Desmodium adscendens (Desmodium adscendens): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Desmodium adscendens work for asthma?

Desmodium adscendens contains tryptamine derivatives and serotonin-like compounds that act as bronchodilators, helping to relax and open the airways. These compounds, along with flavonoids and saponins, may reduce airway inflammation and bronchospasm. The herb's alkaloids contribute to its anti-asthmatic effects by modulating smooth muscle contraction in the respiratory tract. Evidence level: C, based on traditional use and preliminary pharmacological studies.

Does Desmodium adscendens interact with any medications?

Yes, Desmodium adscendens can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drugs due to its tryptamine content. Combining these substances may cause dangerous increases in blood pressure or serotonin levels. The herb should also be used cautiously with other medications affecting serotonin or dopamine pathways. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining Desmodium with prescription medications, especially antidepressants or psychiatric drugs.

What is the recommended dosage for Desmodium adscendens?

For adults, the typical dosage of Desmodium adscendens is 5-10 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea, taken three times daily. Alternatively, 2-4 milliliters of tincture can be taken up to three times daily. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated and individual tolerance. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Desmodium adscendens safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

No, Desmodium adscendens is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains tryptamine derivatives and other compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid this herb entirely. Additionally, individuals with liver disease should not use Desmodium due to potential hepatotoxicity concerns.

What conditions does Desmodium adscendens treat?

Desmodium adscendens is traditionally used for respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis, and allergies due to its bronchodilator properties. It has also been used for liver conditions and as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine. The herb's anti-inflammatory compounds may support respiratory health by reducing airway inflammation. Evidence level: C, based primarily on traditional use and preliminary research rather than extensive clinical trials.

What are the side effects of Desmodium adscendens?

Common side effects of Desmodium adscendens include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. Some individuals may experience headaches or dizziness due to the herb's tryptamine content. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in those sensitive to plants in the Fabaceae family. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Desmodium adscendens is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Ghana for asthma and psychosis [PMID:21530632, PMID:28710881], with demonstrated antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-anaphylactic properties in experimental models [PMID:30519091, PMID:23291573, PMID:6482479].

Contexte

Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. is a species of the genus Desmodium (Fabaceae family) [PMID:21530632].

Usages traditionnels

It is widely used in Ghana for the treatment of asthma [PMID:21530632] and the management of psychosis [PMID:28710881]. In Ecuadorian traditional medicine, it is used for inflammatory processes, wound healing, stomach ulcers, and liver disorders [PMID:40777057].

Composés actifs

The plant contains D-pinitol [PMID:23291573], flavonoids including vitexin, isovitexin, vicenin-2, isoschaftoside, and schaftoside [PMID:25240729, PMID:30003542], as well as triterpenoid saponins, beta-phenylethylamines, and tetrahydroisoquinolines [PMID:1438471].

Mécanisme d'action

The plant's saponins activate very high-conductance calcium-activated potassium ion channels [PMID:1438471]. It may inhibit the release of free arachidonic acid [PMID:2120518] and inhibit the cytochrome P450 NADPH-dependent monooxygenase reaction [PMID:1438471]. It also exhibits antioxidant activity via phenolic compounds [PMID:20976084].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DAsthma/Anaphylaxis

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts reduce anaphylactic contractions and reduce the amount of smooth muscle stimulating substances released from lung tissue in guinea pigs [PMID:6482479, PMID:2434805].

Preuve DHepatotoxicity

A decoction and pure D-pinitol showed protective and curative effects against D-galactosamine-induced, ethanol-induced, and acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats [PMID:23291573].

Preuve DPsychosis

An ethanolic extract exhibited antipsychotic-like activity, sedation, and cholinergic- and serotonergic-like effects in mice [PMID:28710881].

Preuve DHead and Neck Cancer (Supportive Care)

A combination therapy (Desmovit) containing D. adscendens and Lithothamnium calcareum was investigated alongside chemotherapy in stage IV patients [PMID:30519091].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In rats, the acute oral LD50 of the leaf extract was 1122 mg/kg [PMID:29228815]; in mice, the LD50 was estimated to be greater than 3000 mg/kg [PMID:28710881]. In vitro tests on HEPG2 and LLC-PK1 cells showed no alteration in viability at 1 mg/ml or 10 mg/ml, but a significant decrease in viability at 100 mg/ml [PMID:26401376].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Induction of CYP enzymes suggests possible drug interactions when the plant extract is co-administered with other drugs [PMID:29228815].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating pharmacological potential for respiratory, hepatic, and neuropsychiatric conditions, with limited clinical feasibility data.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 21530632 (2011) — An ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. and Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 29228815 (2017) — Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies of Aqueous Extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw) DC. · Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine
3.PMID: 23291573 (2013) — Antihepatotoxic activity of a quantified Desmodium adscendens decoction and D-pinitol against chemically-induced liver damage in rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 26401376 (2015) — Safety of Desmodium adscendens extract on hepatocytes and renal cells. Protective effect against oxidative stress. · Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 28710881 (2017) — An ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens exhibits antipsychotic-like activity in mice.

Desmodium adscendens

Sources et citations

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