Safety Profile
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Interactions
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Birch leaf extract has diuretic properties and is used for urinary tract and kidney health. It is generally safe. Its diuretic effect can interact with diuretic medications and alter electrolyte balance. People with birch pollen allergy may react to birch leaf extracts. Not recommended in those with oedema from heart or kidney failure without medical advice.
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Scientific Name
- Betula pendula
Mechanism of Action
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Pharmacokinetics
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
Recommended Dosage
Information not yet available for this ingredient profile.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Botanical
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- No significant safety signals identified in the reviewed literature.
The available scientific evidence for Birch Leaf Extract indicates notable safety signals that warrant caution. Use should be considered carefully and monitored, particularly in sensitive populations or alongside other medications.
Total SETI Score
High risk| Evidence quality | 10/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 0 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 26 მარ 2026, 14:36
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAntibacterial properties of experimentally produced birch tar and its medicinal affordances in the Pleistocene. ↗Siemssen T et al.. Antibacterial properties of experimentally produced birch tar and its medicinal affordances in the Pleistocene.. PLoS One. 2026. PMID:41849267.PMID 41849267 ↗Journal PLoS OneYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41849267/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPotential of Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates for the Construction of Sustainable Polymer Composite Materials. ↗Ipatova N et al.. Potential of Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates for the Construction of Sustainable Polymer Composite Materials.. Polymers (Basel). 2026. PMID:41829266.PMID 41829266 ↗Journal Polymers (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41829266/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWNaOH-Only Pretreated Wood Densification: A Simplified Sulfite-Free Route Across Wood Species. ↗Andze L et al.. NaOH-Only Pretreated Wood Densification: A Simplified Sulfite-Free Route Across Wood Species.. Polymers (Basel). 2026. PMID:41682020.PMID 41682020 ↗Journal Polymers (Basel)Year 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41682020/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWConduit and pit dimensions scale in a coordinated way from the treetop to coarse roots in three boreal tree species. ↗Held M et al.. Conduit and pit dimensions scale in a coordinated way from the treetop to coarse roots in three boreal tree species.. Tree Physiol. 2026. PMID:41578849.PMID 41578849 ↗Journal Tree PhysiolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41578849/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAdaptive capacity of Asian populations of Lymantria dispar to non preferred plants during northward expansion. ↗Arzhanova EL et al.. Adaptive capacity of Asian populations of Lymantria dispar to non preferred plants during northward expansion.. Sci Rep. 2026. PMID:41545486.PMID 41545486 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41545486/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWElevated environmental humidity modulates aquaporin expression and impacts leaf hydraulic efficiency in silver birch (Betula pendula). ↗u00d5unapuu-Pikas E et al.. Elevated environmental humidity modulates aquaporin expression and impacts leaf hydraulic efficiency in silver birch (Betula pendula).. New Phytol. 2026. PMID:41194426.PMID 41194426 ↗Journal New PhytolYear 2026Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41194426/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWSpatial and Temporal Dynamics of Birch-Mining Eriocrania Moths in an Urban Landscape over Four Decades. ↗Kozlov MV et al.. Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Birch-Mining Eriocrania Moths in an Urban Landscape over Four Decades.. Insects. 2025. PMID:41598859.PMID 41598859 ↗Journal InsectsYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41598859/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWNatural pigments from the endophyte Aspergillus westerdijkiae and evaluation of their bioactivities. ↗Baskaran A et al.. Natural pigments from the endophyte Aspergillus westerdijkiae and evaluation of their bioactivities.. Microb Cell Fact. 2025. PMID:41476306.PMID 41476306 ↗Journal Microb Cell FactYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41476306/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWAnthelmintic Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used in Europe. ↗Boyko O et al.. Anthelmintic Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used in Europe.. Biology (Basel). 2025. PMID:41463411.PMID 41463411 ↗Journal Biology (Basel)Year 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41463411/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWExploring the role of BpPIN3 in hormonal regulation and branching morphogenesis of Betula pendula. ↗Chen K et al.. Exploring the role of BpPIN3 in hormonal regulation and branching morphogenesis of Betula pendula.. BMC Plant Biol. 2025. PMID:41299223.PMID 41299223 ↗Journal BMC Plant BiolYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41299223/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Birch Leaf Extract. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Birch Leaf Extract
A score of 1.5 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
No major regulatory restrictions or advisories recorded across monitored jurisdictions (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others).
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.