Sida cordifolia
Synonyms
No documentation
Vernacular Name
Country mallow, bala, sida
Description
Since prehistoric times, Sida cordifolia has been used for its medicinal properties in India, specifically in Ayurvedic medicine. Presently, this herb is used in weight management and body building. It has been marketed as an alternative to Ma huang, the Chinese herb that also contains the same alkaloid. Just as with Ma huang, S. cordifolia has value for its use in treating respiratory disorders, which is what it was used for in Ayurvedic medicine. Its use as a stimulant is the focus of modern day marketing.
There is a serious lack of scientific literature available on this herb considering the broad scope of modern day marketing of the herb in various forms.
Growing to a height of 3m, these erect annual yields small yellow flowers with small, white or black seeds. S. cordifolia is described as being generally miasmal in nature.
Origin / Habitat
S. cordifolia is an annual originating in tropical and subtropical areas of India and Nepal, though now widely cultivated throughout India and other parts of the world where the tropical climate can be replicated.
Chemical Constituents
The primary medicinally efficacious constituent of S. cordifolia is the alkaloid ephedrine. It should be noted that the seeds contain about four times as much of this alkaloid as other parts of the plant. Additionally, the plant contains mucins, phytosterols, potassium nitrate, and resin and resin acids.
Plant Part Used
Leaves, Roots, Seeds
Medicinal Uses
General
Energy
Metabolism
Weight management
Respiratory disorders
Cardiac stimulant
Most Frequently Reported Uses
Energy
Metabolism
Weight management
Dosage
Dosage Range
100-300mg, one to three times per day of standardized extract.
Most Common Dosage
150mg standardized to 8% ephedra alkaloids.
Standardization Dosage
There are gross variations in the standardization of S. cordifolia with product in the marketplace showing extracts ‘standardized’ to from 4-25% ephedra alkaloids. Caution is advised in using any ‘standardized’ form of this herb as the intent of the standardization is to increase the level of ephedra.
Pharmacology
Pre-clinical
S. cordifolia is most commonly prepared as an extract of either the whole plant or just the root. It has been shown to have antioxidant properties according to a 2003 study.[1] According to a 1999 study, ethyl acetate of S. cordifolia has been found to have both analgesic and hypoglycemic properties.[2]
Additionally, in a 2005 animal study, S. cordifolia exhibited a depressive effect on the central nervous system and a low toxicity in mice.[3]
An aqueous solution of S. cordifolia was found to stimulate liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.[4] Additionally, animal studies have found S. cordifolia to have vasorelaxative[5], hypotensive and bradycardic effects.[6]
Clinical
In a 2000 study S. cordifolia was found it to have beneficial effects on treatment of Parkinson’s disease when used in combination with Mucuna pruriens, Hyoscyamus reticulatus and Withania somnifera. The study observed 18 people clinically diagnosed with Parkinson’s, all of whom took a milk concoction of the aforementioned herbs. Thirteen subjects participated in a 28 day cleanse beforehand while the remaining five subjects did not. Only the subjects who cleansed before the treatment showed improved activity in daily life. Side effects included excessive salivation.[7]
Interaction and Depletions
Interaction with other Herbs
No documentation
Interaction with Drugs
If you are using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or any other prescription drug, or you are using an over-the-counter drug containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine (ingredients found in certain allergy, asthma, cold/cough and weight control products).
Potential interactions exist with central nervous system stimulants and decongestants.
Precautions and Contraindications
Side effects
Consult a health care professional before using this product if you have heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, psychiatric condition, difficulty in urinating, prostate enlargement, or seizure disorder.
Exceeding recommended serving will not improve results and may cause serious adverse health effects.
Pregnancy
Not to be used by pregnant or nursing women.
Age limitation
Not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18.
Adverse reaction
While there are no studies reporting serious adverse events with this particular herb, nevertheless, it does contain ephedrine alkaloids and therefore the relative precautions should be noted.
Discontinue use and call a health care professional immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, dizziness, severe headache, shortness of breath, or similar symptoms.
Read More
1) Ayuverda
References
- Auddy B, Ferreira M, Blasina F, Lafon L, Arredondo F, Dajas F, Tripathi PC, Seal T, Mukherjee B. Screening of antioxidant activity of three Indian medicinal plants, traditionally used for the management of neurodegenerative diseases. J Ethnopharmacol. Feb 2003;84(2-3):131-138.
- Philip BK, Muralidharan A, Natarajan B, Varadamurthy S, Venkataraman S. Preliminary evaluation of anti-pyretic and anti-ulcerogenic activities of Sida cordifolia methanolic extract. Fitoterapia. Apr 2008;79(3):229-231.
- Franco CI, Morais LC, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Almeida RN, Antoniolli AR. CNS pharmacological effects of the hydro alcoholic extract of Sida cordifolia L. leaves. J Ethnopharmacol. 26 Apr 2005;98(3):275-279.
- Silva RL, Melo GB, Melo VA, Antoniolli AR, Michellone PR, Zucoloto S, Picinato MA, Franco CF, Mota Gde A, Silva Ode C. Effect of the aqueous extract of Sida cordifolia on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Acta Cir Bras. 2006;21(1):37-39.
- Santos MR, Nascimento NM, Antoniolli AR, Medeiros IA. Endothelium-derived factors and k+ channels are involved in the vasorelaxation induced by Sida cordifolia L. in the rat superior mesenteric artery. Pharmazie. May 2006;61(5):466-469.
- Medeiros IA, Santos MR, Nascimento NM, Duarte JC. Cardiovascular effects of Sida cordifolia leaves extract in rats. Fitoterapia. Jan 2006;77(1):19-27.
- Nagashayana N, Sankarankutty P, Nampoothiri MR, Mohan PK, Mohanakumar KP. Association of L-DOPA with recovery following Ayurveda medication in Parkinson’s disease. J Neurol Sci. 15 Jun 2000;176(2):124-127.
