Home Ingredients Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)
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Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)

Asteracantha longifolia (syn. Hygrophila spinosa, Hygrophila auriculata)
Evidence Level
Preliminary
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
1/5 Evidence Score

Asteracantha longifolia (Talimkhana, Gokulakanta) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for liver, kidney, and reproductive health. Evidence is largely preclinical (animal models); human RCT data is essentially absent.

Studied Dose TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC: 3-6 g whole-plant powder/day OR 250-500 mg standardized extract 1-2×/day. Hewawasam 2003 mouse: 0.9 g/kg aqueous extract — no human equivalent. Mostly preclinical.
Active Compound Lupeol, betulin, stigmasterol, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, alkaloids, flavonoids

Benefits

Hepatoprotective Activity (Animal Evidence)

The mouse study showed significant protection against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol hepatotoxicity — ALT reduced by 69.32%, liver glutathione increased by 64.65%. Histopathological improvement supported biochemical findings. This is the strongest preclinical signal but has not been replicated in human trials.

Supported by Trial 1

Traditional Use for Urinary Tract Conditions

Used in Ayurveda for urinary disorders, kidney stones, and dropsy (edema). The rat study showed effects in ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis. Diuretic and anti-urolithic effects are documented in animal models; human clinical evidence is limited.

Supported by Trial 2

Erythropoietic / Hematopoietic Activity

Animal studies showed seed extract significantly increased red blood cell count, hemoglobin, serum iron, and serum protein in rats. Iron content of the plant may contribute to traditional use as a 'tonic' for general weakness and anemia. No human RCT confirmation.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Anti-inflammatory / Antipyretic (Animal)

Patra 2009 leaf studies in animal models demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, consistent with traditional Ayurvedic use for fever, swelling, and rheumatic conditions. Human clinical translation is absent.

Supported by Trial 2

Antioxidant Activity

In vitro and animal studies show antioxidant effects via phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The hepatoprotection observed in animals likely reflects this antioxidant capacity, particularly via glutathione preservation under oxidative stress.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Glutathione Preservation

The Hewawasam 2003 study documented 64.65% increase in liver glutathione (GSH) with Asteracantha treatment under CCl4 hepatotoxicity. GSH is the master cellular antioxidant; its preservation is a key mechanism for liver protection against oxidative xenobiotic stress.

2

Free Radical Scavenging

Phenolic compounds and flavonoids (apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, lupeol-related triterpenes) scavenge reactive oxygen species in vitro. This contributes to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective effects across multiple animal models.

3

Diuretic Effect

Traditional indication for urinary disorders is supported by animal diuretic studies. Mechanism likely involves potassium-sparing diuresis via mineral content and possibly aquaporin-related effects, though not fully characterized.

4

Possible Hormonal/Reproductive Effects

Some animal studies suggest effects on reproductive hormones and sperm parameters in male rats. The mechanism is unclear — possibly via mild androgenic activity from the steroid sapogenins. Not validated in human trials; treat as exploratory.

5

Iron Content and Erythropoietic Support

Plant content of iron and other minerals may underlie traditional use as a 'tonic' for general weakness. The Pawar 2010 rat study documented increased serum iron alongside RBC and hemoglobin elevation, suggesting both nutritional iron contribution and possible erythropoietin-related effects.

Clinical trials

1
Hewawasam 2003 — Asteracantha Hepatoprotection (Animal Study)
PubMed

Mouse model of CCl4- and paracetamol-induced acute hepatotoxicity. Aqueous whole-plant extract (0.9 g/kg) used pre- and post-treatment. Liver function tests, glutathione, and histopathology assessed. (Hewawasam, Jayatilaka, Pathirana, Mudduwa 2003, J Pharm Pharmacol)

Mice (in vivo). NO human data.

Asteracantha reduced ALT 69.32% (p<0.001) and increased liver glutathione 64.65% (p<0.001) in pre-treated CCl4 group at 4 days. Similar protective pattern with paracetamol — ALT, AST, ALP reduced by 65.04%, 55.79%, 45.75% respectively. Histopathology confirmed marked improvement in liver architecture. Foundational preclinical evidence; NOT a human trial.

2
Ingale 2012 — Anti-Urolithic Activity (Animal Study)
PubMed

Rat model of ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis evaluating Hygrophila spinosa extract. Outcomes: stone formation, kidney histology, biochemical markers. (Ingale, Thakurdesai, Vyawahare 2012, Indian J Pharmacol)

Rats with experimentally-induced kidney stones. NO human data.

Demonstrated anti-urolithic activity supporting traditional Ayurvedic use for kidney stones and urinary tract conditions. Mechanism may involve modulation of oxalate metabolism and urinary citrate/calcium ratios. Animal data only — no human clinical trials of Asteracantha for kidney stones exist.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Limited human safety data — most evidence is from animal studies and traditional use.
Generally well-tolerated in traditional Ayurvedic doses.
Possible mild GI symptoms.
Theoretical concerns about hormonal effects given some animal studies on reproductive parameters.
Pregnancy and lactation: AVOID — insufficient safety data and possible reproductive system effects.
Allergic reactions in those sensitive to Acanthaceae family plants.
Long-term safety beyond traditional empirical use is not characterized.

Important Drug interactions

Diuretics: theoretical additive effect — possible electrolyte concerns.
Diabetes medications: possible additive blood-sugar lowering (some animal data suggest hypoglycemic effects).
Hepatotoxic medications: theoretically protective based on animal data, but use should be coordinated with prescribing physician for any liver-affecting drugs.
Iron supplements: possible additive effects given the plant's iron content.
Pregnancy: avoid.

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Frequently asked questions about Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)

What is Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)?

Asteracantha longifolia (Talimkhana, Gokulakanta) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for liver, kidney, and reproductive health.

What does Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) do?

The Hewawasam 2003 study documented 64.65% increase in liver glutathione (GSH) with Asteracantha treatment under CCl4 hepatotoxicity. GSH is the master cellular antioxidant; its preservation is a key mechanism for liver protection against oxidative xenobiotic stress. In clinical research, Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) has been studied for hepatoprotective activity (animal evidence), traditional use for urinary tract conditions, erythropoietic / hematopoietic activity.

Who should take Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)?

Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) may be most relevant for people interested in liver health, kidney/urinary tract, men's health. It has been clinically studied for hepatoprotective activity (animal evidence), traditional use for urinary tract conditions, erythropoietic / hematopoietic activity. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) take to work?

Some effects may appear within days; full benefit may take weeks of consistent use. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)?

Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) can typically be taken with breakfast or dinner — taking with food reduces GI sensitivity for most supplements. Specific timing matters less than daily consistency for cumulative effects. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) worth taking?

Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) has preliminary clinical evidence (Evidence Level 1/5 on NutraSmarts) — based largely on traditional use or early research. Consider this an experimental option. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)?

The clinically studied dose for Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) is TRADITIONAL AYURVEDIC: 3-6 g whole-plant powder/day OR 250-500 mg standardized extract 1-2×/day. Hewawasam 2003 mouse: 0.9 g/kg aqueous extract — no human equivalent. Mostly preclinical.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) used for?

Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa) is studied for hepatoprotective activity (animal evidence), traditional use for urinary tract conditions, erythropoietic / hematopoietic activity. The mouse study showed significant protection against carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol hepatotoxicity — ALT reduced by 69.32%, liver glutathione increased by 64.65%. Histopathological improvement supported biochemical findings.