Erva Tostao - Boerhaavia diffusa Database file in the Tropical Plant Database of herbal remedies
Erva Tostão
Family: Nyctaginaceae
Genus: Boerhaavia, Boerhavia
Species: diffusa, hirsuta
Synonyms: Boerhavia adscendens, B. caribaea, B. coccinea, B. erecta, B. paniculata, B. repens, B.viscosa
Common Names: Erva tostão, erva toustao, pega-pinto, hog weed, pig weed, atikamaamidi, biskhapra, djambo, etiponia, fowl's lice, ganda'dar, ghetuli, katkatud, mahenshi, mamauri, ndandalida, oulouni niabo, paanbalibis, patal-jarh, pitasudu-pala, punar-nava, punerva, punarnava, purnoi, samdelma, san sant, santh, santi, satadi thikedi, satodi, spreading hog weed, tellaaku, thazhuthama, thikri, touri-touri, tshrana
Parts Used: whole herb, roots
The following text has been reprinted from: The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs © 2005 by Leslie Taylor.
| ERVA TOSTAO | ||
| Herbal Properties and Actions | ||
MAIN ACTIONS | OTHER ACTIONS | STANDARD DOSAGE |
| protects liver | detoxifies | Leaves, Root |
| supports liver | expels worms | Decoction: 1 cup 1-3 |
| reduces inflammation | increases bile | times daily |
| relieves pain | cleanses blood | Tincture: 2 ml 1-3 times daily |
| reduces spasms | stops convulsions | Capsules: 500 mg - 1 g 1-3 |
| supports kidneys | kills bacteria | times daily |
| increases urination | kills amebas | |
| stops bleeding | kills viruses | |
| lowers blood pressure | detoxifies | |
| mildly laxative | stimulates milk flow | |
| kills parasites |
Description
Erva tostão is a vigorous, low-growing, spreading vine with a long, tuberous tap root. It produces yellow and white flowers and is sometimes considered an invasive weed. It can be found in many tropical and warm-climate countries. Indigenous to Brazil, it is found in abundance along roadsides and in the forests in and near Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais. Erva tostão is also indigenous to India, where it is found in abundance in the warmer parts of the country. Erva tostão is called punarnava in India, where it has a long history of use by indigenous and tribal people and in Ayurvedic herbal medicine systems.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses
The roots of erva tostão have held an important place in herbal medicine in both Brazil and India for many years. G. L. Cruz, one of Brazil's leading medical herbalists, reports erva tostão is "a plant medicine of great importance, extraordinarily beneficial in the treatment of liver disorders." It is employed in Brazilian herbal medicine to stimulate the emptying of the gallbladder, as a diuretic, for all types of liver disorders (including jaundice and hepatitis), gallbladder pain and stones, urinary tract disorders, renal disorders, kidney stones, cystitis, and nephritis. In Ayurvedic herbal medicine systems in India, the roots are employed as a diuretic, digestive aid, laxative, and menstrual promoter and to treat gonorrhea, internal inflammation of all kinds, edema, jaundice, menstrual problems, anemia, and liver, gallbladder, and kidney disorders. Throughout the tropics, erva tostão is considered an excellent natural remedy for guinea worms - a bothersome tropical parasite that lays its eggs underneath the skin of humans and livestock; the eggs later hatch into larvae or worms that eat the underlying tissue. The roots of the plant are normally softened in boiling water and then mashed up and applied as a paste or poultice to the affected areas to kill the worms and expel them from the skin.
Plant Chemicals
Novel plant chemicals have been found in erva tostão, including flavonoids, steroids, and alkaloids, many of which drive its documented biological activities. The novel alkaloids found in erva tostão have been documented with immune modulating effects. In one study, the alkaloid fraction of the root evidenced a dramatic effect in reducing an elevation of cortisol levels under stressful conditions (cortisol is an inflammatory chemical produced in the body in an immune response). Simultaneously, the alkaloids (and a whole root extract) also prevented a drop in immune system performance indicating an adaptogenic immune modulation activity, which might suggest it could be helpful in preventing adrenal exhaustion.
The main plant chemicals in this plant include: alanine, arachidic acid, aspartic acid, β-ecdysone, behenic acid, boeravinone A thru E, betanin, boerhaavic acid, boeravilanostenyl benzoate, borhavine, borhavone, caffeic acid, caffeoyltartaric acid, campesterol, coccineone E and B, 9-O-Methyl-10-hydroxy coccineone E, daucosterol, ecdysone, eupalitin, ferulic acid, flavones, galactose, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, hentriacontane, heptadecyclic acid, histidine, hypoxanthine, hypoxanthine-9-L-arabinofuranoside, kaempferol, kaempferol 3-O-robinobioside, liriodendrin, oleaic acid, oxalic acid, palmitic acid, proline, punarnavine, quercetin, serine, sitosterols, stearic acid, stigmasterol, syringaresinol, threonine, triacontan, ursolic acid, valine, and vanillin.
Biological Activities and Clinical Research
Erva tostão has long been used in traditional medicine systems as a diuretic (to increase urination) for many types of kidney and urinary disorders. The diuretic action of erva tostão has been studied and validated by scientists in several studies. Researchers showed that low dosages (10-300 mg per kg of body weight) produced strong diuretic effects, while higher dosages (more than 300 mg/kg) produced the opposite effect - reducing urine output. Later research verified these diuretic and antidiuretic properties, as well as the beneficial kidney and renal effects of erva tostão in animals and humans. Research indicates that a root extract can increase urine output by as much as 100 percent in a twenty-four-hour period at dosages as low as 10 mg per kg of body weight.
The worldwide use of erva tostão for various liver complaints and disorders was validated in three separate studies. These indicated that a root extract provided beneficial effects in animals by protecting the liver from numerous introduced toxins and even repairing chemical-induced liver and kidney damage. In other clinical studies with animals, erva tostão extracts demonstrated smooth muscle and skeletal muscle stimulant activities in frogs and guinea pigs; anti-inflammatory actions in rats; hypotensive actions in dogs as well as in vitro hypotensive actions; antispasmodic actions in frogs and guinea pigs; analgesic activities in mice; and antiamebic actions in rats. In two studies with monkeys, a root extract was reported to reduce bleeding and uterine hemorrhaging commonly associated with wearing contraceptive IUDs. The traditional use of erva tostão for convulsions was verified by scientists in two studies, demonstrating that a root extract provided anticonvulsant actions in mice. In vitro testing of erva tostão confirmed its antibacterial properties against gonorrhea (another traditional use), as well as Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Staphylococcus. It was also shown to possess antiviral actions against several viral plant pathogens.
Current Practical Uses
Many of these animal studies help to explain erva tostão's long history of different uses in natural medicine. Clearly, it has played an important role in the herbal practitioner's medicine chest of natural remedies for many maladies in both South America and India. It is an effective natural remedy, especially for the liver and kidneys, which is deserving of much more attention and use here in the United States. Several research groups studying various biological activities of erva tostão have shown the safety of the plant - indicating no toxicity of root and leaf extracts taken orally by mice at up to 5 g per kg of body weight. Another group of scientists studied the effects of erva tostão on pregnant rats and reported that it had no abortive effects and no embryotoxic or teratogenic (fetal death or birth defect) activity.
| Erva tostão Plant Summary |
|
Main Preparation Method: decoction or capsules Main Actions (in order): Main Uses:
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: ACE-inhibitor (typically lowers blood pressure), analgesic (pain-reliever), anti-inflammatory, antiamebic, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antihemorrhagic (reduces bleeding), antispasmodic, antiviral, liver and gallbladder bile stimulant, diuretic, hepatoprotective (liver protector), hepatotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the liver), hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), immune modulator (selectively lowers overactive immune cells) Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: antihistamine, antilithic (prevents or eliminates kidney stones), aperient (mild laxative), blood cleanser, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), carminative (expels gas), detoxifier, digestive stimulant, kidney tonic (tones, balances, strengthens the kidneys), lactagogue (promotes milk flow), menstrual stimulant, uterine stimulant, vermifuge (expels worms) Cautions: It is contraindicated in some heart diseases; it has hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), cardiac depressant, and ACE-inhibitor effects. |
Traditional Preparation: For a general liver tonic, 1 cup of a whole herb or root decoction or 2 ml of a 4:1 tincture is taken once daily. This same dosage is taken two to three times daily for various liver and kidney disorders. For a natural diuretic, 500 mg of the root in capsules or tablets can be taken twice daily. As a menstrual aid (to reduce menstrual pain, cramping, and excessive bleeding) 1 cup of a whole herb or root decoction or 1-2 g in tablets or capsules can be taken two to three times daily as needed. See Traditional Herbal Remedies Preparation Methods page if necessary for definitions.
Contraindications:
- 1. Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the hypotensive properties of erva tostão. Those with heart problems such as low blood pressure, or those taking medications to lower their blood pressure should not use this plant without the advice and supervision of a qualified health care practitioner as blood pressure levels should be monitored closely.
- 2. This herb has also demonstrated myocardial depressant activity and should therefore not be taken by anyone with heart failure or those taking heart depressant medications unless under the direction and care of a qualified health care practitioner.
Drug Interactions: Erva tostão may interfere with prescription diuretics and may potentiate cardiac depressant medications. Erva tostão has been documented in one in vitro study to have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition action. Therefore, this plant may potentiate ACE inhibitor drugs for high blood pressure.
In one study, an oral dosage of 500 mg/kg (leaf extract) in mice inhibited barbiturates and decreased sleeping time. Therefore, the use of this plant may decrease the effect of barbiturates.
| Worldwide Ethnomedical Uses | |
| Brazil | for albuminuria, beri-beri, bile insufficiency, cystitis, edema, gallbladder problems, gallstones, gonorrhea, guinea worms, hepatitis, hypertension, jaundice, kidney disorders, kidney stones, liver disorders, liver support, nephritis, renal disorders, sclerosis (liver), snakebite, spleen (enlarged), urinary disorders, urinary retention |
| Guatemala | for erysipelas, guinea worms |
| India | for abdominal pain, anemia, ascites, asthma, blood purification, cancer, cataracts, childbirth, cholera, constipation, cough, debility, digestive sluggishness, dropsy, dyspepsia, edema, eye problems, fever, gonorrhea, guinea worms, heart ailments, heart disease, hemorrhages (childbirth), hemorrhages (thoracic), hemorrhoids, inflammation (internal), internal parasites, jaundice, kidney disorders, kidney stones, lactation aid, liver disorders, liver support, menstrual disorders, renal insufficiency, rheumatism, snakebite, spleen (enlarged), urinary disorders, weakness, and as a diuretic and expectorant |
| Iran | for edema, gonorrhea, hives, intestinal gas, jaundice, joint pain, lumbago, nephritis, and as an appetite stimulant, diuretic and expectorant |
| Nigeria | for abscesses, asthma, boils, convulsions, epilepsy, fever, guinea worms, and as an expectorant and laxative |
| West Africa | for abortion, guinea worms, menstrual irregularities, and as an aphrodisiac |
| Elsewhere | for childbirth, guinea worms, jaundice, sterility, yaws |
The above text has been reprinted from
The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor, copyrighted 2005
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Published Research on Erva tostão
All available third-party research on erva tostâo can be found at PubMed. A partial listing of the third-party published research on erva tostâo updated through Feb 2019 is shown below:
Liver Protective Actions:
Nipanikar, S., et al. "Pharmacological evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of AHPL/AYTAB/0613 tablet in carbon tetrachloride-, Ethanol-, and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models in Wistar albino rats." Pharmacog. Res. 2017 Dec; 9 (Suppl 1): S41-S47.
Kaushik, A., et al. "Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of swaras and hima extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa in Swiss albino mice." Pharmacogn. Mag. 2017 Oct; 13(Suppl 3): S658-S662.
Venkatalakshmi, P., et al. "Hepatoprotective activity of Boerhavia diffusa against paracetamol induced toxicity in rats." J. Chem. Pharm. Res. 2011; 3: 229–232.
Olaleye, M., et al. "Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective property of leaf extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010 Aug-Sep; 48(8-9): 2200-5.
Devaki, T., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa on tissue anti-oxidant defense system during ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats." J. Nat. Rem. 2005; 5(2): 102–107.
Rawat, A., et al. "Hepatoprotective activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L roots - a popular Indian ethnomedicine." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1997; 56(1): 61-66.
Chandan, B., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa: a study of its hepatoprotective activity." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1991; 31(3): 299-307.
Gulati, R., et al. "Hepatoprotective activity of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. against country made liquor induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats fed on controlled calorie diet." Ind. J. Pharmacol. 1991; 23: 264–267.
Diuretic, Kidney Protective & Antilithic (expels or prevents stones) Actions:
Das, P., et al. "Formation of struvite urinary stones and approaches towards the inhibition-A review." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2017 Dec; 96: 361-370.
Karwasra, R., et al. "Corrigendum to "Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." [Regul. Toxicol. and Pharmacol. 81 (2016) 341-352]. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2017 Aug; 88: 367-368.
Agarwal, K., et al. "Ethnobotanical study of antilithic plants of Bhopal district. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Nov 4; 174: 17-24.
Oburai, N., et al. "Comparative clinical evaluation of Boerhavia diffusa root extract with standard Enalapril treatment in canine chronic renal failure." J. Ayurveda Integr. Med. 2015 Jul-Sep; 6(3): 150-7.
Sawardekar, S., et al. "Evaluation of the effect of Boerhavia diffusa on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats." J. Ayurveda Integr. Med. 2015 Apr-Jun; 6(2): 95-103.
Singh, P., et al. "Antihyperglycaemic and renoprotective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. in experimental diabetic rats." J. Complement. Integr. Med. 2011 Jan; 8.
Pareta, S., et al. "Aqueous extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root ameliorates ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluric oxidative stress and renal injury in rat kidney." Pharm Biol. 2011 Dec; 49(12): 1224-33.
Yasir, F., et al. "Effect of indigenous plant extracts on calcium oxalate crystallization having a role in urolithiasis." Urol Res. 2011 Oct; 39(5): 345-50.
Jarald, E., et al. "Effect of Unex on ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in rats." Indian J. Pharmacol. 2011 Jul; 43(4): 466-8.
Pareta, S., et al. "Boerhavia diffusa Linn. aqueous extract as curative agent in ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis." Pharmacol. 2010; 3:1 12–120.
Chauhan, C., et al. "Growth inhibition of struvite crystals in the presence of herbal extract Boerhaavia diffusa Linn." Am. J. Infect. Dis. 2009; 5(3): 177–186.
Sathyapriya, K., et al. "Antioxidant status in polycystic end-staged renal diseased patients and antihemolytic effect of Boerhaavia diffusa." Ind. J. Biochem. Biophys. 2009; 46(3): 269–272.
Raut, A., et al. "Preliminary study on crystal dissolution activity of Rotula aquatica, Commiphora wightii and Boerhaavia diffusa extracts." Fitoterapia. 2008 Dec; 79(7-8): 544-7.
Rawat, A., et al. "Hepatoprotective activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. roots - a popular Indian ethnomedicine." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1997; 56(1): 61-66.
Singh. A., "Effects of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Punarnava) in experimental acute pyelonephritis in albino rats." Indian Drugs. 1988; 26: 10–13.
Devi, M., et al. "Effect of Phyllanthus niruri on the diuretic activity of punarnava tablets." J. Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1986; 5(1): 11-12.
Mishra, J., et al. "Studies on the effect of indigenous drug Boerhaavia diffusa Rom. on kidney regeneration." Indian J. Pharmacy 1980; 12: 59.
Mudgal, V. "Studies on medicinal properties of Convolvulus pluricaulis and Boerhaavia diffusa." Planta Med. 1975; 28: 62.
Gaitonde, B., et al. "Diuretic activity of punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)." Bull. Haffkine Inst. 1974; 2: 24.
Chowdhury, A., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa: effect on diuresis and some renal enzymes." Ann. Biochem. Exp. Med. 1955; 15: 119-26.
Singh, R., et al. "Recent approach in clinical and experimental evaluation of diuretic action of punarnava (B. diffusa) with special reference to nephrotic syndrome." J. Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1955; 7(1): 29-35.
Chopra, R., et al. "The pharmacology and therapeutics of Boerhaavia diffusa (Punarnava)." Ind. Med. Gaz. 1923 May; 58(5): 203-208.
Uterine & Anti-hemorrhaging Actions:
Barthwal, M., et al. "Management of IUD-associated menorrhagia in female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)." Adv. Contracept. 1991; 7(1): 67-76.
Barthwal, M., et al. "Histologic studies on endometrium of menstruating monkeys wearing IUDS: comparative evaluation of drugs." Adv. Contracept. 1990; 6(2): 113-24.
Srivastava, K., et al. "NAD-dependent-15-hydroxy-prostagtandin dehydrogenase activity in the endometrium of IUD- and Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.treated female rhesus monkeys." Malay. J. Reprod. Health. 1986; 4: 1–5.
Srivastava, K., et al. "Effect of Boerhaavia diffusa on IUD-induced bleeding in rhesus monkeys." Contracept. Del. Syst. 1981; 2: 157–161.
Antiparasitic & Antimalarial Actions:
Kaur, S., et al. "Antileishmanial efficacy of Boerhaavia diffusa L. and Ocimum sanctum L. against experimental visceral leishmaniasis." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2015 Aug; 53(8): 522-9.
Hilou, A., et al. "In vivo antimalarial activities of extracts from Amaranthus spinosus L. and Boerhaavia erecta L. in mice." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan; 103(2): 236-40.
Sohni, Y., et al. "The antiamoebic effect of a crude drug formulation of herbal extracts against Entamoeba histolytica in vitro and in vivo." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1995; 45(1): 43 - 52.
Antimicrobial Actions:
Prinsloo, G., et al. "Anti-HIV activity of southern African plants: Current developments, phytochemistry and future research." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan; 210: 133-155.
Bose, M., et al. "A plant-derived dehydrorotenoid: a new inhibitor of hepatitis C virus entry." FEBS Lett. 2017 May; 591(9): 1305-1317.
Tcinda, C., et al. "Antibacterial activities of the methanol extracts of Albizia adianthifolia, Alchornea laxiflora, Laportea ovalifolia and three other Cameroonian plants against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria." Saudi J. Biol. Sci. 2017 May; 24(4): 950-955.
Singh, S., et al. "Boeravinone B, a novel dual inhibitor of nora bacterial efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus and human p-glycoprotein, reduces the biofilm formation and intracellular invasion of bacteria." Front. Microbiol. 2017 Oct; 8: 1868.
Srivastava, S., et al. "BDP-30, a systemic resistance inducer from Boerhaavia diffusa L., suppresses TMV infection, and displays homology with ribosome-inactivating proteins." J. Biosci. 2015 Mar; 40(1): 125-35.
Apu, A., et al. "Phytochemical screening and in vitro bioactivities of the extracts of aerial part of Boerhavia diffusa Linn." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2012 Sep; 2(9): 673-8.
Umamaheswari, A., et al. "Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. leaves." Int. J. Green Pharm. 2010; 4(2): 75–78.
Sangameswaran, B., et al. "Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity of leaves of Boerhavia diffusa L." Pharmacog. Mag. 2008: S65–S68.
Nair, R., et al. "Antibacterial activity of some plant extracts used in folk medicine." J. Herb Pharmacother. 2007; 7(3-4): 191-201.
Aladesanmi, A., "Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of some Nigerian medicinal plants." Afr. J. Tradit. Complement. Altern. Med. 2006 Nov; 4(2): 173-84.
Agrawal, A., et al. "Inhibitory effect of the plant Boerhavia diffusa L. against the dermatophytic fungus Microsporum fulvum." J. Environ. Biol. 2004 Jul; 25(3): 307-11.
Agrawal, A., et al. "Antifungal activity of Boerhavia diffusa against some dermatophytic species of Microsporum." Hindustan Antibiot. Bull. 2003 Feb-2004 Nov; 45-46(1-4): 1-4.
Kant, S., et al. "Clinical evaluation of Boerhaavia diffusa as an adjuvant in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis." Phytomedica. 2001; 2(1-2): 89–94.
Abo, K., et al. "Antimicrobial screening of Bridelia micrantha, Alchormea cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa." Afr. J. Med. Med. Sci. 1999 Sep-Dec; 28(3-4): 167-9.
Perumal, S., et al. "Ethnomedicinal plants from India." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 66(2): 235-40.
Qureshi S., et al. "In vitro evaluation of inhibitory nature of extracts of 18-plant species of Chhindwara against 3-keratinophilic fungi." Hindustan. Antibiot. Bull. 1997 Feb-Nov; 39(1-4): 56-60.
Olukoya, D., et al. "Antibacterial activity of some medicinal plants from Nigeria." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1993; 39(1): 69-72.
Awasthi, L., et al. "Effect of root extract from Boerhaavia diffusa L., containing an antiviral principle upon plaque formation of RNA bacteriophages." Zentralbl. Mikrobiol. 1986; 141(5): 415-9.
Aynehchi, Y. "Screening of Iranian plants for antimicrobial activity." Acta Pharm. Suecica. 1982; 19(4): 303-8.
Verma, H., et al. "Antiviral activity of Boerhaavia diffusa root extract and physical properties of the virus inhibitor." Can. J. Bot. 1979; 57: 926-32.
Anticonvulsant, Muscle Relaxant, Antispasmodic & Pain-Relieving Actions:
Zhang, Z., et al. "Protective role of liriodendrin in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2017 Nov; 52: 203-210.
Irie-N'guessan, G., et al. "Tracheal relaxation of five Ivorian anti-asthmatic plants: role of epithelium and K^(+) channels in the effect of the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Dichrostachys cinerea root bark." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Nov; 138(2): 432-8.
Kaur, M., et al. "Anti-convulsant activity of Boerhaavia diffusa: plausible role of calcium channel antagonism." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2011; 2011: 310420.
Borrelli, F., et al. "Spasmolytic effects of nonprenylated rotenoid constituents of Boerhaavia diffusa roots." J. Nat. Prod. 2006; 69(6): 903-6.
Borrelli, F., et al. "Isolation of new rotenoids from Boerhaavia diffusa and evaluation of their effect on intestinal motility." Planta Med. 2005; 71(10): 928-32.
Hiruma-Lima, C., et al. "The juice of fresh leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) markedly reduces pain in mice." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2000; 71(1 - 2): 267-74.
Akah, P., et al. "Nigerian plants with anti-convulsant property." Fitoterapia 1993; 64(1): 42-44.
Adesina, S. "Anticonvulsant properties of the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." Q. J. Crude Drug Res. 1979; 17: 84-86.
Dhar, M., et al. "Screening of Indian plants for biological activity: Part I." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 1968; 6: 232-47.
Antitumorous & Anticancerous Actions:
Huang, Y., et al. "Boeravinone B a natural rotenoid exerts anticancer activity via inducing internalization and degradation of inactivated EGFR and ErbB2 in human colon cancer cells." Am. J. Transl. Res. 2018 Dec; 10(12): 4183-4192.
Kallivalappil, G., et al. "Efficacy of punarnavine in restraining organ-specific tumour progression in 4T1-induced murine breast tumour model." Inflammopharmacology. 2018 May 17.
Kaleem, S., et al. "Eupalitin induces apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cells through ROS generation and increase of caspase-3 activity." Cell. Biol. Int. 2016 Feb; 40(2): 196-203.
Tacchini, M., et al. "Phytochemical profile and bioactivity of traditional ayurvedic decoctions and hydro-alcoholic macerations of Boerhaavia diffusa L. and Curculigo orchioides Gaertn." Nat. Prod. Res. 2015; 29(22): 2071-9.
Saraswati, S., et al. "Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa exhibits anti-angiogenic activity via downregulation of VEGF in vitro and in vivo." Chem. Biol. Interact. 2013 Nov; 206(2): 204-13.
Vyas, B., et al. "Effect of Boerhaavia diffusa in experimental prostatic hyperplasia in rats." Indian J. Pharmacol. 2013 May-Jun; 45(3): 264-9.
Apu, A., et al. "Phytochemical screening and in vitro bioactivities of the extracts of aerial part of Boerhavia diffusa Linn." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2012 Sep; 2(9): 673-8.
Srivastava, R., et al. "Inhibition of human cervical cancer cell growth by ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Punarnava) root." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2011;
2011: 427031.
Sreeja, S., et al. "An in vitro study on antiproliferative and antiestrogenic effects of Boerhaavia diffusa L. extracts." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Nov; 126(2): 221-5.
Manu, K., et al. "Anti-metastatic potential of Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa Linn." Immunobiology. 2009; 214(4): 245-55.
Manu, K., et al. "Punarnavine induces apoptosis in B16F-10 melanoma cells by inhibiting NF-kappaB signaling." Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2009; 10(6): 1031-7.
Manu, K., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa stimulates cell-mediated immune response by upregulating IL-2 and downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines and GM-CSF in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma bearing mice." J. Exp. Ther. Oncol. 2008; 7(1): 17-29.
Manu, K., et al. "Effect of Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa, on cell-mediated immune responses and TIMP-1 in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma-bearing mice." Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol. 2007; 29(3-4): 569-86.
Ahmed-Belkacem, A., et al. "Nonprenylated rotenoids, a new class of potent breast cancer resistance protein inhibitors." J. Med. Chem. 2007; 50(8): 1933–1938.
Leyon, P., et al. "Inhibitory effect of Boerhaavia diffusa on experimental metastasis by B16F10 melanoma in C57BL/6 mice." Life Sci. 2005 Feb; 76(12): 1339-49.
Srivastava, R., et al. "Isolation and screening of anticancer metabolites from Boerhavia diffusa." Ind. J. Med. Res. 2005;1 51(supplement 1): S19.
Bharali, R., et al. "Chemopreventive action of Boerhaavia diffusa on DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice." Indian J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 2003 Oct; 47(4): 459-64.
Mehrotra, S., et al. "Antilymphoproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots." Exp. Mol. Pathol. 2002 Jun; 72(3): 236-42.
Antidiabetic & Hypoglycemic Actions:
Alam, F., et al. "Enzymes inhibitors from natural sources with antidiabetic activity: A review." Phytother. Res. 2019 Jan; 33(1): 41-54.
Oyebode, O., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa inhibits key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes in vitro and in silico; and modulates abdominal glucose absorption and muscle glucose uptake ex vivo." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2018 Oct; 106: 1116-1125.
Tupe, R., et al. "Attenuation of glycation-induced multiple protein modifications by Indian antidiabetic plant extracts." Pharm. Biol. 2017 Dec; 55(1): 68-75.
Gulati, V., et al. "Enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plants: Potential application in the management of hyperglycemia." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2012 Jun; 12: 77.
Singh, P., et al. "Antihyperglycaemic and renoprotective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. in experimental diabetic rats." J. Complement. Integr. Med. 2011 Jan; 8(1).
Rao, K., et al. "Effect of chronic administration of BD L. leaf extract on experimental diabetes in rats." Trop. J. Pharm. Res. 2004; 3: 305–309.
Gholap, S., et al. "Hypoglycaemic effects of some plant extracts are possibly mediated through inhibition in corticosteroid concentration." Pharmazie. 2004; 59(11): 876-8.
Satheesh, M., et al. "Antioxidant effect of Boerhavia diffusa L. in tissues of alloxan induced diabetic rats." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2004; 42(10): 989-92.
Pari, L., et al. "Antidiabetic effect of Boerhavia diffusa: effect on serum and tissue lipids in experimental diabetes." J. Med. Food. 2004 Winter; 7(4): 472-6.
Pari, L., et al. "Antidiabetic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L.: effect on hepatic key enzymes in experimental diabetes." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Mar; 91(1): 109-13.
Chude, M., et al. "Hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous extract of Boerhavia diffusa leaves." Ind. J. Pharmacol. 2001; 33(3): 215–216.
Cardioprotective, ACE-Inhibititor & Hypotensive Actions:
A. P., "Apoptosis in angiotensin II-stimulated hypertrophic cardiac cells -modulation by phenolics rich extract of Boerhavia diffusa L." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2018 Dec; 108: 1097-1104.
Varghese, M., et al. "Polyphenol rich ethanolic extract from Boerhavia diffusa L. mitigates angiotensin II induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in rats." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2017 Mar; 87: 427-436.
Prathapan, A., et al. "Protective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. against mitochondrial dysfunction in angiotensin II induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells." PLoS One. 2014 Apr; 9(4): e96220.
Prathapan, A., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa L. attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells via modulating oxidative stress and down-regulating NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1." Br. J. Nutr. 2013 Oct; 110(7): 1201-10.
Vineetha, V., et al. "Arsenic trioxide toxicity in H9c2 myoblasts—damage to cell organelles and possible amelioration with Boerhavia diffusa." Cardiovascular Toxicology. 2013; 13: 123–137.
Apu, A., et al. "Phytochemical screening and in vitro bioactivities of the extracts of aerial part of Boerhavia diffusa Linn." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2012 Sep; 2(9): 673-8
Hansen, K., et al. "In vitro screening of traditional medicines for anti-hypertensive effect based on inhibition of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)." Ethnopharmacol. 1995; 48(1): 43-51.
Lami, N., et al. "Constituents of the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa L. III. Identification of Ca2+ channel antagonistic compound from the methanol extract." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1991; 39(6): 1551-5.
Ojewole, J., et al. "Isolation, identification and some cardiovascular actions of a purine nucleoside from the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." Fitoterapia. 1985; 56(1): 31–36.
Ramabhimaiah, S., et al. "Pharmacological investigations on the water soluble fraction of methanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root." Indian Drugs 1984; 21(8): 343 - 44.
Anti-Aging Actions:
Kim, J., et al. "Syringaresinol reverses age-related skin atrophy by suppressing FoxO3a-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-2 activation in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase-deficient mice." J.
Invest. Dermatol. 2019 Mar; 139(3): 648-655.
Rathor, L., et al. "Age-induced diminution of free radicals by Boeravinone B in Caenorhabditis elegans." Exp. Gerontol. 2018 Oct; 111: 94-106.
Biradar, S., et al. "Chebulinic acid and Boeravinone B act as anti-aging and anti-apoptosis phyto-molecules during oxidative stress." Mitochondrion. 2018 Jul; S1567-7249 (18): 30004-7.
Tupe, R., et al. "Attenuation of glycation-induced multiple protein modifications by Indian antidiabetic plant extracts." Pharm. Biol. 2017 Dec; 55(1): 68-75.
Antidepressant Actions:
Dhingra, D., et al. "Punarnavine, an alkaloid isolated from ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. reverses depression-like behaviour in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2014 Aug; 52(8): 799-807.
Dhingra, D., et al. "Behavioural and neuroendocrine effects of aqueous extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. in mice using tail suspension and forced swim tests--a preliminary study." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2014 Jan; 52(1): 53-9.
Dhingra, D., et al. "Evidence for involvement of the monoaminergic system in antidepressant-like activity of an ethanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa and its isolated constituent, punarnavine, in mice." Pharm. Biol. 2014 Jun; 52(6): 767-74.
Cellular Protective, Immunomodulating, Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Actions:
Yahaya, E., et al. "Attenuation of oxidative stress and artificial wound closure in C2C12 myoblasts induced by sequential extracts of Boerhavia diffusa." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2018 Jan; 70(1): 111-123.
Bajpai, V., et al. "Attenuation of inflammatory responses by (+)-syringaresinol via MAP-Kinase-mediated suppression of NF-κB signaling in vitro and in vivo." Sci Rep. 2018 Jun; 8(1): 9216.
Hara, K., et al. "Antioxidant activities of traditional plants in Sri Lanka by DPPH free radical-scavenging assay." Data Brief. 2018 Feb; 17: 870-875.
Kaushik, A., et al. "Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of swaras and hima extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Boerhavia diffusa in Swiss albino Mice." Pharmacogn. Mag. 2017 Oct; (Suppl 3): S658-S662.
Karwasra, R., et al. "Corrigendum to "Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." [Regul. Toxicol. and Pharmacol. 81 (2016) 341-352]. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2017 Aug; 88: 367-368.
Karwasra, R., et al. "Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 2016 Nov; 81: 341-352.
Giresha, A., et al. "Neutralization of inflammation by inhibiting in vitro and in vivo secretory phospholipase A(2) by ethanol extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L." Pharmacognosy Res. 2017 Apr-Jun; 9(2): 174-181.
Ayyappan, P., et al. "Attenuation of oxidative damage by Boerhaavia diffusa L. against different neurotoxic agents in rat brain homogenate." J. Diet. Suppl. 2016; 13(3): 300-12.
Yang, L., et al. "Protective role of liriodendrin in sepsis-induced acute lung injury." Inflammation. 2016 Oct; 39(5): 1805-13.
Sawardekar, S., et al. "Evaluation of the effect of Boerhavia diffusa on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats." J. Ayurveda Integr. Med. 2015 Apr-Jun; 6(2): 95-103.
Bairwa, K., et al. "Anti-inflammatory potential of a lipid-based formulation of a rotenoid-rich fraction prepared from Boerhavia diffusa." Pharm. Biol. 2015 Aug; 53(8): 1231-8.
Tacchini, M., et al. "Phytochemical profile and bioactivity of traditional ayurvedic decoctions and hydro-alcoholic macerations of Boerhaavia diffusa L. and Curculigo orchioides Gaertn." Nat. Prod. Res. 2015; 29(22): 2071-9.
Nagarani, G., et al. "Effect of hydrothermal processing on total polyphenolics and antioxidant potential of underutilized leafy vegetables, Boerhaavia diffusa and Portulaca oleracea." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2014 May; 4(Suppl 1): S468-77.
Prathapan, A., et al. "Protective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. against mitochondrial dysfunction in angiotensin II induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells." PLoS One. 2014 Apr; 9(4): e96220.
Mukherjee, P., et al. "Immunomodulatory leads from medicinal plants." Ind. J. Trad. Knowl. 2014; 13(2): 235-256.
Bairwa, K.,et al. "Rotenoids from Boerhaavia diffusa as potential anti-inflammatory agents." J. Nat. Prod. 2013 Aug; 76(8): 1393-8.
Aher, V., et al. "Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the alkaloid punarnavine from Boerhaavia diffusa." Planta Med. 2013 Jul; 79(11): 939-45.
Prathapan, A., et al, "Boerhaavia diffusa L. attenuates angiotensin II-induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cardiac myoblast cells via modulating oxidative stress and down-regulating NF-κβ and transforming growth factor β1." Br. J. Nutr. 2013 Oct; 110(7): 1201-10.
Vineetha, V., et al. "Arsenic trioxide toxicity in H9c2 myoblasts-damage to cell organelles and possible amelioration with Boerhavia diffusa." Cardiovasc. Toxicol. 2013 Jun; 13(2): 123-37.
Apu, A., et al. "Phytochemical screening and in vitro bioactivities of the extracts of aerial part of Boerhavia diffusa Linn." Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed. 2012 Sep; 2(9): 673-8.
Gulati, V., et al. "Enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plants: Potential application in the management of hyperglycemia." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2012 Jun; 12:77.
Pareta, S., et al. "Aqueous extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root ameliorates ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluric oxidative stress and renal injury in rat kidney." Pharm. Biol. 2011 Dec; 49(12): 1224-33.
Aviello, G., et al. "Potent antioxidant and genoprotective effects of boeravinone G, a rotenoid isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa." PLoS One. 2011; 6(5): e19628.
Olaleye, M., et al. "Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective property of leaf extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2010 Aug-Sep; 48(8-9): 2200-5.
Asadulla, S. "Anti-inflammatory activities of Boerhavia diffusa roots in Albino rats." Arch. Pharma. Sci. Res. 2010; 2: 267–270.
Rachh, P., et al. "In-vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.)" Int. J. Pharm. Res. 2009;1:36–40.
Sathyapriya, K., et al. "Antioxidant status in polycystic end-staged renal diseased patients and antihemolytic effect of Boerhaavia diffusa." Ind. J. Biochem. Biophys. 2009; 46(3): 269–272.
Manu, K., et al. "Immunomodulatory activities of Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa." Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol. 2009; 31(3): 377-87.
Priyadarsini, T., et al. "In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic analysis of Boerhavia diffusa L." Ethnobotanical Leaflets. 2009; 13: 263–268.
Manu, K., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa stimulates cell-mediated immune response by upregulating IL-2 and downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines and GM-CSF in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma bearing mice." J. Exp. Ther. Oncol. 2008; 7(1): 17-29.
Sangameswaran, B., et al. "Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial activity of leaves of Boerhavia diffusa L." Pharmacog. Mag. 2008: S65.
Manu, K., et al. "Effect of Punarnavine, an alkaloid from Boerhaavia diffusa, on cell-mediated immune responses and TIMP-1 in B16F-10 metastatic melanoma-bearing mice." Immunopharmacol. Immunotoxicol. 2007; 29(3-4): 569-86.
Sumanth, M., et al. "Antistress, adoptogenic and immunopotentiating activity roots of Boerhaavia diffusa in mice." Int. J. Pharmacol. 2007; 3(5): 416–420.
Manu, K., et al. "Studies on the protective effects of Boerhaavia diffusa L. against gamma radiation induced damage in mice." Integr. Cancer Ther. 2007 Dec; 6(4): 381-8.
Ahmed-Belkacem, A., et al. "Nonprenylated rotenoids, a new class of potent breast cancer resistance protein inhibitors." J. Med. Chem. 2007 Apr; 50(8): 1933-8.
Gacche, R., et al. "Antioxidant and possible anti-inflammatory potential of selected medicinal plants prescribed in the Indian traditional system of medicine." Pharm. Bio. 2006; 44(5): 389–395.
Aladesanmi, A., "Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of some Nigerian medicinal plants." Afr. J. Tradit. Complement. Altern. Med. 2006 Nov; 4(2): 173-84.
Pandey, R., et al. "Immunosuppressive properties of flavonoids isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa Linn." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2005; 5(3): 541-53.
Devaki, T., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa on tissue anti-oxidant defense system during ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats." J. Nat. Rem. 2005; 5(2): 102–107.
Jagetia, G., et al. "The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain Indian medicinal plants in vitro: A preliminary study." J. Med. Food. 2004 Fall; 7(3): 343-8.
Satheesh, M., et al. "Antioxidant effect of Boerhavia diffusa L. in tissues of alloxan induced diabetic rats." Indian J. Exp. Biol. 2004; 42(10): 989-92.
Jung, H., et al, "In vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of liriodendrin isolated from the stem bark of Acanthopanax senticosus." Planta Med. 2003 Jul; 69(7): 610-6.
Mehrotra, S., et al. "Immunomodulation by ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots." Int. Immunopharmacol. 2002; 7: 987-96.
Mehrotra, S., et al. "Antilymphoproliferative activity of ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots." Exp. Mol. Pathol. 2002 Jun; 72(3): 236-42.
Mungantiwarn, A., et al. "Studies on the immunomodulatory effects of Boerhaavia diffusa alkaloidal fraction." J. Ethnopharmacol. 1999 May; 65(2): 125-31.
Muntgantiwar, A., et al. "Effect of stress on plasma and adrenal cortisol levels and immune responsiveness in rats: modulation by alkaloidal fraction of Boerhaavia diffusa." Fitoterapia. 1997; 68(6): 498–500.
Mungantiwar, A., et al. "Adaptogenic activity of aqueous extract of the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn." Indian Drugs. 1997; 34(4): 184–189.
Suri, O., et al. "Boerhaavia diffusa, a new source of phytoecdysones." Planta Medica. 1982; 44(3): 180–181.
Toxicity / Safety Studies / Drug Interactions:
Ekow, T., et al. "Bush mint (Hyptis suaveolens) and spreading hogweed (Boerhavia diffusa) medicinal plant extracts differentially affect activities of CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan; 211: 58-69.
Thomford, N., et al. "Inhibition of CYP2B6 by medicinal plant extracts: implication for use of efavirenz and nevirapine-based highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in resource-limited settings." Molecules. 2016 Feb; 21(2).
Karwasra, R., et al. "Safety assessment and attenuation of cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity by tuberous roots of Boerhaavia diffusa." Regul. Toxicol Pharmacol. 2016 Nov; 81: 341-352.
Aher, V., et al. "Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of the alkaloid punarnavine from Boerhaavia diffusa." Planta Med. 2013 Jul; 79(11): 939-45.
Singh, A., et al. "An experimental evaluation of possible teratogenic potential in Boerhaavia diffusa in Albino rats." Planta Med. 1991 Aug; 57(4): 315-6.
Reviews:
Patil K., et al. "Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the genus Boerhavia." J .Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Apr; 182: 200-20.
Mishra, S., et al. "Phytochemical, therapeutic, and ethnopharmacological overview for a traditionally important herb: Boerhavia diffusa Linn." Biomed. Res. Int. 2014; 2014: 808302.
Constituents Identified:
Bairwa, K., et al. "Quantitative analysis of boeravinones in the roots of Boerhaavia diffusa by UPLC/PDA." Phytochem. Anal. 2014 Sep-Oct; 25(5): 415-20.
Bhope, S., et al., "RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous quantitation of boeravinone E and boeravinone B in Boerhaavia diffusa extract and its formulation." Nat. Prod. Res. 2013; 27(6):
588-91.
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