Home Ingredients Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)
Liver HealthKidney/Urinary TractMen's Health

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, known as kokilaksha or talmakhana, is an Ayurvedic herb used as a tonic for urinary and reproductive health, vitality, and as a diuretic, with the seeds used traditionally for male vitality. It is traditionally taken for urinary and kidney support, male reproductive vitality and libido, and as a rejuvenating tonic, and is studied for antioxidant and liver effects, though human evidence is mostly traditional and preliminary. It is used as a powder, decoction, or extract under product or practitioner guidance. Because rigorous safety data is limited and it has diuretic activity, those with medical conditions or on medication should check with a doctor or practitioner.

Studied Dose 3-6 g whole-plant powder/day OR 250-500 mg standardized extract 1-2×/day (traditional Ayurvedic). 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)

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

Studies documented a 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. Rat studies documented increased serum iron alongside RBC and hemoglobin elevation, suggesting both nutritional iron contribution and possible erythropoietin-related effects.

Clinical trials

1
Asteracantha Hepatoprotection (Animal Study)

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, 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
Anti-Urolithic Activity (Animal Study)

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

More Liver Health Ingredients

Liver Health
Siliphos® (Silybin Phytosome — Indena)
Siliphos® is a silybin phytosome® formulation developed by Indena (Italy) — using Phytosom…
Liver Health
Molybdenum
Molybdenum is an essential ultratrace mineral required as a cofactor for four known human…
Liver Health
TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid)
TUDCA is the taurine-conjugated form of UDCA (ursodeoxycholic acid) — a hydrophilic bile a…
Liver Health
4Liver™ (Terminalia chebula + Sphaeranthus indicus Liver Support — Saanroo)
4Liver™ is Saanroo's (formerly Gencor) branded Ayurvedic liver-health ingredient, a patent…

Explore Other Ingredients

Antioxidant
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root is a traditional herb used to support liver and digestive health and as a g…
Energy
SalidroPure™ (Pure Salidroside)
SalidroPure™ is NNB Nutrition's precision-fermented pure salidroside — the primary bioacti…
Cognitive
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy basil (tulsi) is a revered adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic tradition, used to help the…

Frequently asked questions about Asteracantha longifolia (Hygrophila spinosa)

What is Asteracantha longifolia (kokilaksha) used for?

Asteracantha longifolia, known as kokilaksha or talmakhana, is an Ayurvedic herb used as a tonic for urinary and reproductive health, vitality, and as a diuretic. The seeds are used traditionally for male vitality.

What is kokilaksha good for?

It is traditionally used for urinary and kidney support, male reproductive vitality and libido, and as a rejuvenating tonic, and is studied for antioxidant and liver effects. Human evidence is mostly traditional and preliminary.

How much Asteracantha longifolia should I take?

It is used as a powder, decoction, or extract; follow product or practitioner guidance.

Is Asteracantha longifolia safe?

It is generally used in traditional amounts. Because rigorous safety data is limited and it has diuretic activity, those with medical conditions or on medication should check with a doctor or practitioner.

What is Asteracantha longifolia?

Asteracantha longifolia, known as kokilaksha or talmakhana, is an Ayurvedic herb used as a tonic for urinary and reproductive health, vitality, and as a diuretic, with the seeds used traditionally for male vitality.

What is Asteracantha longifolia used for?

Asteracantha longifolia is researched primarily for Liver Health, Kidney/Urinary Tract, and Men's Health. 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.

What is the recommended dosage of Asteracantha longifolia?

The clinically studied dose is 3-6 g whole-plant powder/day OR 250-500 mg standardized extract 1-2×/day (traditional Ayurvedic). Mostly preclinical. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Asteracantha longifolia safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Asteracantha longifolia is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Limited human safety data — most evidence is from animal studies and traditional use. Generally well-tolerated in traditional Ayurvedic doses. It may also interact with some medications. Asteracantha longifolia is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Asteracantha longifolia interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diuretics: theoretical additive effect — possible electrolyte concerns. Diabetes medications: possible additive blood-sugar lowering (some animal data suggest hypoglycemic effects). If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Asteracantha longifolia?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Asteracantha longifolia as Preliminary (1 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Raj VP, Chandrasekhar RH, Vijayan P, Dhanaraj SA, Rao MC, Rao VJ, Nitesh K In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the total alkaloid fraction of Hygrophila auriculata leaves Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2010;42(2):99-104. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.64500.PubMedUsed to support: In vitro (HepG2 cells) and in vivo (rat) study showing alkaloid fraction of Hygrophila auriculata leaves protects against CCl4-induced liver damage, with effects comparable to silymarin at lower doses. Supports 'Hepatoprotective Activity' benefit claim; evidence is animal/cell model.
  2. Shanmugasundaram P, Venkataraman S Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Hygrophila auriculata (K. Schum) Heine Acanthaceae root extract Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2006;104(1-2):124-128. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.058.PubMedUsed to support: Animal study demonstrating hepatoprotective and free-radical scavenging activity of Hygrophila auriculata root extract. Supports 'Hepatoprotective Activity' and 'Antioxidant Activity' benefit claims; evidence is animal model.
  3. Vyas NY, Raval MA Aphrodisiac and spermatogenic potential of alkaloidal fraction of Hygrophila spinosa T. Ander in rats Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016;194:947-953. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.080.PubMedUsed to support: Rat study showing alkaloid fraction of Hygrophila spinosa increased serum testosterone (~115% at 50 mg/kg), improved spermatogenesis, and enhanced mounting behavior. Supports 'Traditional Use for Urinary Tract Conditions' (male reproductive) and 'Erythropoietic/Hematopoietic Activity' (via indirect hormonal pathways) claims; evidence is animal model only.
  4. Shivashangari KS, Ravikumar V, Devaki T Evaluation of the protective efficacy of Asteracantha longifolia on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats Journal of Medicinal Food. 2004;7(2):245-251. doi:10.1089/1096620041224058.PubMedUsed to support: Rat study with Asteracantha longifolia seed methanol extract showing significant protection against acetaminophen-induced liver injury through normalization of liver enzymes, bilirubin, and histopathology. Supports 'Hepatoprotective Activity' and 'Antioxidant Activity' benefit claims using the species by name; evidence is animal model.