Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a widely spread perennial plant in India, which grows at altitudes of up to 2000 meters. In the past, the plant along with its roots was used in medicine for various conditions, but its most widely applied use has been in Ayurveda for treating kidney and urinary problems. Traditionally, the herb has been used to reduce swelling related to impaired kidney, heart, or stomach functions. Additionally, Punarnava possesses laxative, diuretic, and expectorant action. The combination of anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties makes it especially suitable for supporting the treatment of kidney diseases. Punarnava has an official status in the Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia 2002 as a diuretic and hepatoprotective agent. In Ayurveda, the application of the plant is mentioned in cases of abdominal swelling and ascites, caused by early-stage liver cirrhosis and chronic peritonitis.
The action of Punarnava is:
bitter, cooling, astringent, and purifying.
It is considered an excellent diuretic and is used in a number of treatments where removal of excess fluids from the body is necessary.
Pharmacological action:
Punarnava has shown antibacterial properties, primarily against gram-negative bacteria. Leaf extract exhibits antioxidant and anti-hepatitis properties in pharmacological models. Punarnavine is an alkaloid isolated from Boerhavia diffusa, which has shown anti-tumor and anti-estrogenic effects in clinical studies.
Punarnava is a treasure trove of nutrients, including proteins, vitamin C, sodium, calcium, iron, and bioactive components such as punarnavoside, seratagenic acid, hypoxanthine 9-L-arabinofuranoside, boeravinones A to F, liriodendron, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid. Rich in therapeutic compounds, Punarnava is of great significance in promoting the digestive system, managing heart problems, improving vision, and preventing diseases such as diabetes, urinary tract infection, arthritis, impotence, gout, and anemia.
Punarnava has strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are extremely useful for reducing joint and muscle pain, thereby decreasing the chances of chronic autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The herb is extremely useful for reducing inflammation and treating irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis. As a powerful digestive agent, it stimulates the secretion of digestive juices, thereby increasing absorption of essential nutrients and improving digestion.
The excellent hypoglycemic property of Punarnava is extremely useful for regulating blood sugar levels in the body. Insulin production by the β cells of the pancreas becomes active while taking this herb. It helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose, which in turn prevents blood sugar spikes.
The rejuvenating herb plays a key role in burning excess fat. The presence of powerful bioactive ingredients prevents weight gain and reduces bad cholesterol in the blood. As a mild laxative, it flushes out excess unwanted fluids and harmful toxins from the body and helps maintain body weight.
By consuming Punarnava in adequate amounts, one can avoid adverse effects and gain its full benefits.
