Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
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 nitric oxide production in macrophages. The extract demonstrates anti-aging properties by protecting fibroblasts from apoptosis and reducing oxidative damage through its flavonoid and polyphenol content.
CategoryLeaf & Herb
GroupLeaf/Green
Evidence LevelStrong
Primary Keywordsakura leaf benefits
Synergy Pairings4
Health Benefits
Promotes skin vitality and elasticity by supporting collagen synthesis and reducing oxidative damage.
Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially alleviating skin irritation and systemic inflammation.
Supports metabolic balance by influencing glucose and lipid metabolism
Offers antioxidant protection through flavonoids and polyphenols, neutralizing free radicals.
Contributes to immune resilience by providing essential vitamins and minerals
Aids digestive health through dietary fiber and soothing compounds
Origin & History
Sakura Leaf (Prunus serrulata/Prunus yedoensis) refers to the leaves of the Japanese cherry blossom tree, native to Japan and East Asia. These leaves are traditionally harvested for their unique aromatic and bioactive compounds, offering benefits for skin vitality and metabolic balance.
“Traditionally revered in Japanese culinary and herbal practices, Sakura Leaf promotes digestion, 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.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Preliminary research, including in vitro and animal studies, suggests Sakura Leaf's potential for skin health, antioxidant protection, 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.
Preparation & Dosage
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
Nutritional Profile
- Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium
- Macronutrients: Dietary Fiber
- Phytochemicals: Coumarin, Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), Polyphenols
How It Works
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 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 through superoxide scavenging and DPPH radical neutralization.
Clinical Evidence
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 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.
Safety & 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.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Polyphenol/antioxidant base
Cardio & Circulation | Cognition & Focus
Also Known As
Prunus serrulata leafPrunus yedoensis leafCherry blossom leaf extractGosen-Sakura leafCerasus serrulataCBE
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.
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