergies to plants in the Caprifoliaceae family should avoid this ingredient, and individuals on immunosuppressive or hepatotoxic medications should consult a physician before use.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses specifically on ProLivenol or standardized Lonicera japonica extracts were identified. Available evidence is limited to in vitro and animal studies demonstrating [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activities, with no PubMed PMIDs for human studies found.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Lonicera japonica flower (Jin Yin Hua) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 1,000 years to treat heat-related conditions, infections, fevers, and respiratory issues. It is valued in classical texts for clearing heat, detoxifying, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.

## Synergistic Combinations

Milk thistle, N-acetyl cysteine, Alpha-lipoic acid, Vitamin C, Green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is ProLivenol and what plant is it derived from?

ProLivenol is a proprietary standardized extract derived from Lonicera japonica, commonly called Japanese honeysuckle. It is standardized to contain at least 1.75% chlorogenic acid alongside luteolin and other polyphenols, and is marketed specifically for liver health support based on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties observed in laboratory studies.

### What is the active compound in ProLivenol responsible for its effects?

The primary bioactive compounds in ProLivenol are chlorogenic acid, standardized at 1.75%, and luteolin, a flavonoid. Chlorogenic acid is principally credited with inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in cell studies, while both compounds contribute to free radical scavenging activity measured at an IC50 of 56.8 μg/ml against DPPH radicals in 75% ethanol extracts.

### Are there human clinical trials supporting ProLivenol for liver health?

As of available published data, no large-scale randomized controlled trials in human subjects specifically evaluating ProLivenol for liver health outcomes have been completed. Current evidence is derived from in vitro antioxidant assays and cell-based inflammation models, which establish mechanistic plausibility but cannot confirm clinical dosing, efficacy, or safety in humans. Consumers should treat existing benefit claims as preliminary until robust human trial data are published.

### How does ProLivenol compare to other liver supplements like milk thistle?

Milk thistle (silymarin) has a substantially larger body of human clinical evidence, including multiple randomized trials in patients with liver fibrosis and alcoholic liver disease, whereas ProLivenol currently lacks equivalent human data. Both ingredients share antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, but silymarin's silibinin has well-characterized inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation and lipid peroxidation pathways with defined clinical dosages (140–420 mg/day). ProLivenol's chlorogenic acid and luteolin show analogous in vitro activity but require human pharmacokinetic and efficacy trials to establish comparable clinical standing.

### Can ProLivenol interact with medications or cause side effects?

ProLivenol may interact with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin because chlorogenic acid can influence platelet function and may affect CYP450 hepatic enzyme metabolism, potentially altering drug plasma levels. No specific adverse event data from controlled human studies are available for this extract, but Lonicera japonica in traditional preparations is associated with occasional gastrointestinal discomfort at high doses. Individuals on prescription medications, particularly anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or immunosuppressants, should consult a healthcare provider before adding ProLivenol to their regimen.

### What is the difference between ProLivenol extract potency and standard Lonicera japonica preparations?

ProLivenol is a standardized extract of Lonicera japonica formulated to concentrate bioactive compounds like chlorogenic acid (1.75%) and luteolin-7-O-glucoside (0.035%), whereas standard plant preparations may contain variable and lower levels of these compounds. This standardization allows for more consistent antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging at IC50 56.8 μg/ml) and anti-inflammatory effects compared to non-standardized botanical materials. The extraction process using 75% ethanol is designed to optimize the recovery of polyphenolic compounds responsible for ProLivenol's measured efficacy in preliminary studies.

### What does current research reveal about ProLivenol's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms?

In vitro studies demonstrate that ProLivenol exhibits antioxidant activity through DPPH radical scavenging and SOD (superoxide dismutase) scavenging, with measured IC50 values of 56.8 μg/ml and 134.1 μg/ml respectively in preliminary testing. The anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its chlorogenic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside content, which inhibit nitric oxide production in cell-based models. However, it is important to note that these are preliminary in vitro findings, and robust human clinical evidence is still needed to confirm these mechanisms translate to meaningful health benefits in living organisms.

### Who should consider ProLivenol supplementation based on its traditional use and current research?

ProLivenol may be of interest to individuals seeking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, as it has been traditionally used in Asian medicine for fever reduction and has preliminary evidence for these properties in laboratory studies. Those with oxidative stress-related concerns or seeking complementary liver support alongside conventional care might explore this ingredient, though clinical evidence in humans remains limited. As with any supplement, individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly if they have existing liver conditions, take medications, or are pregnant or nursing.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*