Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa)
Introduction
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is a
perennial, spreading weed found growing wildly in poor soil and is native to
both India and Brazil. From Vedic period up to modern era Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) is lauded for its medicinal values.
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is a folk
medicine and super- food as well. In West Bengal and Assam Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) leaves are eaten as a pot-herb (as a vegetable or as a flavoring
agent) and are understood to prevent renal calculi. In other areas, the entire
plant, including the root, is eaten in curries and soups, while the seeds and
roots are used in cereals and pancakes. Country folks plant Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) in their gardens to repel poisonous snakes and scorpions.
Traditional herbal healers apply Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) to the vagina and tie roots wrapped in red cord, around the
woman’s waist to hasten delivery. They also apply Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) to the breast to treat breast abscess. They use Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) mixed in honey to treat conjunctivitis. [1]
Literally, Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) means
the ‘Renewer’. (Punarnawaa= Punar+Nawaa; Punar means once again and nawaa means
becoming new). Quite a name to live up to for folk observed that the dead, dry
plant would spring again to new green life. On the philosophy of the “Doctrine of Signatures” or on the “Theory of
Signatures”, the herbalists and Ayurvedic physicians took this
to mean that the plant was rejuvenative, a fact now supported by a rigorous
scientific research. They also believe that by daily or routine use of Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) body rejuvenates and a fellow becomes ‘young’
again.
[Note: The philosophy of the “Doctrine
of Signatures”, dating from the time of Dioscurides
and Galen, state that, herbs that resemble various parts of the body can be
used to treat ailments of that part of the body. A theological justification
offered by botanists like William Coles for this philosophy, was that God would
have wanted to show men what plants would be useful for treating ailments of
various parts of the body. “It was reasoned that the Almighty must have set his
sign or signature upon the various means of curing disease which he provided.”]
[2], [3], [4]
As this plant grows low and its numerous, long,
slender, interlocking stems of the inflorescence resemble an immature spider it
is known as spiderling.
[5]
In 18th century a famous Dutch physician,
Hermann Boerhaave described its medicinal uses. The genus of this plant, Boerhaavia
is named after Hermann Boerhaave. [6], [7], [8], [9]
Other Names
Taxonomic:
Boerhaavia
diffusa
Sanskrit
: Kahtilla,
Shophaghnee, Shothaghnee, Varshabhu
English:
Horse
Purslene, Hog Weed
Assamese
: Ranga
Punarnabha
Bengali
: Rakta
punarnava
Gujrati
: Dholisaturdi,
Motosatodo
Hindi
: Gadapurna,
Lalpunarnava
Kannada
: Sanadika,
Kommeberu, Komma
Kashmiri
: Vanjula
Punarnava
Malayalam
: Chuvanna
Tazhutawa
Marathi
: Ghetuli,
Vasuchimuli, Satodimula, Punarnava, Khaparkhuti
Oriya:
Lalapuiruni,
Nalipuruni
Punjabi
: ltcit
(Ial), Khattan
Tamil
: Mukurattai
(Shihappu)
Telugu
: Atikamamidi,
Erra galijeru [10], [11], [12], [13]
Taxonomic
classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids, Core eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Family: Nyctaginaceae [14], [15], [16]
Boerhaavia
(Punarnawaa), is a genus of about 40 species of annual herbaceous plants in the
four o’clock flower family, Nyctaginaceae.
Geographical
Distribution
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is a trailing
herb found from the warmer parts of India up to a height of 2000 meters in the
Himalayan area. It is also found grown in the wastelands, ditches, marshy
places and fields during and after the rainy season. It is found in many warm,
tropical and subtropical countries such as Sri Lanka, Sudan, Africa, China and
Australia. Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is cultivated for medicinal
purpose in West Bengal. [17], [18]
Plant Morphology
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) plant, root
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) stem, leaves
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) purple, blue and white flowers
Images of Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) [19]
Macroscopic
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) is a perennial trailing herb (creeping weed), found throughout
India. For medicinal purpose it is collected after rainy season. It is
diffusedly branched with stout root stock and many long slender, prostrate or
ascending branches.
Root- The root is well developed, thick, stout, woody, fusiform, deep
penetrating, long, tortuous, cylindrical, tap root, 0.2 to 1.5 cm in diameter;
yellowish brown to brown in color; surface mostly soft but rough due to minute,
longitudinal striations; root scars, fracture, short; no distinct odor; taste
slightly bitter. The plant has a large root system bearing rootlets.
Stem- The stem is prostrate, woody, succulent, greenish purple, stiff, slender,
cylindrical, swollen or thickened at nodes, minutely pubescent, glabrous,
prostrate or ascending, 4-10 cm long, divaricately branched; branches from
common stalk.
Leaves- The
leaves are simple, thick, fleshy, and hairy; opposite, in unequal pairs, larger
ones 2.5-3.7 cm long and smaller ones1.2-1.8 cm long; oblong; apex slightly
pointed or rounded; base rounded; upper surface green , lower surface white;
margin undulate, dorsal side pinkish; thick in texture; petioles nearly as long
as the blade, slender. (The shape of the leaves varies considerably: ovate,
oblong, round or subcordate)
Flowers- The flowers
are hermaphrodite, very small, pink,
sessile or having a small stalk; 10-25 cm, in small umbels, arranged on
slender, long stalks, 4-10 corymb, axillary, in terminal panicles; bracteoles,
small, acute, perianth is present in place of calyx and corolla which is tubular
in shape, constricted above the ovary, lower part greenish, ovoid, ribbed,
upper part pink, funnel shaped, 3mm long, tube 5 lobed; stamen 2-3; the stigma
is peltate
Fruit- The fruit is achene,
one seeded nut, 6 mm long, rounded, broadly and bluntly 5 ribbed, viscidly
glandular
Seed- The seed
isone, a nut
Some
workers reported induction of adventitious shoots using stem explants. (Explant
is a technique of isolation of cells from from a piece of tissue. Tissue
harvested in this manner is called explant) Roots were also regenerated
from the leaf segments of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) when cultured in vitro. [20], [21]
Microscopic
Root- TS of mature
root shows cork composed of thin-walled tangentially elongated cells with brown
walls in outer few layers, cork cambium of 1-2 layers of thin walled cells;
secondary cortex consists of consists of 2-3 layers of parenchymatous cells
followed by cortex composed of 5-12 layers of thin-walled, oval to polygonal
cells; several concentric bands of xylem tissue alternating with wide zone of
parenchymatous tissue present below cortical regions; number of bands vary
according to thickness of root and composed of vessels, tracheids and fibers;
vessels mostly found in groups of 2-8 in radial rows, having simple pits and
reticulate thickening; tracheids small, thick-walled with simple pits, fibers
separate, elongated, thick-walled, spindle-shaped with pointed ends; phloem
occurs as hemispherical or crescentic patches outside each group of xylem
vessels and composed of sieve elements and parenchyma, broad zone of
parenchymatous tissue, in between two successive rings of xylem elements
composed of thin-walled more or less rectangular cells arranged in radial rows;
central region of root occupied by primary vascular bundles, numerous raphides,
of calcium oxalate, in single or in group present in cortical region and
parenchymatous tissue in between xylem tissue; starch grains simple and
compound having 2-4 components found in abundance in most of cells of cortex,
xylem elements in parenchymatous tissue between xylem elements, simple starch grains mostly rounded in shape,
measuring 2.75-11 microns in diameter.
Stem- TS of stem
shows a single layer of epidermis consisting of cuboidal cells; uniseriate
glandular trichome consisting of 9-12 stalked cells and ellipsoidal head,
150-220 micron long; cortex consists of 1-2 layers of parenchyma; endodermis
indistinct; pericycle 1-2 layered, thick-walled, often containing scattered,
isolated fibers; stele consisting of many small vascular bundles often joined
together in a ring and many big vascular bundles scattered in ground tissue;
intra fascicular cambium present.
Leaf- TS of leaf
shows anomocytic stomata on both sides; a few short hairs on the surface, the
epidermis and the hairs of the leaf are covered with a continuous layer of
cuticle. The epidermis at the upper side generally consists of cuboidal and
lower side of the tubular cells. The lamina is traversed by several veins, each
surrounded by permanent bundle sheath. The palisade one layered; spongy
parenchyma 2-4 layered with small air spaces; idioblasts containing raphides;
occasionally clustered crystals of calcium oxalate and orange-red resinous
matter present in mesophyll. [22], [23], [24], [25]
Parts Used
Whole
herb, roots and seeds
Phytochemistry
There seems to be a geographical variation in the
composition of pharmacological compounds found in Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa), however the following composition is well accepted world wide…...
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) contains
Punarnavine (Alkaloids), Beta-sitosterol (Phytosterol), Liriodendrin (Lignans),
Punarnavoside (Rotenoids), Boerhavin (Xanthones), Flavones, Steroids, Triterpenoids,
Hypoxanthine, L-arabinofuranoside, Ursolic acid, Punarnavoside (Glycoside) an
antifibrinolytic agent, Arachidic acid, Palmitic acid, Tetracosanoic acid, Hexacosonoic
acid, Stearic acid, Ursolic acid, Hentriacontane, Beta-Ecdysone, Fifteen
aminoacids including six essential amino acids, glycoproteins and large
quantities of potassium nitrate. Vitamins: C, B2 and B3 and a good quantity of
Calcium
The roots are rich in proteins and fats. They contain 14 amino acids including 7
essential ones. They are rich in alkaloids, rotenoids boeravinones A to F,
dihydroisofurenoxanthin, punarnavoside an antifibrinolytic agent, lignans, liriodendrin
and syringareseniol. The roots are rich in isopalmitate acetate, behenic acid, arachidic
acid and saturated fatty acids
The seeds contain fatty acids and allantoin.
Phytochemical screening of the roots of Boerhaavia
diffusa of different ages revealed that the maximum alkaloid count (2%)
accumulated in the roots of 3 year old mature plant. [26], [27], [28]
Identity,
Purity and Strength
Foreign
matter Not more than 2 percent
Total
ash Not more than 15 percent
Acid-insoluble
ash Not more than 6 percent
Alcohol-soluble
extractive Not less than 1 percent
Water-soluble
extractive Not less than 4 percent [29]
Standardization
values accepted by other researchers
Foreign
matter Not more than 2 percent
Total
ash Not more than 10 percent
Acid-insoluble
ash Not more than 3 percent
Heavy
metals 1.0 g complies with the limit test for heavy metals
Loss
on drying Not more than 10.0 percent
Microbial
contamination should comply with microbial contamination tests. [30]
Chromosome
Number
The
description of number of chromosomes in Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
varies depending on the research wrok of various research workers. As I am not
an expert to express my opinion here I mention all figures….
Chromosome
number: 2n= 26, 52, 54,
116 [31]
Chromosome
number accepted by a large number of scientists:
n=26
and 2n= 52 (Virendra Kumar and Subramaniam. 1986) [32]
Genetic
Identification
By
using a DNA barcoding technique a group of researchers have established
accurate “genetic identity” of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa). This
will help distingwish Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) from its closely
related species which are at times used as adultarants. [33]
Properties
and Pharmacology
Ayurvedic
properties
Ganas (Classical
Catagories)
Charaka Ganas-
Warga: Swedopaga
(Adjunct to sweating)
SushrutaGanas-
Warga: Vidhaarigandhaadi gana and Shaaka warga
Ashtaanga
Sangraha Ganas-Warga: Shaaka warga
Energetics
Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Kashaaya
(astringent), Katu (Acrid, piquant)
Weerya/Virya (Energy
State):
Ushna (hot)
Wipaaka/
Vipak (End result, Post digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
Prabhaawa/ Prabhav (Special Effect, Prominent Effect):
Note: Here I wish to clarify the meaning of these
technical words:
Virya (Weerya): Potency, power, vigor
Vipak (Wipaak): After digestion
change of taste. The food we take is acted upon by jatharagni (digestive
activity) and the taste of the food changes. The original rasa (taste) changes
to vipak (new or same taste.)
Prabhav
(Prabhaawa): Effect,
prominent, peculiar or special action of an herb. Innate and specific property
Gunas (Qualities): Rooksha (dry)
Effects
on Doshas: Waata, Pitta, Kapha
Actions
on Dhaatus (Tissues): Rasa (Lymph), Rakta (blood), Maansa
(Muscles), Meda (Adipose System), Majja (Bone marrow and nerves), Shukra (Semen
or reproductive fluids)
Actions
on Srotas (Systems): Rasawaha (Lymphatic system), Raktawaha
(Hemopoetic system), Maansa (Muscles)
Ayurvedic Actions (Karma):
Anulomana:
Prokinetic,
Carminative
Shothahara:
Anti-inflammatory,
Relieves edema
Mootrala:
Diuretic
Waatahara:
Carminative,
causes expulsion of gas
Shlemahara:
Expectorant,
causes expulsion of phlegm
Kaasaghna:
Antitussive
Jwarahara: Antipyretic
Rasaayana:
Rejuvenator,
Adaptogen [34], [35]
Important
References from Ayurvedic Texts
Charak Samhitaa:
Swedopaga:
Adjunct
to sweat therapy (diaphoresis)
Kaasaghna:
Antitussive
Wayasthaapaak:
Age-stabilizer,
Anti-aging
Kushthaghna: Anti-leprotic [36]
Sushruta Samhitaa:
Shothaghna:
Anti-inflammatory,
Relieves edema
Jwaraghna: Anti-pyretic
Ashtaanga Sangraha
Kaasaghna: Antitussive
Rasaayana:
Adaptogen,
Rejuvenator
Wayahsthaapak:
Antiaging
Bhaawaprakaasha Nighantu
Kaphaghna:
Allays
expectoration
Shothaghna:
Anti-inflammatory,
Relieves edema
Shaarngadhara Samhita
Mootrala:
Diuretic [37]
AYURVEDIC ACTIONS
Deepana: Enkindling appetite, Appetizer
Shothaghna: Anti-inflammatory, Relieves edema
Kasahara: Antitussive
Wayasthaapana: Age-stabilize, Promoter of youth and longevity
Rasayana: Rejuvenative, Adaptogen
Hridaya: Beneficial to the heart
Stambhana: Constipating, Styptic
Chakshushya: Beneficial to eyes
Arshaghna: Anti-hemorrhoidal
Shoola- prashamana: Anti-colic
Mootrala: Diuretic
Ashmarighna: Anti-uro-lithiasis, stone breaker
Mootrakricchaghna:
Relieves or
alleviates dysuria [38]
Modern View
In Ayurveda Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is
commonly used for jaundice, liver diseases, diabetes, edema, oliguria, anemia,
inflammatory edema, diseases of the eye. Enthralled by its medicinal uses
described in Ayurveda, recently pharmacologists and clinicians investigated Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) for all these activities. Their studies validated
the claims mentioned in Ayurvedic scriptures. They concluded that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) does possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial,
anti-viral, insecticidal, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, diuretic and
anti-fertility activities. [39]
Recent pharmacological studies have demonstrated
that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) possesses anticonvulsant,
anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-oxidant,
immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anthelmintic, febrifuge, hepatoprotective,
anti-diabetic, diuretic, anti-urolithiatic, nephroprotective, anti-tumor and
anti-metastatic activities. These activities are attributed to the chemical
ingredients alkaloids (punarnavine), rotenoids (boeravinones A to J) and
flavones. [40]
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)is now officially
included as diuretic in IP. Its diuretic action is attributed to the presence
of xanthone, beta-ecdysone and flavonoid. Arabinofuranoside present in the herb
was found to lower serum uric acid in experimental animals and also in humans.
Clinical trials on patients suffering from nephritic
syndrome revealed that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) reduces urinary
protein excretion and increases serum protein levels. This activity is
attributed to the presence of rotenoids in the plant. [41]
Punarnavine / Lunamarine
(Alkaloids)
Molecular
formula: Punarnavine: C17H22N2O/
Lunamarine: C18H15O14 [42]
Structural formula:
(Lunamarine)
[43]
Punarnavine is a quinolone alkaloid found in Boerhaavia
diffusa. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory,
anti-angiogenic, (via down regulation of VEGF), anti-metastatic activities. It
induces apoptosis in B16F-10 melanoma cells by inhibiting NF-kB signaling.
In experiments on cats, intravenous injection of
punarnavine produced persistent rise of blood pressure and marked diuresis. In
a clinical trial for treatment of nephrotic syndrome, the aqueous extract
induced profuse diuresis, relieved edema, decreased albuminuria, raised serum
protein level, normalized serum cholesterol level and caused an overall
improvement in health.
According to
some researchers the diuretic action of punarnavine/punarnavoside or entire
plant of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is due to inhibition of kidney
succinic dehydrogenase system. [44], [45]
Beta-sitosterol
(Phytosterol)
Sitosterol
Molecular
formula: C29H50O
Structural
formula:
Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-Sitosterol is one of several phytosterols
(plant-sterols) with chemical structural similar to that of cholesterol.
Beta-Sitosterol is a white, waxy powder with a characteristic odor. It is
hydrophobic and soluble in alcohols.
Beta-Sitosterol is found in fruits, vegetables,
nuts, and seeds. It is found in pumpkin seeds, cashew, rice bran, wheat germ,
corn oil, soybeans and dandelion coffee.
It inhibits absorption of cholesterol from the
intestine and reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. After absorption
from the intestine it is incorporated in the cellular membrane.
One small study shows a positive effect on male hair
loss in combination with Saw palmetto. In Europe Beta-Sitasterol is used in
herbal therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also used for
boosting the immunity; prevent colonic cancer, gallstones, rheumatoid
arthritis, tuberculosis, psoriasis, allergies, bronchial asthma, bronchitis,
chronic fatigue syndrome and erectile dysfunction.
Beta-Sitosterol should be avoided during pregnancy
and breast-feeding.
Beta-Sitosterol should be avoided by individuals
with sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat-storage disorder. This condition is
correlated with increased risk of heart disease (even heart attacks) and
worsening existing heart disease.
Beta-Sitosterol is a precursor of anabolic steroid
boldenone undecyclate that is used in veterinary medicine to induce growth in
cattle but commonly abused anabolic steroid in sports. [46], [47]
A study conducted in the Department of Urology,
Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany showed significant improvement in symptoms of
the patients of benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with Beta-Sitosterol [48]
Liriodendrin
(Lignans)
Molecular
formula: C34H45O18
Structural
formula:
Liriodendrin is an antiarrhythmic lignin. [49]
Liriodendrin is anti-inflammatory and
anti-nociceptive. In an experimental study liriodendrin caused a reduction in
acute paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats. [50]
Liriodendrin may be a potent suppressor of Calcium
chloride-induced arrhythmias. The anti-arrhythmic effect of 5mg/kg of
liriodendrin was found to be similar to that of 1.05mg/kg of verapamil [51]
Liriodendrin is calcium channel blocker anti-hypertensive
agent. [52]
Punarnavoside
(Rotenoids)
Molecular
formula: C28H30O10
Structural
formula:
Punarnavoside is a phenolic glycoside. [53]
Rotenoids are anti-inflammatory agents. They have
anti-oxidant and genoprotective and anti-cancer activity. It is an
anti-fibrinolytic agent [54], [55]
Boeravinone
(Xanthones)
Molecular
formula: C17H12O6
Structural
formula:
[56]
Till date A, B. C and O Boeravinones are identified
in Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
Boeravinone shows anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant,
genoprotective and anti-cancer activity. [57]
Hypoxanthine
Molecular
formula: C5H4N4O
Structural
formula:
Hypoxanthine is a naturally occurring
purine derivative. It is occasionally found as a constituent of nucleic acids. [58]
Hypoxanthine is calcium channel blocker anti-hypertensive
agent. [59]
L-arabinofuranoside
Molecular
formula: C11H13NO7
Structural
formula:
It has weak anti-malarial activity [60], [61]
Ursolic acid
Molecular
formula: C30H48O3
Structural
formula:
Ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene
acid. It occurs in apples, basil, thyme, peppermint and cranberries. Apple
peels contain large quantities of ursolic acid.
By inhibiting the STAT3 activation
pathway ursolic acid inhibits various cancer cell types one of which includes
human fibrosarcoma. It may also induce apoptosis in certain cancer cells. It is
used in cosmetics. It has potential use as cardioprotective compound. [62]
Ursolic acid stimulates
muscle growth and increases skeletal muscle mass. It increases brown fat,
increases energy expenditure leading to reduce obesity. It is improve glucose
tolerance and decreases hepatic steatosis. Ursolic acid is therefore used to
treat obesity, glucose intolerance and fatty liver disease. [63]
Beta-Ecdysone
Molecular
formula: C27H44O6
Structural
formula:
Beta-ecdysones
are steroidal prohormones. Ecdysteroids appear in many plants. They offer
protection to plants against herbivorous insects. They have been reputed to
have medicinal value and are part of herbal adaptogenic remedies, yet an
ecdysteroid precursor in plants has been shown to have cytotoxic properties. [64]
Some
testimonials from modern research:
Anti-Inflammatory Activity
In
Ayurveda, Punarnawaasawa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is described as
“Shothghna” (anti-inflammatory, relieving edema). Traditionally, Punarnawaasawa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) leaves have been used either as local application
or orally as monotherapy or in polyherbal formulations for the treatment of
snake bite/scorpion bite. Leaves were also used for the treatment of wound
healing and burns. Recently eleutheroside E, syringaresinol diglucoside,
quercetin and kaempferol have been identified as anti-inflammatory
phytochemicals found in Punarnawaasawa (Boerhaavia diffusa). [66]
In
one study Punarnawaasawa (Boerhaavia diffusa) significantly inhibited
carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma,
formalin-induced paw licking and yeast-induced hyperpyrexia. Punarnawaasawaa
also healed pyloric ulcers in rats. [67]
The
alcoholic extract of leaves and flowers have shown anti-inflammatory activity
by decreasing rat paw edema. [68]
Hiruma-Lima and
co-workers studied toxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of juice
and lyophilized decoction of leaves of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa).
Both juice and decoction (1000mg/kg) produced inhibition of abdominal writhing
in mice in comparison to 200mg/kg of dipyrone sodium an antispasmodic,
analgesic. The analgesic activity of juice was also comparable to morphine. The
analgesic activity of the juice was reversed by pretreatment with 5mg/kg of
naloxone. This suggested that the mechanism of analgesic/antinociceptive
activity of leaves of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) was similar to
that of opioids. [69], [70]
Anti-oxidant
activity
Chloroform,
ethanol and water extracts of dried roots of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
were screened to evaluate the anti-oxidant activity of the herb. Among these
three extracts, ethanol extract showed the best anti-oxidant activity than the
other two.
This
study validates that Punarnawaasawa containing self- generated alcohol
is the best preparation for medicinal use. [71], [72]
Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl
(DPPH), formerly known as 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl is a cell-permeable,
stable free radical. It is used to evaluate the ability of compounds to act as
free radical scavengers or hydrogen donors and measure their antioxidant
activity.
By
evaluating DPPH radical scavenging activity, OH radical scavenging activity and
vitamin C content researchers showed that 50% ethanolic extract of whole plant
of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has a very potent antioxidant
activity. [73]
To
demonstrated the antioxidant potential of leaf extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa), Sathesh and coworker induced diabetes in rats by using alloxan.
They reported that the leaf extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) exhibited
considerable antioxidant activity and reduction in various oxidative stress
markers. [74]
In
experimental studies, H9C2-rat cardiomyoblasts are used to evaluate actions of
various drugs on cardiac tissue. Vineetha et al reported cardioprotective
activity of ethanolic extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) against
arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity. The animals treated with ethanolic
extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) demonstrated decreased levels
of lactate dehydrogenase, oxidative stress and calcium influx. [75]
Immunomodulatory
activity
Punarnavine is an alkaloid present in Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa). The effect of Punarnavine
on the immune system was studied by some researchers using Balb/c mice.
Intraperitoneal administration of Punarnavine (40 mg/kg body weight) increased
WBC count, bone marrow cellularity number of alpha-esterase positive cells.
Administration of Punarnavine along with sheep RBCs produced an enhancement in
circulating antibody titer and the number of plaque forming cells in the
spleen. Punarnavine also showed enhanced proliferation of spleenocytes,
thymocytes and bone marrow cells both in the presence and absence of specific
mitogens in vitro and in vivo. Administration of Punarnavine
significantly reduced the LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) induced elevated levels of
proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 in mice. These
results indicate the immunomodulatory activity of Punarnavine. [76]
Punarnavine was studied for its effect on cellular
and humoral functions in mice. Oral administration of the alkaloid (25-100
mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited sheep RBC-induced delayed
hypersensitive reactions in mice. The inhibition was observed only during
post-immunization drug treatment, while no effect during pre-immunization drug
treatment was observed. A significant dose-related increase in antibody titer
was observed during pre- and post-immunization treatment. Punarnavine failed to
show any blastogenic responsiveness of murine splenocytes to Concanvalin A (Con
A) and Lipopolysachharide (LPS). Similarly, Punarnavine did not display any
mitogenic activity. [77]
A group of researchers studied immunomodulatory
activity of aqueous extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) in E. coli-induced
abodominal sepsis in mice. They pretreated the animals by oral administration
of aqueous extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) at doses of 50-200
mg/kg/day. The animals showed significant leucocytosis and 50% reduction in
mortality. The extract also reversed the stress-induced elevation in the levels
of glucose, cholesterol, SGPT and BUN. [78]
Munguntiwar et al, also found
that oral administration of the alkaloid fraction of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) at doses of 25-100mg/kg decreased and delayed hypersensitivity
reactions in animals. They suggest that this immunostimulation is due to
metabolic alteration of the alkaloid to its active form. [79]
Sumanth et al reported
antistress, adaptogenic and immunostimulating activity of alcoholic extract of
roots of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa). The extract produced
macrophage phagocytic activity comparable to the drug levamizole. [80]
Mehrotra et al found that in
vitro the ehtanolic extract of roots of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
at doses of 100 and 500µg/kg prevented cytotoxicity in human NK cells and
inhibited generation of NO in mouse macrophage cells. They attributed this
immunosuppressive activity to alkaloid and lignin found in the plant. [81]
Punarnavine enhances the
adaptive immunity and activity of Natural Killas Cells (NK Cells), but its
practical significance is unknown as Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) can
also show immunosuppressive activity. [82]
Hexane,
chloroform and ethanol extracts of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) were
evaluated in vitro for immunomodulatory activity of the plant. The chloroform
and ethanolic extracts inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated
proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, two-way mixed lymphocyte
reaction (MLR), Natural Killar (NK) cell tyxicity as well as Lipopolysachharide
(LPS)-induced, Nitric Oxide (NO) production by RAW 264.7; but hexane extract
did not show any activity. This suggests that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
exerts immunosuppressive action. [83]
Adaptogenic
Activity
Parkinson’s
disease, degenerative heart disease, myocardial infarction, Alzheimer’s disease
and age related symptoms are said to be expressions of oxidative stress. They
are effects of free radical-induced tissue injury. Injury to arterial wall and diet
derived lipids causing endothelial cell injury are also examples of free
radical injuries.[84]
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) exerts antioxidant activity which is instrumental in
immunosuppressive, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic and anticancer activities of
the plant. All these facts substantiate the use of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) as “Rasaayana” (Rejuvenator/Adaptogen) in Ayurveda.[85]
Researchers attribute “Rjuvenating/Adaptogenic”
activities to phytochemicals syringaresinol mono-β-D-glucoside (eleutheroside E1;
acanthoside B), punarnavine and quercetin isolated from the plant. [86]
Antibacterial
Activity
The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) shows significant antimicrobial activity
against Staphylococcus aureus strains, Bacillus subtilis UC564, Salmonella
typhi DI and Escherichia coli. Needless to say, that the activity
was dose dependant. [87]
The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) were found to possess antibacterial activity against Streptococci,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella
dysenteriae, Corynbacterium diphtheria andClostridium tetani
[88]
Other researchers found antibacterial activity of various extracts
of leaves and roots of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) against Bacillus
subtilis and Escherichia coli, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Micrococci, E.
coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella, proteus, Serratia, Shigella and Klebsiella.
[89], [90]
Antiviral Activity
Recently Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) was
found to be a potent antiviral agent. It showed antiviral activity against many
viruses. The antiviral agent isolated was a glycoprotein with molecular weight
of 16-20 kDa. (Awasthi and Verma, 2006) [91]
The antiviral action glycoprotein is said to be
mediated via RNA of viruses. We did not find any reference or research paper
stating clearly that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has anti-hepatitis
virus (virus A to E) activity. Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is used
in polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of jaundice (viral
hepatitis) because of its hepatoprotective activity and the synergism with
other herbs having antiviral activity. (For details read below:
Hepatoprotective Acivity)
Antifungal
Activity
At a dose of 1mg/mL ethyl acetate extract of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) was found to exert antifungal activity
against Microsporum gupseum Microsporum fulvum and Microsporum canis. On
increasing the concentration the extract also inhibited sporulation. [92]
Microsporum gypsum has
been documented to cause dermatophytosis which is characterized by redness,
papulo-vesicular eruption, fissuring and scaling of the skin. Formulations
containing Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) are useful for the treatment
of this dermatophytosis. [93]
Antileishmanial Activity
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) administered orally at 100 mg/kg for 5 days was
useful for clearance of Leishmania donovani parasites from infected
animals. Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) also normalized the elevated
levels of SGOT, SGPT, blood urea nitrogen, blood urea, serum creatinine. The
treatment did not show any adverse effect. [94]
Actions on the Skin
The root extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is
effective remedy for several skin diseases. Paste of root is applied for
edematous swellings. Hot poultice of the root is applied on ulcers and
abscesses and similar skin disorders.[95]
In experimental studies DMBA
[7, 12-dimethyl benz(a)nthracene) is used to induce cutaneous papilloma. To
evaluate cancer chemopreventive property of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa), cutaneous papilloma was induced
in male Swiss albino mice by a single application of DMBA (50 µg/µL of acetone)
followed two weeks later by repeated application of 1% croton oil in acetone.
By topical application of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) extract the
papilloma regressed significantly. [96]
In a study, Punarnavine at
doses of 25-500µg/mL of concentrations ranging from 7-19% showed cytotoxicity
on melanoma cells. DNA fragmentation increased with incrasing concentration of
Punarnavine.
According to some researchers,
Punarnavine is more anti-proliferative than cytotoxic.
In another study aqueous: methanol
(3:7) extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) was found to be effective in metastasis formation by B16F10
melanoma cells. Further more prophylactic administration of the extract at the
dose of 0.5mg/kg inhibited the metastasis formation by about 95 percent. [97]
Actions on the
Breast
In a test on oestrogen-responsive
breast cancer cells (MCF-7) at doses of 20-320mcg/mL, methanolic extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) reduced viability of cancer cells by 46.8. [98]
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) possesses antiproliferative and anti-estrogenic
properties. These findings may suggest that the herb may have a potential in
the treatment of estrogen dependent breast cancers. [99]
Two rotenoids, boeravinones G
and H isolated from Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) roots were found to inhibit breast cancer resistance protein
ABCG2. The researchers proposed a correlation between structure and activity of
compounds having BCRP (Breast Cancer Resistance Protein) inhibitory activity.
[100]
Actions on
Endocrine System
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) appears to have anti-oestrogenic effect. Methanolic
extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) was as effective as the the
standard ICI 182-780 (potent antiestrogen) for down regulating
estrogen-dependent signaling. [101]
One study showed that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) decreased
serum cortisol in mice. [102]
Actions on RES/
Hematopoetic System
Ethanolic
extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has been found to inhibit T
cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A-stimulated proliferation of
human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The extract also inhibited
proliferation of mixed lymphocyte culture. The extract also inhibited several
cell lines of mouse and human origin such as mouse macrophage cells (RAW
264.7), human macrophage cells (U937), human monocytic cells (THP-1), mouse
fibroblast cells (L929), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), mouse liver
cells (BNLCL.2), African green monkey kidney cells (COS-1), mouse lymphoma
cells (EL-4), human erythroleukemic cells (K562) and human T cells (Jukart).
Thus the study demonstrated the antiproliferative potential of ethanolic
extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) [103]
Actions on Musculoskeletal System
Osteoporosis is a part of aging process. In addition
it is associated with (non specific) inflammation of the bones. Recently it has
emerged that the process has an immune component also. Cytokines secreted for
immune response are also important for development and activation of
osteoclasts besides being critical for immunity. [104]
Recently Pandey et
al, isolated eupalitin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside from Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa). The compound is said to have immunosuppressive activity.
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is therefore used to treat osteoporosis.
[105], [106]
Actions on the Eye
Recently Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) has been employed as a standard natural drug for ophthalmic
disorders. [107]
Actions on Nervous system
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) showed antipyretic and analgesic activity. (See above)
In Caribian medicine, Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is used as analgesic. The plant
extract at the dose of 1gm/kg body weight reduces pain in mice. But it is less
potent than morphine. The plant extract is more potent than the dry powder. The
analgesic effect is inhibited by naloxone suggesting that the effect is similar
to opiods. [108]
Anticonvulsant
In Nigerian folk medicine, Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is used for the treatment of
epilepsy. In experimental studies injections of methanolic extract of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) at doses of 500-2000mg/kg could control
Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. Borrelli et al believe that the
extract is calcium channel blocker. Kaur-Gulati and R. K. Goel et al found that
the potency of methanolic extract at the dose of 500mg/kg is similar to 1mg/kg
of Diazepam. [109], [110], [111]
Analgesic
In Martinican folk Medicine Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has neen in vogue as a pain
reducing agent. In experimental study, at the dose of 1g/kg bodyweight the
plant extract reduced pain in mice. Its analgesic activity is inhibited by
naloxone suggesting that the action is similar to that of opioids. The powder
of the plant is less effective than the extract. The potency of both is less
than that of morphine. The herb does not possess any sedatory action [112],
[113]
Anti-stress Activity
The ethanolic
extract of root of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) shows antistress and
adaptogenic activity in albino mice.This is attributed to anti-oxidant activity
of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides and sterols found in the extract. [114],
[115], [116]
Actions
on RS
In the Ivory Coase leaves of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) are used for treatment of bronchial asthma cough and symptomatic
treatment of any dyspnoea. When tested in precontracted tracheal rings of mouse
at the dose of 30mcg/mL Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) was able to
relax the trachea. Irie-N Guessan et al documented tracheal relaxation in
carbachol-induced contration of trachea. The exact mechanism of action is not
known. [117], [118]
Actions on CVS
Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key
role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac failure. So newer
drug therapy is aimed at correcting the mitochondrial dysfunction. Recently
ethanolic extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) has been used to treat Angiotensin II induced cardiac hypertrophy
and mitochondrial dysfunction with good results. The beneficial effects were
attributed to antioxidant and calcium homoeostasis exerted by the
phytochemicals found in the plant. [119]
Actions on GI
syatem
To evaluate anti-ulcer activity of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) gastric ulcers were induced by 25mg/kg Indomethacin and Pylorus
ligation in Sprague Dawley rats. The animals were divided in two groups. To one
group Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) was administered in two doses 200
and 400mg/kg body weight and to other group a combination of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) and Omeprazole 2mg/kg bodyweight. In both the groups gastric
ulcers healed but the combination therapy was superior to mono therapy with Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa). [120]
Electrical stimulation, acetyl choline, histamine
and barium chloride induce intestinal contraction in isolated ileum. In
experimental studies on isolated ileum Borrelli et al demonstrated spasmolytic
action of methanolic extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa). The
researchers established that boeravinone E is the most potent spasmolytic agent
in the root extract of the plant. [121]
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) is useful in
strengthening the stomach and strengthening its action. It is useful in the
treatment of intestinal colic. Root powder of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
in doses of 5gms thrice a day is useful in expelling and expelling intestinal
worms. [122]
Hepatoprotective
Activity
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) roots
normalize the elevated levels of SGOT, SGPT, serum acid phosphatase and serum
alphafetoprotein. The experimental work done by researchers validates the use
of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) roots in hepatic ailments by several
tribes in India. The alcoholic extract of whole plant produced increase in bile
flow in rats. This shows Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has choleretic
activity.
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) reduces elevated levels of cholesterol and
triglycerides and reduces or prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver. [123]
R.
Gulati et al demonstrated that 50% aqueous-ethanolic extract of roors of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) at a dose of 100mg/100g showed
hepatoprotective activity in hepatotoxicity induced by country liquor in albino
rats. The conclusions were supported by biochemical and histolological
studies. [124]
Chandan et al
demonstrated hepatoprotective activity of 50% aqueous-ethanolic extract of
whole plant of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) in carbon tetrachloride
induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The extract also doubled the flow of bile. [125]
Rawat et al studied the
effect of various factors responsible for hepatoprotection by Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa). They found that aqueous extract (2mL/kg) of roots having 1-3 cm
diameter acquired in the month of May showed a significant hepatoprotection.
They also pointed out that thin roots were more effective in hepatoprotection than
the thick roots. [126]
The aqueous-ethanolic extract
of fresh leaves of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) shows a very potent
hepatoprotective activity in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The
extract contains appreciable quantities of phenolics and flavonoids along with
vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc. According to Olaleye et al these chemicals
are responsible for hepatoprotective activity of the plant. [127]
Cirrhosis of the liver
is the major casue of ascites which is followed by congestive cardiac failure
(CCF). Use of diuretics is the first line of therapy. Newer diuretics such as
frusemide (furosemide) produce profuse dieresis, abnormalities in fluid
dynamics in the body and sodium-potassium imbalance. Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) is hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, a mild diuretic. By ACE
inhibitor activity Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) decreases cardiac
load. Its nephroprotective and renal Na+ K+ -ATPase
activity and antioxidant status prevent the electrolyte and bodyfluid
imbalance. [128]
Mechanism
of Hepatoprotection
Does
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) regenerate hepatocytes? May be may be
not! If administered internally as medicine, does it repair hepatocyte damage?
It certainly does! If administered internally as adaptogen (Known as Rasaayana
in Ayurveda); does it arrest further liver damage? It certainly does!!
By
virtue of its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral,
immunomodulatory, laxative, choleretic, detoxificating and diuretic activities Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) acts as a hepatoprotective agent. I would say Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) is a hepatoprotective agent par excellence! [129]
Actions
on metabolism
Thiobarbituric
acid reactive substances (TBARS) are formed as byproduct of lipid peroxidation
(i.e. degeneration products of fats). TBARS are used to determine the damage
produced by oxidative stress. Antioxidant property of the leaf extract of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) reduced the elevated TBARS in alloxan
induced diabetic rats. [130]
The
root extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) at doses of 100 1nd
200mg/kg bodyweight normalized elevated levels of lipids, AST, ALT, urea,
creatinine in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The extract also normalized the
bodyweight in obese animals. This suggests that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) can be useful for the treatment of obesity. [131]
Antidiabetic Activity
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) has inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase
enzyme with no effect on α-amylase, an enzyme mediating starch digestion. The
plant shows some inhibitory effects on carbohydrate absorption but there is no
enough evidence to suggest it is potent to be used on regular basis to treat
diabetes. [132], [133]
Oral
administration of 500mg/kg of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) over 30
days in diabetic rats normalizes elevated blood sugar in alloxan-induced
diabetic rats. This was comparable to 500mcg/kg Metformin. There was no
significant effect of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) on non-diabetic
rats. [134]
Administration
orally of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) tea (200mg/kg bodyweighi in
hot water) to alloxan-induced rats lowered elevated blood sugar by 50% and insulin
by 52%. These results were comparable to 600mcg/kg of Glibenclamide. [135],
[136]
In
another study Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) outperformed
Glibenclamide. [137]
These
studies suggest that β-cell renewal or some extrapancreatic action of Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) is responsible for such effects. [138]
Actions
on Urinary System
At
concentration of 1-100 mg/mL Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has
anti-urolithiasis actions. The concentrations above 32mg/mL reduced both the
size of Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate stones and increased elimination of these
from urine. [139], [140]
Aqueous
extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) administered to rats at 100
and 200mg/kg was able to reduce the size of kidney stones, normalized blood
urea and creatinine as was proved by biochemical studies and normalized the
damaged kidney as was proved by histology. This shows that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) has a good nephro protective activity. The dose of 100mg/kg of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) used in rats should be 16mg/kg for human
beings. [141]
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) is well known for its diuretic activity. The
diuretic activity is due to the phytochemicals present in both the leaves and
roots but the diuretic activity of stem has lesser efficacy than that of leaves
and the roots. [142]
Wahi et al isolated alkaloid punarnavine and water
soluble base choline from Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa). Administered
at 5mg/100g in rats the alkaloid produced significant diuresis. [143]
Aqueous
extract of the whole plant of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa)
significantly decreased the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes from end stage
renal renal disease patients. Sathyapriya et al suggested that this to be due
to alteration in the composition of the erythrocyte-cell membrane or due to a
direct or indirect effect of the extract on intracellular sodium and
alleviation of oxidative stress. [144]
Actions on Male
Reproductive System
To evaluate the efficacy of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); BPH was induced in one
group of rats by subcutaneous injection of 5mg/kg bodyweight daily of
testosterone for 28 days. The other group of animals received simultaneously
100 mg/kg bodyweight of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) for 28 days. The
results showed that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) significannly
inhibited the prostatic hyperplasia. The extract did not have significant
change on serum testosterone level. Histopathological analysis of the prostate
gland supported above results. [145]
On investigation of the effect of 2.4 % aqueous
extract of leaf of Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) at doses of 100 and 150mg/kg for 60 days on Wister
rats researchers found that there was no significant change in testosterone
level, the weight of testes, epididymis and seminal vesicles significantly
decreased, sperm count and sperm motility significantly decreased and live/dead
sperm ratio decreased significantly. Histopathology of the testes revealed
marked degeneration of germinal epithelia with sperminostasis. The results
suggest that the extract of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) has adverse
effect on male reproductive system i.e. semen and morphology of testes of the
rats. [146]
Female
Reproductive System
Srivastava et al studied the effect of 50mg/kg of
root extract of Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa) extract on Intra Uterine Device (IUD)-induced
bleeding in rhesus monkeys. They attributed this activity of the herb to
antifibrinolytic activity of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa). This
activity was comparable to aminocproic acid 100mg/kg/day administered orally
and tranexamic acid 5.5mg/kg/day administered by intravenous injection. [147]
Some researchers isolated a phenolytic glycoside punarvoside having
antifibrinolytic activity. Punarnavoside has been used to treat irregularities
of menstruation, dysmenorrhea and diverse gynaecological disorders. [148]
Administered orally to pregnant
albino female rats in a dose of 250mg/kg during entire period of gestation did
not induce abortion and did not show fetal abnormalities and teratogenic
effects [149]
Cervical Cancer
Hela cell (HeLa cell) is an
immortal cell line derived from cervical cancer cells used in cancer research.
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) fraction 5 (BDF 5) could inhibit HeLa
cancer cells. Bio-assays of ethanolic extracts and chloroform fraction (BDF) of
root of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) showed antiproliferative effect
on HeLa cells. After exposure for 48 hours, at a concentration of 200µg/mL, the
fraction significantly reduced cell proliferation and brought about changes in
the morphology of HeLa cell. [150]
Anticancer Activity
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) inhibits T cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin and concavalin
A-stimulated proliferation of human mononuclear cells (PBMC). It also inhibited
purified protein derivative antigen-stimulated PBMC proliferation and human
mixed lymphocyte culture. In addition, various extracts of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) inhibited the growth of several ciee lines of human and mouse
origin such as human macrophage cells (U937), human monocytic cells (THP-1),
human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293), human erythroleukemic cells (K562),
human T cells (Jurkat), mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), mouse fibroblast
cells (L929), mouse liver cells (BNLCL.2), mouse lymphoma cells (EL-4) etc.
various extracts of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) also inhibited
African green monkey kidney cells (COS-1) [151]
In a study Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) exhibited cancer chemopreventive property. The study led to the
hypothesis that the inhibition of tumorogenesis by the plant extract might have
been executed either by preventing the formation of active carcinogens from
their precursors or by augmenting detoxification process. [152]
Ethanolic extract of
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) at the dose of 50µg/mL showed cytotoxic
activity against Vero cell lines (i.e. cells from kidney of African green
monkey, a fibroblast-like kidney cell) [153]
In vitro studies by
Srivastava and coworkers showed cytotoxic effect of extracts of root and leaves
of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) in HeLa and U-87 cell lines. At a
concentration of 200 µg/mL crude ethanolic extract of root showed 30%, the leaf
extract at 300 µg/mL showed 40% and the alkaloid fraction at 300 µg/mL showed
40% cell death. [154]
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) shows the protective effect against gamma radiation-induced damage
in mice. [155], [156]
The alkaloid Punarnavine
showed inhibitory activity against cancer metastasis. [157]
Culinary uses
Used as vegetable in some states in India. Tribals
in Purulia (West Bengal) eat this plant as vegetable. The leaves of the plant
are cooked in Assam. [158]
Medicinal
Actions and Uses
Traditional Uses
In India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tibet Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) is used for gastritis, amlapitta (hyperacidity), intestinal colic,
diarrhea, jaundice, liver-gallbladder disorders, fatigue, anemia, muscular
pain, urinary disorders, ophthalmic problems, blindness, menstrual disorders,
increasing virility and treatment of edema. People in tribal area use it to
hasten child birth. [159]
Usages in
Ayurveda
In Ayurveda it is used as stomachic in dyspepsia, to
treat intestinal colic, jaundice and anemia. As diuretic it is used to treat
ascites, dropsy (CCF); to treat enlargement of the spleen. It is used for
obesity and alopecia [160]
Usages
in Modern Medicine
It
should be considered for the treatment of viral hepatitis, non alcoholic fatty
liver disease, in precirrhotic stage of liver disease and as diuretic in portal
hypertension to treat ascites.
Drug-interactions
As Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) exhibits a
wide range of pharmacological actions researchers think, that the herb might
interact with anticonvulsants, anxiolytics, immunomodulators, hormones,
diuretics, ACE inhibitors etc.
Studies
show that Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) potentiates the actions of anticonvulsants and anxiolytics
especially benzodiazepines and barbiturates.
Another study shows that quercetin found in
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) increases the bioavailability of
tamoxifen by about 20% upon coadministration. Quercetin at a dose of 10mg/kg
bodyweight also increased the bioavailability of simvastatin. [161], [162]
Toxicity,
Contraindications
Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia diffusa) in moderate
doses is laxative but in large doses can be a drastic purgative; hence should
be used with caution in children and must not be used during pregnancy and
lactation. [163]
Preparations and
dosages
The standard dose of Punarnawaa (Boerhaavia
diffusa) used in studies on rats ranges from 200-400 mg/kg with maximally
effective dose is 1000mg/kg. For humans the dose is 32-64mg/kg bodywetght [164]
Punarnawaadi
Kwaath: (Punarnawaashtak)
A
dose of 30ml of decoction is prepared from 1.56 gm each of Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa)(Boerhaavia diffusa), Bakan ninb (Melia
azadirachta), Kutakee (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Guduchee (Tinospora
cordifolia), Hareetakee (Terminalia chebula), Daaru haridraa (Berberis
aristata), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Aardraka or Shunthee (Zingiber
officinalis/ Zingiber officinale).
Dose:
20
to 30 ml
Punarnawaasawa:
Dose:
20
t0 30 ml
Punarnawaadi
Choorna:
Root
powder
Punarnawaadi
Mandoor:
For
anemia
Punarnawaa
(Boerhaavia diffusa)Guggula:
Punarnawaambu:
Sukumaara
ghrita:
Shothaghna
Lepa: Antiphlogistic Paste: [165], [166]
References
1.
http://www.alandiashram.org
4. http://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_may_2012/5.pdf
5.
Google images
7.
http://www.phytojournal.com/vol1Issue1/Issue_may_2012/5.pdf
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