Bamboo Extract
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Bamboo Extract (Bambusa vulgaris / Phyllostachys edulis (Bamboo leaf and internode extract)) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 320 participants, researched for Natural Silica Source, Antioxidant Activity, Anti-inflammatory Effects.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Natural Silica Source
WeakAntioxidant Activity
WeakAnti-inflammatory Effects
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Natural Silica Source
To evaluate the bioavailability of biogenic silicon derived from bamboo compared to a novel monomeric silicic acid form.
Study Type
Bioavailability study
Purpose
To evaluate the bioavailability of biogenic silicon derived from bamboo compared to a novel monomeric silicic acid form.
Dose
Bamboo-derived silicon supplement
Participants
Broiler chick model (n=9 per group)
Duration
35 days
Results
Bamboo-derived biogenic silicon was bioavailable (detectable in serum). Bone strength outcomes supported silicon's role in skeletal integrity. Bamboo silicon sources support collagen and keratin production for hair, nails, and skin.
How They Measured It
Serum silica levels at day 14 and 35, tibia bone strength
To evaluate the silicon content of bamboo extracts and relevance as a natural silica supplement.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To evaluate the silicon content of bamboo extracts and relevance as a natural silica supplement.
Dose
Bamboo extract standardised to 7% silica
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Bamboo contains the highest plant-based silica content of any terrestrial plant. Bamboo-derived orthosilicic acid supports collagen biosynthesis and is the primary natural source used in hair, skin, and nail supplement formulations.
How They Measured It
Silicon content analysis, bioavailability review, collagen synthesis literature
Antioxidant Activity
To assess the antioxidant potential of bamboo leaf extract polyphenols and flavonoids.
Study Type
In vitro antioxidant evaluation
Purpose
To assess the antioxidant potential of bamboo leaf extract polyphenols and flavonoids.
Dose
Various bamboo leaf extract concentrations
Participants
In vitro study
Duration
Laboratory
Results
Bamboo leaf extract showed potent DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity. Primary antioxidant compounds included p-coumaric acid, orientin, and vitexin (flavone C-glycosides). Activity was concentration-dependent.
How They Measured It
DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS assay, FRAP, total polyphenol content
Anti-inflammatory Effects
To investigate anti-inflammatory mechanisms of bamboo leaf extract flavone C-glycosides.
Study Type
In vitro mechanistic study
Purpose
To investigate anti-inflammatory mechanisms of bamboo leaf extract flavone C-glycosides.
Dose
Bamboo leaf extract (standardised to active flavones)
Participants
In vitro cell culture
Duration
Laboratory
Results
Bamboo leaf extract inhibited NF-κB activation and suppressed COX-2 expression. TNF-α and IL-6 production were significantly reduced. Anti-inflammatory effects attributed to flavone C-glycosides (orientin, vitexin).
How They Measured It
NF-κB activation assay, COX-2 expression, TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine levels
To evaluate bamboo leaf extract supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in healthy adults.
Study Type
Pilot clinical trial
Purpose
To evaluate bamboo leaf extract supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in healthy adults.
Dose
Standardised bamboo leaf extract 300 mg/day
Participants
60 healthy adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Bamboo leaf extract significantly reduced serum MDA and CRP, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, GPx). Total antioxidant capacity improved vs control group.
How They Measured It
Serum MDA, SOD, GPx, total antioxidant capacity, CRP
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bamboo Extract research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Bamboo Extract (Bambusa vulgaris / Phyllostachys edulis (Bamboo leaf and internode extract)), involving 320 total participants. Research covers Natural silica source for hair & nails, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory effects and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Bamboo Extract has been researched for: Natural silica source for hair & nails, Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Blood sugar support. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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