Abutilon
Also known as: Abutilon indicum, Indian mallow, Country mallow
Overview
Abutilon indicum, commonly known as Indian mallow or Country mallow, is a plant native to tropical regions and has been traditionally used in folk medicine. It is categorized as an herbal supplement, primarily valued for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Research on Abutilon indicum is primarily based on in vitro and animal studies, with limited human trials. These studies suggest potential benefits in reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage. The available evidence is mostly from small-scale studies, highlighting the need for more extensive research, including large-scale randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, to validate its clinical efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Abutilon indicum has demonstrated antioxidant and DNA protective effects in vitro, suggesting it can reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage. Animal studies indicate it may help mitigate proinflammatory marker gene expression induced by drugs like isoniazid. These potential benefits could be particularly relevant for individuals exposed to oxidative stress or those needing anti-inflammatory support. However, the current research lacks specific effect sizes and confidence intervals, which limits the assessment of its clinical significance. Further human studies are needed to confirm these benefits and determine the optimal conditions for its use.
How it works
Abutilon indicum's mechanism of action primarily involves antioxidant pathways, which may influence inflammatory responses. It potentially interacts with the immune and cellular systems to reduce oxidative stress. However, the specific molecular targets and the absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds in humans are not well-studied. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the biological pathways and interactions involved in its therapeutic effects.
Side effects
Based on traditional use, Abutilon indicum is generally considered safe, but formal safety studies are lacking. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well-documented in the existing literature. There is a potential for interactions with drugs like isoniazid, although this has not been extensively studied. Due to the lack of comprehensive data, contraindications are not well-defined. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use due to the limited safety data in these populations. More rigorous safety assessments are needed to fully understand the potential adverse effects and interactions associated with Abutilon indicum.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Abutilon indicum for humans has not been established. Animal studies have used dosages of 250-500 mg/kg body weight for ethanolic extracts. The maximum safe dose for humans is also not established. Timing considerations for administration are not specified in the literature. It is typically used as an ethanolic extract, but absorption factors are not well-studied. No required cofactors for its activity have been identified. Due to the limited research, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using Abutilon indicum to determine a safe and appropriate dosage.
FAQs
Should I consult a healthcare provider before using Abutilon indicum?
Yes, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using Abutilon indicum, especially if you are taking other medications, to ensure it is safe for you.
Is Abutilon indicum safe?
While traditionally used, formal safety data on Abutilon indicum is limited, so caution is advised. More research is needed to confirm its safety profile.
What are the expected results from using Abutilon indicum?
Abutilon indicum may offer potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, based on preliminary studies, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
How should Abutilon indicum be taken?
The timing and administration of Abutilon indicum are not well-specified in the literature. Consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on how to use it.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10771030/ – This study investigates the protective effects of Abutilon indicum against isoniazid-induced liver damage in rats. The research suggests that Abutilon indicum can mitigate the proinflammatory response and oxidative stress caused by isoniazid, indicating its potential as a hepatoprotective agent. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these protective effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7414073/ – This research explores the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Abutilon indicum. The study demonstrates that the plant extract possesses significant antioxidant properties and exhibits antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains. These findings support the traditional use of Abutilon indicum for its medicinal properties.
- https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/137468 – This article likely discusses the pharmacological properties and potential therapeutic applications of Abutilon indicum. Further details would be needed to provide a more specific summary, but it likely covers aspects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities based on the journal's focus.
- https://www.cureus.com/articles/204037-evaluation-of-the-ethanolic-leaf-extract-of-abutilon-indicum-on-isonicotinic-acid-hydrazide-induced-proinflammatory-marker-gene-expression-changes.pdf – This study evaluates the effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Abutilon indicum on isonicotinic acid hydrazide-induced proinflammatory marker gene expression changes. The research indicates that the extract can modulate the expression of proinflammatory genes, suggesting its potential in mitigating inflammation. The findings support the traditional use of Abutilon indicum for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/13/4/plab031/6284301 – This article focuses on the genetic diversity and population structure of Abutilon indicum. While not directly related to its medicinal properties, understanding the genetic aspects of the plant is crucial for conservation and sustainable utilization. The study provides insights into the genetic makeup of Abutilon indicum populations.
