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Sphaeranthus indicus

Sphaeranthus indicus

Sphaeranthus indicus is a plant utilized within various traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally applied for conditions including gastritis, bacterial infections, cough, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and as a vermifuge or diuretic. Scientific evidence regarding human therapeutic efficacy remains limited, though studies have noted that its constituent phytol shows comparable larvicidal efficacy to conventional insecticides. Additionally, research indicates that certain extracts and silver nanoparticles derived from the plant exhibit cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
gastritis · vermifuge
Traditions
Ayurveda · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • gastritis Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • vermifuge Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • bacterial infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • bowel Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • chest complaints Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • cough Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hemorrhoids Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • hepatitis Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE
  • tuberculosis Ayurveda T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that Sphaeranthus indicus extract, its bioactive fraction cryptomeridiol, and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed comparable cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells. D PMID
  • The study developed a robust HPTLC method using complementary solvent systems to provide detailed fingerprints for Sphaeranthus indicus, supporting its quality control and standardization. D PMID
  • Phytol from Sphaeranthus indicus showed comparable larvicidal and pupicidal efficacy to conventional insecticides but had lower ovicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. D PMID
  • β-Isocostic acid significantly delayed mosquito development and caused midgut histopathological changes without specifying safety or efficacy. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Sphaeranthus indicus?

Sphaeranthus indicus (Sphaeranthus indicus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Sphaeranthus indicus traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Sphaeranthus indicus for: gastritis, vermifuge, alterative, bacterial infections, bleeding, bowel. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Sphaeranthus indicus?

Sphaeranthus indicus appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Sphaeranthus indicus?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Sphaeranthus indicus; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Sphaeranthus indicus extract, its bioactive fraction cryptomeridiol, and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed comparable cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells.

How strong is the evidence for Sphaeranthus indicus?

The strongest finding for Sphaeranthus indicus carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Sphaeranthus indicus safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Sphaeranthus indicus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Sphaeranthus indicus interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Sphaeranthus indicus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Sphaeranthus indicus a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Developmental disruption and midgut histopathology induced by β-isocostic acid in Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Utilization of HPTLC in standardization and quality control of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. Using complementary solvent systems. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Phytochemical and nanoparticle-based therapeutic potential of Sphaeranthus indicus against hepatocellular carcinoma via cryptomeridiol targeting. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Phytol from Sphaeranthus indicus: A Natural Insecticide Against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. literature abstract metadata