Indian Abutilon
Also known as: Abutilon indicum, Indian Abutilon, Country Mallow, Atibala, Sida indica, Abutilon asiaticum
Overview
Abutilon indicum, commonly known as Indian Abutilon or Country Mallow, is a perennial shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. It has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, hypoglycemic, and antimicrobial properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. While preclinical studies suggest potential benefits, human clinical trials are limited, and the quality of available evidence is generally low. Most research is based on animal models and in vitro studies, indicating a need for more rigorous human research to validate its therapeutic effects. Abutilon indicum is available in various forms, primarily as extracts derived from its leaves and other plant parts. It is often used in traditional medicine preparations and is being explored as a potential nutraceutical.
Benefits
Preclinical studies suggest several potential benefits of Abutilon indicum, though human data is lacking. Ethanolic leaf extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in rats, reducing proinflammatory markers at doses of 250–500 mg/kg, comparable to standard drugs. Aqueous leaf extracts have shown hepatoprotective effects in rats, restoring liver enzyme levels and glutathione at doses up to 4 g/kg, similar to silymarin. Additionally, antioxidant activity has been demonstrated in preclinical models, showing cytoprotective effects and reduced DNA damage from oxidative stress. Other reported benefits from animal and in vitro studies include analgesic, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and diuretic activities. However, the clinical significance of these findings in humans remains unconfirmed, and more research is needed to establish efficacy and safety.
How it works
Abutilon indicum's purported benefits are attributed to several mechanisms of action. Its anti-inflammatory effects are thought to stem from the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and the stabilization of lysosomal membranes. The antioxidant properties are linked to the scavenging of free radicals and the enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Hepatoprotective effects are believed to result from the reduction of elevated liver enzymes and the restoration of glutathione levels. These effects primarily interact with the immune, hepatic, and metabolic systems. Molecular targets include proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, lysosomal enzymes, and oxidative stress markers. However, data on absorption and bioavailability in humans is limited.
Side effects
The overall safety assessment of Abutilon indicum suggests it is generally safe in animal models at therapeutic doses, with an LD50 greater than 4 g/kg in rats. However, due to the limited human data, the safety profile in humans is not well-established. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects have not been reported in available studies. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications, but this is largely due to insufficient human data. Special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and children, have not been studied, and safety in these groups is not established. Therefore, caution is advised, and use should be avoided in these populations until more data is available.
Dosage
Due to the lack of human clinical data, specific dosage guidelines for Abutilon indicum are not established. Animal studies have used doses of 250–500 mg/kg for anti-inflammatory effects, but these doses are not directly translatable to humans. The LD50 in rats is greater than 4 g/kg, but the equivalent safe dose for humans is unknown. In animal studies, daily dosing for 30 days has been used. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts are the most studied forms, but standardized extracts are not currently available. Absorption factors in humans are also unknown. Given the limited data, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using Abutilon indicum, and caution is advised.
FAQs
What are the practical uses of Abutilon indicum?
Due to limited human clinical data, practical recommendations are constrained. Preclinical studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective benefits, but human efficacy is unproven. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
Is Abutilon indicum safe?
It appears safe in animal models at therapeutic doses, but human safety is unproven. There is a lack of data on side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications in humans. Caution is advised.
How should Abutilon indicum be taken?
Animal studies use daily oral administration, but the optimal human regimen is unknown. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts are the most studied forms. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
What results can I expect from taking Abutilon indicum?
Preclinical evidence suggests potential anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective benefits, but human efficacy is unproven. It is not a proven treatment for any specific human disease. Benefits are extrapolated from animal models.
Research Sources
- 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 preclinical study evaluated the ethanolic leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (250–500 mg/kg) in rats with isoniazid-induced inflammation. The extract significantly reduced proinflammatory markers, comparable to standard drugs, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. However, the study is limited by its animal model and lack of human data.
- https://www.benthamdirect.com/content/journals/cnt/10.2174/0126659786272937240104222224 – This review article summarizes the bioactive compounds and diverse therapeutic applications of Abutilon indicum. It highlights antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic effects based on preclinical data. While comprehensive, it is not a systematic review or meta-analysis and relies heavily on animal studies.
- https://www.agriscigroup.us/articles/OJPS-3-111.php – This preclinical study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous leaf extract of Abutilon indicum in animal models. The extract restored liver enzyme levels and glutathione in hepatotoxicity models, comparable to silymarin, and demonstrated an LD50 >4 g/kg. The study demonstrates safety and efficacy in animals, but lacks human data and specific dosing details.
- https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/full/10.1079/cabicompendium.1979 – This entry from the CABI Digital Library provides an overview of Abutilon indicum, covering its distribution, uses, and botanical characteristics. It serves as a general reference, but does not offer specific research findings or clinical evidence. The information is primarily descriptive and lacks detailed experimental data.