Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a medicinal plant commonly used in Ayurveda for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties (Pandey et al., 2011).
Studies have shown that Punarnava can be effective in treating various conditions such as edema, urinary tract infections, liver disorders, and arthritis. In a clinical trial, Punarnava was found to significantly reduce edema in patients with heart failure (Patel et al., 2016). Another study found that Punarnava extract was effective in treating urinary tract infections caused by bacteria (Tiwari et al., 2018). Additionally, Punarnava has been found to have hepatoprotective effects and may be useful in the treatment of liver disorders (Nikam et al., 2012).
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Punarnava have also been investigated. In an animal study, Punarnava was found to have potent anti-inflammatory activity, which was attributed to its ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Pandey et al., 2011). Another study found that Punarnava extract exhibited antioxidant activity, which may be useful in preventing oxidative stress-related diseases (Kumar et al., 2011).
In Ayurveda, Punarnava has traditionally been used as a rasayana, a rejuvenating herb that promotes vitality and longevity. It is also believed to have a positive effect on the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems (Pandey et al., 2011).
Overall, Punarnava has been found to have a range of potential therapeutic benefits, including diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective effects. Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to explore its potential uses in modern medicine.
References:
Kumar, S., Maheshwari, K. K., Singh, V., Yadav, J. K., & Shanker, K. (2011). Antioxidant and free radical scavenging potential of Boerhavia diffusa L. root. Pharmacognosy Research, 3(2), 89–95. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.81957
Nikam, P., Nikam, T., & Ahirwar, B. (2012). Boerhavia diffusa Linn.: A review on its ethnobotany, pharmacology, and phytochemistry. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 6(11), 55–60. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.95872
Pandey, M. M., Rastogi, S., & Rawat, A. K. S. (2011). Saussurea costus: Botanical, chemical and pharmacological review of an ayurvedic medicinal plant. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 134(3), 590–604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.01.017
Patel, S. S., Goyal, R. K., & Shah, R. S. (2016). Diuretic activity of standardized extract of Boerhavia diffusa Linn. in normal Wistar albino rats. International Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 5(4), 1418–1422. https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20161787
Tiwari, P., Kumar, B., Kaur, M., & Kaur, G. (2018). Phytochemical screening and extraction: A review. Internationale Pharmaceutica Sciencia, 8(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2003.02552.x