Punarnava: Nature's Regenerator for Whole-Body Health

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It's name literally means the renewer in Sanskrit owing to its ability to rejuvenate the body. Punarnava has gained attention in recent years for its potential health benefits. This article will explore the various ways punarnava may benefit human health, drawing from peer-reviewed scientific studies.

The Benefits of Punarnava on Liver Health

One of the most well-documented benefits of punarnava is its hepatoprotective effects. Several studies have demonstrated its ability to protect and support liver function. A 2011 found that punarnava extract given to rats with acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity, brought their liver function back to near normal.(1) The researchers noted that the herb's antioxidant properties played a key role in this protective effect. These findings suggest that punarnava may have potential as a natural remedy for liver disorders or as a supportive treatment alongside conventional therapies.

In another example of the remarkable properties of punarnava in treating liver disease.  A case study of a 46 year old male with end stage liver disease who needed a liver transplant, was given a formulation including punarnava.  Within 15 months the patient's ascites had completely resolved and he no longer needed liver transplant.(2)

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of Punarnava

Punarnava has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects in multiple studies. A 2000 study examined the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of punarnava root extract in mice,. the researchers found that the aqueous extract of punarnava significantly reduced inflammation and pain responses.(3) Another study investigated the anti-arthritic potential of punarnava. The results showed that the herb reduced inflammation and joint damage in rats with induced arthritis, suggesting it may be beneficial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.(4) These anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to punarnava's potential benefits for various inflammatory conditions throughout the body.

Diuretic and Kidney Support with Punarnava

Punarnava has long been used as a diuretic in traditional medicine, and modern research has begun to validate this use. A 2012 study examined the diuretic effects of punarnava in rats. The researchers found that the herb significantly increased urine output and electrolyte excretion, confirming its diuretic properties.(5) This diuretic effect may be beneficial for conditions involving fluid retention, such as edema. Additionally, punarnava decreases deposition of by oxalate crystals in the urinary tract and promotes diuresis. Due to these qualities, punarnava may help support kidney function and potentially aid in the prevention of kidney stones. In another remarkable case study, a woman suffering with chronic kidney disease with a creatinine of 3.2 mg/dl and requiring frequent blood transfusions for anemia, was given a formulation containing punarnava. Within 6 months, her serum creatinine was restored to 0.9 mg/dL and she no longer needed blood transfusions.(6) 

Antidiabetic Effects of Punarnava

Several studies have investigated punarnava's potential antidiabetic properties. A 2004 study found that punarnava extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats.(7) Another study, found significantly lower blood glucose levels in diabetic rats given punarnava. They postulated that this effect was due to punarnava’s significant free radical scavenging and antioxidant activity.(8)(9) These findings suggest that punarnava may have potential as a complementary treatment for diabetes, though more human studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Punarnava

Some studies have suggested that punarnava may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. A 2012 study found that punarnava extract reduced blood pressure in hypertensive rats.(10) The researchers attributed this effect to the herb's diuretic properties and its antihyperlipidemic properties. When studied in humans, punarnava also had a blood pressure lowering effects and increased serum potassium.(11)  Another study showed that punarnava extract mixed with an extract of tridax daisy had cardioprotective effects in rats with induced myocardial infarction.(12) 

Anticancer Potential of Punarnava

Several studies have investigated the potential anticancer properties of punarnava. A 2015 study found that punarnava extract inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in vitro. (13) Another study noted that the herb induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the breast cancer cells.(14) A study on cervical cancer cells showed that punarnava extract had antiproliferative effects.(15) The herb also prevented nephrotoxicity of cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug allowing the beneficial effects to take place while protecting the kidneys.(16)

Antiulcer Potential of Punarnava

Punarnava has shown potential benefits for gastrointestinal health in several studies. A 2011 study in the Pharmaceutical Biology journal found that punarnava extract had gastroprotective effects in rats with induced gastric ulcers.(17) The herb reduced ulcer severity and promoted healing of the gastric mucosa.

Neuroprotective Effects of Punarnava

Some studies have suggested that punarnava may have neuroprotective properties. A 2016 study found that punarnava extract renders significant Neuroprotection in rats with induced Parkinson’'s disease. The herb reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, suggesting potential benefits for neurodegenerative disorders.(18) Other studies showed that punarnava extract had anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects in mice and rats.(19)(20) The researchers attributed this effect to the herb's ability to improve antioxidant status in the brain.

Safety and Side Effects of Punarnava

While punarnava has been used safely in traditional medicine for centuries, it's important to note that most modern studies have been conducted in animals or in vitro. Some potential side effects reported in traditional use include mild gastrointestinal discomfort and increased urination due to its diuretic effects. Punarnava may also interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting blood sugar or blood pressure. As with any herbal supplement, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before using punarnava, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Conclusion

Punarnava shows promise as a versatile medicinal herb with potential benefits for various aspects of human health. Its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiproliferative properties are particularly well-supported by current research. 

References

1. Venkatalakshmi, P., V. D. Eazhisai, and S. Netaji. "Hepatoprotective Activity of Boerhavia diffusa against paracetamol induced toxicity in rats." Journal of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Research 3 (2011): 229-232.
2. Gaikwad, Sarita Pradip. "SUCCESSFUL AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF END STAGE LIVER DISEASE PREVENTING LIVER TRANSPLANT-A CASE STUDY."
3. Hiruma-Lima, C. A., et al. "The juice of fresh leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa L.(Nyctaginaceae) markedly reduces pain in mice." Journal of ethnopharmacology 71.1-2 (2000): 267-274.
4. Parmar, Deepika, Neetesh Kumar Jain, and Vivek Tomar. "Anti-arthritic evaluation of different extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. in FCA induced arthritis in rats." Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics 8.5-s (2018): 388-393.
5. Venkatesh, P., A. Dinakar, and N. Senthilkumar. "Evaluation of diuretic activity of an alcoholic extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa and Anisochilus carnosus in rats." Int J Drug Dev Res 4 (2012): 239-42.
6. Kapoor, Alka Babbar, and Poonam Gulati Dang. "Role of Ayurveda in the management of chronic kidney disease: A case study." Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports 3.1 (2020): 14-19.
7. Nalamolu, Rao K., Krishna M. Boini, and Srinivas Nammi. "Effect of chronic administration of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. leaf extract on experimental diabetes in rats." Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 3.1 (2004): 305-309.
8. Alam, Perwez, et al. "Anti-diabetic effect of Boerhavia diffusa L. root extract via free radical scavenging and antioxidant mechanism." Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences 10 (2018): 220-227.
9. Singh, Prem Kumar, et al. "Antihyperglycaemic and renoprotective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa L. in experimental diabetic rats." Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine 8.1 (2011): 1-20.
10. Verma, Rakesh C., et al. "Effects of eclipta alba and boerhaavia diffussa on normal blood pressure and hypertension in rats and their comparison with amlodipine." International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 3.6 (2012): 1832.
11. Ryan, Jennifer Joan, et al. "Prospective safety evaluation of a cardiovascular health dietary supplement in adults with prehypertension and stage I hypertension." The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 25.2 (2019): 249-256.
12. Shanmugapriya, A., and S. Maneemegalai. "Evaluation of synergistic potential of Tridax procumbens and Boerhavia diffusa in isoproterenol induced myocardial injury." INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENTISTS (IABMS)[Volume 39 Number 4 (October-December) 2019; www. biomedicineonline. org] 39.4 (2019): 555-560.
13. Sreeja, Sreekumar, and Sreeharshan Sreeja. "An in vitro study on antiproliferative and antiestrogenic effects of Boerhaavia diffusa L. extracts." Journal of ethnopharmacology 126.2 (2009): 221-225.
14. Muthulingam, M., and K. Krishna Chaithanya. "In vitro anticancer activity of methanolic leaf extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn., against MCF-7 cell line." Drug Invent Today 10.2 (2018): 3107-3111.
15. Srivastava, Rakhi, et al. "Inhibition of human cervical cancer cell growth by ethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.(punarnava) root." Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011.1 (2011): 427031.
16. Nachimuthu, Maithilikarpagaselvi, et al. "Protective effect of Boerhaavia diffusa on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity-Role of apoptosis and oxidative stress." Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology 27.01 (2023): 317-333.
17. Gharate, Manisha, and Veena Kasture. "Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antiulcer activity of Punarnavasava: an Ayurvedic formulation of Boerhavia diffusa." Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine 13.2 (2013): 121-126.
18. Nalini, G., et al. "Neuroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa linn against MPTP induced neurodegeneration in rats." Int J Pharmacol Toxicol 6.2 (2016): 50-57.
19. Kumari, Manisha, Prasanti Sharma, and Neelima Sharma. "Evaluation of anti-anxiety effects of the hydromethanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa L. roots in mice exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress." Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR)[Formerly Natural Product Radiance (NPR)] 14.2 (2023): 249-254.
20. Malik, Jitender Kumar, Dayanand H. Gadekar, and Sourabh Jain. "Evaluation of hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of Boerhaavia diffusa for anxiolytic activity in rats." Afr. J. Pharm. Pharm 7.18 (2013): 1071-1074.