Boerhaavia repens
Aluka, Punarnava, Pig Weed, Tar Vine, Horse Purslane.
Boerhaavia 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 in shape.
B. diffusa is used in traditional medicinal systems throughout tropical climates of the world. 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 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 [4], beta-ecdysone, boeravine, boeravinones, flavons, hypoxanthine-9-L-arabinofuranoside, liridoderdin, punarnavoside, syringaresinol mono Beta-D-glucoside [4].
Whole Plant [3].
Virtually all parts of B. diffusa plant are used in some form or another for numerous applications throughout Africa. In Nigeria, B. diffusa is used as rabbit food [1].The roots have been used in order to treat dysentery [5], jaundice, and ulcers [5]. In these cases, either a root decoction, or the boiled root itself is ingested. The root sap has also been used externally to treat sore throat and some burns [5]. The roots and leaves are considered to be a febrifuge. In large doses B. diffusa has been used as an emetic [6]. In cases of stomach cramp or heartburn, the leaves are taken with small amounts of calcium and palm oil [7]. The whole plant has been used as a diuretic, which has been useful in cases of jaundice, enlarged spleen, gonorrhea, and general internal inflammation.
B. diffusa has been used by some African traditional medical systems in order to treat several maladies which affect pregnant women. In order to hasten childbirth, the whole plant of B. diffusa has been boiled, and the water in which the plant has steeped is drunk. In order to achieve the same effect, the root has been eaten and leaf maceration has been ingested. In southern Sudan, the roots are used to prepare an umbilical cord to be severed [5].
The sap of B. diffusa has been used externally for a variety of treatments. In the Ivory Coast, the leaves are dried, and the powder has been applied to the chest to treat asthma.
Pre-clinical
B. diffusa 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][8][9]. This is probably due to its regenerative actions upon Beta-cells in the pancreas [10]. One study suggested that the effect of B. diffusa on blood glucose was comparable to glibenclamide [8].
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 Aluka [11]. Additional studies have confirmed the usage of B. diffusa as a hepatoprotective [2] with no signs of toxicity [12].
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 [13] and radioprotective in mice [14].
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 [15][16]. Additional research has indicated that Aluka, particularly the chemical Punarnavine, has the ability to inhibit the metastasis of certain melanomas in mice [17][18][19].
In other research settings animal and preclinical studies have showed that B. diffusa exhibits spasmolytic [20][21], analgesic [22], and immunomodulatory [23] activity.
Clinical
No documentation.
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.
Side effects
B. diffusa is generally considered safe when used as directed.
Not to be used by those taking medication for hepatic disorders as this herb may alter treatment outcomes.
Pregnancy
Not to be used by pregnant and nursing women.
Age limitation
Not to be used by children.
Adverse reaction
No documentation.
2) Western Herb
3) South Central America Herbs
4) Ayuverda