Astaracantha Longifolio Aquatic Extract
Also known as: Hygrophila auriculata, Hygrophila, Marsh Barbel, Indian Asteracantha, Asteracantha longifolia
Overview
Asteracantha longifolia, also known as Hygrophila auriculata, is an aquatic medicinal plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. It is primarily recognized for its diuretic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant properties, as well as its potential as a renal tonic. Extracts are typically derived from the aerial parts of the plant using solvents like ethanol or methanol. While preclinical research, including in vitro and animal studies, supports its traditional uses, comprehensive clinical trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses specifically on this extract are limited. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as triterpenoids and sterols, which are believed to contribute to its pharmacological activities. Its use in traditional medicine suggests a favorable safety profile, but modern scientific validation of its efficacy and safety in humans is still developing.
Benefits
Asteracantha longifolia exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by preclinical studies. Its diuretic activity has been demonstrated in rats, where alcoholic extracts significantly increased urine volume and the excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride, supporting its traditional use. Antidiabetic effects were observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with ethanolic extracts reducing blood glucose and oxidative stress markers while enhancing antioxidant enzymes. Early human reports from 1989 also suggested hypoglycemic effects, though detailed randomized controlled trial data are lacking. The plant also possesses significant antioxidant properties, boosting endogenous antioxidant defenses, which contributes to its protective effects against oxidative stress and in diabetic conditions. These benefits are attributed to its rich phytochemical content, including triterpenoids and sterols like betulin, lupeol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol, which are known for their pharmacological activities.
How it works
The diuretic action of Asteracantha longifolia is thought to be mediated by its ability to increase the renal excretion of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, likely through modulation of renal tubular function. Its antidiabetic effects are primarily attributed to the reduction of oxidative stress and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities, which help protect pancreatic β-cells from damage and improve overall glucose metabolism. The bioactive phytochemicals present in the extract, including triterpenoids and sterols, are believed to interact with various molecular targets involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and glucose regulation. While the exact molecular pathways are still being elucidated, these compounds likely contribute to the observed pharmacological activities. Absorption and bioavailability data for these compounds are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data from high-quality randomized controlled trials for Asteracantha longifolia aquatic extract are currently unavailable. Preclinical studies in rodents have not reported significant toxicity at tested doses, typically up to 200-250 mg/kg, suggesting a relatively favorable safety profile in animal models. However, the absence of reported toxicity in animals does not directly translate to human safety. Traditional use of the plant suggests it is generally well-tolerated, but clinical safety, potential drug interactions, and contraindications remain insufficiently studied in a modern scientific context. Specific risk factors for adverse effects have not been identified. Individuals taking diuretics or antidiabetic medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using this extract due to the potential for additive effects, although specific interaction data are lacking. Further research is needed to establish a complete safety profile for human consumption.
Dosage
There are no established human dosing guidelines for Asteracantha longifolia aquatic extract due to the lack of robust clinical trials. In animal models, effective doses of ethanolic extract have ranged from 100 to 250 mg/kg. It is important to note that these doses are for animal studies and cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. The extraction method significantly influences the phytochemical content and, consequently, the potential efficacy of the extract; for instance, methanol maceration and ethanol ultrasound-assisted extraction methods have been shown to yield high concentrations of bioactive compounds. Without clinical data, specific recommendations for timing, different purposes, or upper safety limits for human use cannot be provided. Consumers should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using this supplement.
FAQs
Is Asteracantha longifolia safe for human use?
Traditional use suggests safety, but comprehensive clinical trials are needed to confirm its safety profile in humans. Preclinical studies in animals have not shown significant toxicity at tested doses.
How soon can benefits be expected from Asteracantha longifolia?
Animal studies have shown effects, such as reduced blood glucose and increased diuretic activity, after approximately 3 weeks of consistent treatment. Human data are not available.
What is the best form of Asteracantha longifolia to use?
Research indicates that alcoholic extracts, particularly those prepared with ethanol or methanol, are most effective for extracting bioactive compounds. The specific form for human use is not standardized.
Does Asteracantha longifolia interact with other medications?
There is currently no specific data on drug interactions. Caution is advised, especially if taking diuretics or antidiabetic medications, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://media.neliti.com/media/publications/573563-a-review-on-pharmacological-potential-of-d9889fd9.pdf – This review summarizes the pharmacological potential of Asteracantha longifolia, highlighting its traditional uses and preclinical evidence for diuretic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. It compiles findings from various studies, emphasizing the need for further clinical research to validate its efficacy and safety in humans.
- https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2024/vol13issue6/PartD/13-6-42-326.pdf – This study investigates different extraction methods for Asteracantha longifolia, demonstrating that solvent choice (e.g., methanol, ethanol) and extraction technique (e.g., maceration, ultrasound-assisted) significantly impact the yield and composition of bioactive phytochemicals, such as triterpenoids and sterols, which are crucial for its pharmacological effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249917/ – This article details preclinical research on Asteracantha longifolia, specifically focusing on its diuretic and antidiabetic properties. It reports on animal studies where alcoholic extracts increased urine volume and electrolyte excretion, and ethanolic extracts reduced blood glucose and oxidative stress in diabetic rats, supporting its traditional medicinal uses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6299804/ – This source provides further insights into the pharmacological activities of Asteracantha longifolia, reinforcing its potential in various therapeutic areas. It discusses the plant's traditional uses and aligns with other research indicating its diuretic, antidiabetic, and antioxidant effects, primarily based on in vitro and in vivo studies.