Boerhaavia repens
Hogweed, pig weed, tar vine, horse purslane.
Boerhaavia diffusa is used in traditional medicinal systems throughout tropical climates of the world, and in some areas it is used as rabbit food.[1] The medicinal use dates back thousands of years in India. It should be noted that a few studies have found that the plant is most effective, medically, when harvested in the month of May.[1],[2]
B. diffusa is a prostrate herb found growing in tropical, wet areas, mostly during rainy seasons. The creeping, hairy and sometimes purplish stems yield small red or white flowers. The leaves of this plant are smooth and oblong or cordite.
B. diffusa needs full sunlight in order to flourish. It can withstand droughts although it prefers a moist soil.
Beta-sitosterol, chlorides, chlorates, hentriacontane, nitrates, potassium nitrate, Punarnavine, sulfates, ursolic acid,[3] beta-ecdysone, boeravine, boeravinones, flavons, hypoxanthine-9-L-arabinofuranoside, liridoderdin, punarnavoside, syringaresinol mono Beta-D-glucoside.
Whole Plant
General
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Hepatic Disorders
Glucose Levels
Antifungal
Inflammation
Constipation
Cancer
Antispasmodic
Most Frequently Reported Uses
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Hepatic Disorders
Glucose Levels
Antifungal
Dosage Range
Herb infusion: One to three teaspoons (5–15g) whole herb up to three times per day.
Root – 250-500mg,1-2 times per day.
Most Common Dosage
1g dried herb daily
Standardization Dosage
No standardization known.
Pre-clinical
B. diffusa, or Hogweed, is presently being studied for its potential role in diabetes and liver disorders. Numerous laboratory and animal studies have proven the efficacy of B. diffusa as a hypoglycemic.[1],[4],[5] This is probably due to its regenerative actions upon Beta-cells in the pancreas.[6] One study suggested that the effect of B. diffusa on blood glucose was comparable to glibenclamide.[4]
B. diffusa has been used to treat hepatic disorders for thousands of years. Today there are many studies that verify this claim. One animal study evaluated the effect of B. diffusa on rats with ethanol-induced liver damage. The liver damage consisted of increased levels of cholesterol, free fatty acids and triglycerides in the liver and kidneys, all of which were reversed after treatment with B. diffusa.[7] Additional studies have confirmed the usage of B. diffusa as a hepatoprotective2 with no signs of toxicity.[8]
B. diffusa also may play a role in cancer treatment. Animal studies have shown the effectiveness of using B. diffusa as both a chemopreventive in mice[9] and radioprotective in mice.[10]
Animal studies have also confirmed the effectiveness of B. diffusa as a dermatological antifungal. These studies show that treatment decreases the growth of various species of fungus from the Microsporum genus.[11],[12] Additional research has indicated that B. diffusa, particularly the chemical Punarnavine, has the ability to inhibit the metastasis of certain melanomas in mice.[13],[14],[15]
In other research settings animal and preclinical studies have showed that B. diffusa exhibits spasmolytic,[16],[17] analgesic,[18] and immunomodulatory[19] activity.
Clinical
There are not any clinical studies at this time.
Interaction with other Herbs
No documentation
Interaction with Drugs
Based on pharmacology, B. diffusa should not be used by those taking medications for blood sugar regulation.
Not to be used by those taking medication for hepatic disorders as this herb may alter treatment outcomes.
Side effects
B. diffusa is generally considered safe when used as directed.
Pregnancy
Not to be used by pregnant and nursing women.
Age limitation
Not to be used by children.
Adverse reaction
No documentation
2) South Central American Herbs
4) Ayuverda