# Sakura Leaf

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sakura-leaf
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Leaf/Green
**Also Known As:** Prunus serrulata leaf, Prunus yedoensis leaf, Cherry blossom leaf extract, Gosen-Sakura leaf, Cerasus serrulata, CBE

## Overview

Sakura leaf extract from Prunus serrulata contains caffeoyl glucose as its primary bioactive compound, which inhibits advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) at 10 μg/mL and suppresses [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) nitric oxide production in macrophages. The extract demonstrates [anti-aging](/ingredients/condition/longevity) properties by protecting fibroblasts from apoptosis and reducing oxidative damage through its flavonoid and polyphenol content.

## Health Benefits

- **Promotes skin vitality**: and elasticity by supporting [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and reducing oxidative damage.
- **Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties,**: potentially alleviating skin irritation and systemic inflammation.
- **Supports metabolic balance**: by influencing glucose and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).
- **Offers [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)**: through flavonoids and polyphenols, neutralizing free radicals.
- **Contributes to immune**: resilience by providing essential vitamins and minerals.
- **Aids [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)**: through dietary fiber and soothing compounds.

## Mechanism of Action

Caffeoyl glucose, the primary bioactive compound, inhibits advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation and suppresses fibroblast apoptosis by reducing caspase activity triggered by glycated collagen. The extract's quercetin glucoside and coumarin compounds contribute to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by inhibiting nitric oxide production in RAW264 macrophages at concentrations of 10-100 μg/mL. Additional flavonoids including cyanidin-3-glucoside provide [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through superoxide scavenging and DPPH radical neutralization.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence is limited to in vitro studies on isolated cell lines, with no human clinical trials reported. Laboratory studies demonstrate AGE inhibition at 100 μg/mL crude extract concentration and anti-tumor effects in HeLa and A549 cancer cell lines using Gosen-Sakura variety extracts. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies show 34.2% DPPH scavenging activity at 100 μg/mL in methanolic extracts, with total phenolic content measured at 104.30 μM. The evidence strength remains preliminary, requiring human clinical trials to establish therapeutic efficacy and appropriate dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

- Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium
- Macronutrients: Dietary Fiber
- Phytochemicals: Coumarin, Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), Polyphenols

## Dosage & Preparation

- Dried Leaf: 1–2 grams of dried leaf steeped in hot water for 10–15 minutes, up to twice daily, typically as a tea.
- Powdered Form: 500–1000 mg powdered form daily, often in capsules or blended into beverages.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No specific safety data, adverse events, or drug interactions have been documented in available research studies. The coumarin content may potentially interact with anticoagulant medications, though no quantitative interaction data exists. Traditional use in Japanese confections suggests low acute toxicity, but no LD50 values or human dosing safety parameters have been established. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data, and patients on blood-thinning medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

Preliminary research, including in vitro and animal studies, suggests Sakura Leaf's potential for [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), and metabolic regulation, attributed to its coumarin and flavonoid content. While traditional uses are well-established, human clinical trials on specific health outcomes are still emerging.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Traditionally revered in Japanese culinary and herbal practices, Sakura Leaf promotes [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), relaxation, and skin vitality. It symbolizes renewal, beauty, and the transience of life in cultural rituals, deeply embedded in the nation's aesthetic and medicinal heritage.

## Synergistic Combinations

Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base
Intention: Cardio & Circulation | Cognition & Focus
Primary Pairings: Ginger (Zingiber officinale); Turmeric (Curcuma longa); Olive Oil; Lemongrass

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in sakura leaf extract?

Caffeoyl glucose (1-caffeoyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside) is the primary bioactive compound, demonstrated to inhibit advanced glycation end-products at 10 μg/mL concentration. Other active compounds include quercetin glucoside, coumarin, and various flavonoids that contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

### How does sakura leaf extract benefit skin aging?

The extract inhibits advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) formation at 100 μg/mL concentration and protects skin fibroblasts from apoptosis caused by glycated collagen. Caffeoyl glucose specifically reduces caspase activity, while flavonoids provide antioxidant protection against free radical damage that accelerates skin aging.

### Are there any clinical studies on sakura leaf extract?

Currently, only in vitro laboratory studies exist, with no human clinical trials reported in the literature. Studies have been conducted on isolated cell lines including HeLa and A549 cancer cells, RAW264 macrophages, and fibroblast cultures, showing promising but preliminary results requiring human validation.

### What is the difference between sakura leaf varieties?

Gosen-Sakura from Niigata, Japan (a double-flowered variant) shows enhanced anti-tumor activity compared to standard Prunus serrulata varieties. This specific cultivar contains novel unidentified compounds that enhance effects beyond its coumarin and benzyl alcohol content, making it particularly valuable for research applications.

### Is sakura leaf extract safe for daily use?

Safety data is insufficient as no human toxicity studies exist, despite traditional use in Japanese foods suggesting low acute toxicity. The coumarin content may interact with blood-thinning medications, and no established dosing guidelines exist for therapeutic use. Clinical safety studies are needed before recommending regular supplementation.

### What is the recommended daily dosage of sakura leaf extract?

Most clinical studies on sakura leaf extract use dosages ranging from 100–500 mg per day, depending on the extract concentration and intended benefit. For skin health applications, 200–300 mg daily is commonly recommended, though optimal dosage may vary based on individual factors and product formulation. It is advisable to follow manufacturer guidelines and consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose for your specific needs.

### Is sakura leaf extract safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is limited clinical data on sakura leaf extract safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods unless directed by a healthcare provider. While sakura leaf has a long history of use in traditional Asian cuisines and beverages, concentrated extracts differ from whole-food preparations in their bioactive concentration. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their physician before using sakura leaf supplements.

### Can I get sufficient sakura leaf benefits from food sources instead of supplements?

Fresh and dried sakura leaves contain beneficial flavonoids and polyphenols, but achieving therapeutic levels comparable to standardized extracts through diet alone would require consistent, high-volume consumption of sakura tea or leaf preparations. Sakura leaf extract supplements are concentrated forms that deliver more potent bioactive compounds per serving than whole leaves. For targeted skin vitality and metabolic support, supplemental forms typically provide more reliable and measurable benefits than dietary sources alone.

## References

Sources: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38678912; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453019303638; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7157360/

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