Desmodium: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Desmodium adscendens, Desmodium procumbens
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Apigenin
Soyasaponins
Dehydrosoyasaponin I
D-pinitol
Isovitexin
Vitexin
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Hepatitis ✪✪✪✪✪
The effect of Desmodium has been evaluated in small clinical studies (between 10 and 50 patients) conducted on cases of hepatitis B and C; 10 g of dried plant were used. The results show normalization of aminotransferase levels (ASAT/ALAT transaminases) in 96% of patients, of bilirubin in 76% of them, disappearance of myalgias in all patients as well as disappearance of jaundice (97%) after 45 days of treatment.nnFinally, it was noted that Desmodium gives good results for hepatitis A, B and C when administered during the viral invasion phase accompanied by the clear symptomatology of infectious jaundice (jaundice, asthenia) and by changes in biological parameters such as transaminases or bilirubin.nnDesmodium may be indicated not only in cases of viral hepatitis, but also for the prevention of liver impairment induced by chemotherapy or hepatotoxic substances.nn
Posologie
Orally: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
45 - days
Adults
Drinkable solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC
Protocol and clinical trials on Desmodium adscendens. Institute of Traditional Medicine - Bamako Hospital, Mali - (1995).
Antihepatotoxic activity of a quantified Desmodium adscendens decoction and D-pinitol against chemically-induced liver damage in rats
Desmodium adscendens. From Cameroonian traditional use against hepatitisnnto supporting chemotherapy
Allergic rhinitis ✪✪✪✪✪
The antiallergic action of Desmodium is demonstrated in traditional medicines. Desmodium is used in cases of a recognized allergic predisposition (dermatological hypersensitivity, discharges, allergic rhinitis, etc.). In the Indian Ocean region and in Africa, Desmodium leaf powder is used to soothe coughs and treat asthma.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
oral solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
Detoxification ✪✪✪✪✪
The high concentration of polyphenols in Desmodium leaves, as well as triterpenoid saponins, makes it a beneficial supplement for protecting the liver against everyday natural insults (oxidation, toxicity, damage, etc.). Traditional medicine recommends it as part of an overall liver-support approach during seasonal cleansing regimens.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
oral solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC
Asthma ✪✪✪✪✪
The antiasthmatic action of Desmodium is evidenced in traditional medicines. Desmodium is used in cases of a recognized asthmatic condition. The powder of Desmodium leaves and stems is also traditionally used to soothe cough and treat asthma.nnIt has been shown that Desmodium inhibits the action of histamine on bronchial smooth muscles and reduces constriction (relaxing effect) of the airways and lung tissues.nnUnder these conditions, its antihistamine effect will act on the allergic component of asthma and its bronchodilator effect will help to effectively combat bronchial asthma attacks.nn
Posologie
Oral administration: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
Oral solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
Effects of the extracts of Desmodium adscendens on anaphylaxis
An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC
Effect of Desmodium adscendens fraction 3 on contractions of respiratory smooth muscle
An activator of calcium-dependent potassium channels isolated from a medicinal herb
Allergies ✪✪✪✪✪
The anti-allergic action of Desmodium is highlighted in traditional medicines. Desmodium is used in cases of recognized allergic predisposition (dermatologic hypersensitivity, nasal discharge, allergic rhinitis, etc.). nnDesmodium adscendens, used by Ghanaian herbalists to treat asthma, is anti-anaphylactic in vitro. With the plant extract administered orally, in vivo studies of its anti-anaphylactic properties have been conducted using guinea pigs. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of D. adscendens, when taken orally, reduce anaphylactic contractions and those induced by histamine and decrease the amount of smooth muscle-stimulating substances released by lung tissue.nn
Posologie
Oral route: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
oral solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC
Effect of Desmodium adscendens fraction 3 on contractions of respiratory smooth muscle
Effects of the Extracts of Desmodium Adscendens on Anaphylaxis
Hepatic steatosis ✪✪✪✪✪
The leaves, or even the whole plant, are very frequently used for liver problems and hepatitis in Peru, Brazil and Cameroon. Traditionally, between 8 to 10 g — depending on the patient's weight — of the aerial parts, dried and harvested when the plant is not flowering, are boiled for about 15 minutes in a large volume of water (1 to 1.5 L). The filtrate is then consumed throughout the day. The duration of treatment in this case depends on the onset of jaundice and is administered until the complete disappearance of symptoms (in 7 to 15 days), and of biological signs (4 to 6 weeks).
Posologie
Oral: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
4 weeks
Adults
Drinkable solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
Chemotherapy ✪✪✪✪✪
A small-scale clinical study highlighted a beneficial effect of Desmodium on liver function in patients suffering from various types of cancer and treated in parallel with chemotherapy. The results show that there is a significant positive effect on phosphatases, nausea and transaminases. Desmodium appears promising as a support for chemotherapy protocols, but more studies are needed to confirm these results.
Posologie
Oral: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
Drinkable solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
Desmodium adscendens: from traditional Cameroonian use against hepatitis to contemporary applications in Europe.
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
The leaves of Desmodium are used in decoction for chronic gastritis, even stomach ulcers, in Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal.
Posologie
Oral: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
oral solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
Constipation ✪✪✪✪✪
The illustrated flora of Senegal indicates that the leaves of Desmodium are used in decoction for the treatment of constipation.
Posologie
Oral: leaf, aerial parts
1360 - 10000 mg
Adults
oral solution (decoction of the dry extract), dry extract
Properties
Hepatoprotective
The hepatoprotective effect of desmodium against hepatotoxic compounds appears to be related to its content of triterpenoid saponins. Indeed, an in vivo study (on animals) showed that soyasaponins I and III, dehydrosoyasapogenin I and soyasapogenol E protect liver cells from damage induced by hepatotoxic substances such as carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, which causes an increase in transaminases). nnAs a result, treatment with desmodium led to normalization of hepatic transaminase levels (primarily alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) in that study.nn
Usages associés
Antiallergic
Studies using aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Desmodium have been conducted in vivo. These extracts counteract histamine-induced contractions, reduce the amount of antigenic substances released that stimulate smooth muscle contraction, and reduce anaphylactic shock. Other studies show that the aqueous extract of Desmodium contains several types of active substances that act at different levels in the arachidonic acid cascade, thereby effectively and synergistically inhibiting the release of bronchoconstrictive compounds and antigens, which confirms the antiasthmatic and antiallergic activity of this plant. It has been shown that three active compounds present in Desmodium — dehydrosoyasaponin I (DHS-I), soyasaponin I, and soyasaponin III — are potent and specific agonists of calcium-dependent potassium channels, explaining the in vitro smooth muscle relaxant effect. These properties are promising for conditions related to asthma, ischemia, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Usages associés
Antioxidant
The radical-scavenging capacity as well as the antioxidant properties can be attributed to phenolic compounds (flavonoids), which are present in large numbers in Desmodium. It notably contains flavones in the form of glycosides: vitexin and isovitexin. A concentration of 0.1 mg/ml of a hydro-ethanolic extract of the leaves is comparable in its DPPH free radical scavenging activity to vitamins E and C. The antioxidant properties and radical-scavenging capacities of Desmodium could increase its therapeutic value in combating oxidative stress, which is responsible for inflammation and cellular degeneration. Hence its hepatoprotective potential.
Usages associés
Immunomodulatory
Desmodium appears to act as a stimulant of the leukocyte population of monocytes, cells involved in innate defense and constituting the first line of defense against pathogens. This increase in the monocyte population induced by Desmodium is an argument supporting its use in cases of infectious diseases. Furthermore, Desmodium induces a sustained reduction in IgE levels, which underscores its relevance in allergic conditions, particularly pulmonary ones, by reducing that same allergic response. The two combined effects (increase in monocytes, subsequent decrease in IgE) support the validation of the traditional use of Desmodium in respiratory, dermatological, and intestinal infections.
Usages associés
Neurological
In vivo studies conducted on mice demonstrate that ethanolic extracts of Desmodium suppress the tonic phase of seizures and death. Moreover, they delay limbic-origin seizures induced by kainic acid. The same study shows that ethanol–water extracts slow the propagation of seizures caused by pentylenetetrazol (a substance that induces seizures at high doses) and produce analgesia and hypothermia.
Digestive effect
As a decoction, the leaves of Desmodium adscendens are traditionally used to relieve constipation, particularly for their laxative properties.
Usages associés
Analgesic
When used externally, Desmodium leaves in poultice form would have anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous properties that help relieve musculoskeletal injuries. Its high antioxidant content (polyphenols and flavonoids) may explain this anti-inflammatory action, notably associated with its pain-relieving effect in cases of low back pain.
Safe dosage
Adults aged 18 and over: 1350 mg (dry extract)
- Concentrated extract: equivalent to 10 g of dry plant/day - Aqueous dry extract of the whole plant spray-dried or lyophilized: 1350 mg/day - Concentrated aqueous liquid extract, for example at 50/1: 20 ml/day
Adolescents aged 15 to 18 years: 450 mg (dry extract)
Equivalent of 1 to 1.5 g/10 kg of dry plant in children.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cytochrome P450 substrate: interaction undefined
Desmodium has an inducing effect on CYP 2B1 and 2B2 and an inhibitory effect on CYP 2E1 (types of cytochrome P450 enzymes that play a role in liver detoxification). Intake in humans can lead to changes in the activity of certain drugs that are metabolized by these cytochromes. Indeed, the hepatocyte is involved in the breakdown of xenobiotics and there can be overdosing or underdosing. Therefore, people taking drugs with a narrow therapeutic margin that are metabolized by cychrome P450 enzymes should be cautious. These drugs have a toxic concentration close to the effective concentration; thus small variations can lead to a change in the benefit/risk ratio. This is particularly the case for meprobamate and ethylmorphine.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Due to lack of information, avoid use in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Due to lack of information, avoid use in breastfeeding women.
Children up to 15 years: avoid
In the absence of information, avoid supplementation in children.
