Grewia Asiatica Herb (Grewia asiatica): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Grewia asiatica work as an anti-inflammatory?

Grewia asiatica exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily through its rich anthocyanin and flavonoid content. These bioactive compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress pathways, reducing inflammation at the cellular level. The fruit also contains citric acid and antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, contributing to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence Level C supports these traditional uses based on preliminary pharmacological studies and animal models.

Can Grewia asiatica interact with blood thinners or anticoagulants?

Grewia asiatica may have mild interactions with anticoagulant medications due to its flavonoid content, which can affect blood clotting mechanisms. While not considered a major interaction, patients taking warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before regular consumption. The natural fruit is generally safe, but concentrated extracts or supplements may pose higher risk. Monitor for unusual bruising or bleeding if combining with anticoagulants.

What is the recommended dosage for Grewia asiatica?

Traditional use of Grewia asiatica allows for liberal consumption of fresh fruit during summer months. For dried fruit or juice preparations, typical daily intake ranges from 20-50 grams of dried fruit or 100-200 mL of fruit juice. The fruit is commonly consumed as a refreshing summer drink in South Asian folk medicine. Evidence Level C supports these traditional dosages, though standardized clinical dosing guidelines are not yet established. Consult a qualified herbalist for personalized recommendations.

Is Grewia asiatica safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Grewia asiatica is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when consumed as fresh fruit or traditional preparations. The fruit has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine without reported adverse effects on maternal or fetal health. However, pregnant women with diabetes should monitor intake due to natural fruit sugars. As with any herbal remedy, consult your healthcare provider before regular consumption during pregnancy. Evidence Level C is based on traditional use rather than clinical trials.

What are the health benefits of Phalsa fruit (Grewia asiatica)?

Phalsa fruit offers several health benefits rooted in South Asian traditional medicine. It is primarily used as a cooling agent for summer heat, helping to reduce body temperature and prevent heat stroke. The fruit supports digestive health, acts as a respiratory tonic, and provides antioxidant protection through its anthocyanin and flavonoid content. Traditional uses also include managing fever and inflammation. Evidence Level C supports these applications based on ethnobotanical knowledge and preliminary research.

Can diabetics eat Grewia asiatica (Phalsa fruit)?

Diabetics should consume Grewia asiatica with caution due to its natural glucose and fruit sugar content. While the fruit offers beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it can affect blood glucose levels. Traditional practitioners recommend moderate consumption and monitoring blood sugar closely. The glycemic impact varies based on preparation method—fresh fruit has lower sugar concentration than juice. Evidence Level C indicates limited clinical data, so diabetic patients should consult their healthcare provider before regular consumption.

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

Grewia asiatica (Phalsa) is a tropical shrub native to South Asia, primarily cultivated for its edible fruit and recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [PMID:32320069, PMID:23449066].

Contexte

Grewia asiatica, also known as Phalsa, is a dicot shrub in the family Malvaceae (or Tiliaceae) distributed across Southeast Asia, including India and Pakistan [PMID:26516779, PMID:36348773, PMID:23261731]. It is a tropical and subtropical plant cultivated mainly for its purple to black berry-like fruits [PMID:38312640, PMID:23261731].

Usages traditionnels

The fruits are traditionally used as a cooling agent, refreshing drink, anti-inflammatory agent, and for the treatment of urological disorders [PMID:26516779]. The root bark is traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism [PMID:24501443].

Composés actifs

The plant contains bioactive compounds including anthocyanins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids [PMID:36348773, PMID:23449066]. Specific profiling of the fruit identified 21 flavonols, 7 flavones, 6 anthocyanins, 3 isoflavonoids, 2 phenolic acids, 2 flavanones, and 4 other phenolics [PMID:32116370]. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron), and 18 amino acids, predominantly aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine [PMID:38312640].

Mécanisme d'action

Antihyperglycemic effects are associated with the reduction of pancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase in glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity [PMID:26347423]. Antihypertensive activity is suggested to involve the inhibition of Ca++ influx via Ca++ channels and the nitric oxide (NO) mediated pathway [PMID:34799318]. Spasmolytic actions in smooth muscles may involve pathways other than complete blockade of Ca2+ channels [PMID:34552651].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BGlycemic Control

In healthy non-diabetic human subjects, the fruit demonstrated a low glycemic index (5.34) with modest hypoglycemic activity [PMID:23261731].

Preuve DDiabetes (Animal Model)

Ethanolic fruit extract reduced blood glucose and pancreatic MDA levels while increasing liver glycogen in STZ-induced diabetic rats [PMID:26347423]. Stem bark extract also showed antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic properties in alloxan-induced diabetic rats [PMID:27538464].

Preuve DNeurological Disorders (Animal Model)

Methanol extract of leaves provided protection against pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizures and showed anxiolytic activity in mice [PMID:35933940]. Fruit juice (20-30% dilutions) diminished anxiety, depression, and scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats [PMID:33521033].

Preuve DRenal Protection (Animal Model)

Lyophilized fruit powder (200-400 mg/kg) effectively reduced renal biomarkers, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury rats [PMID:40291032].

Preuve DCardiovascular/Inflammation (Animal Model)

Fruit extract (250-500 mg/kg) decreased serum AST, ALT, LDH, and CKMB in isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema [PMID:36861237].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (D), and a few review articles (C). There is one small-scale clinical trial (B) regarding the glycemic index in healthy humans. Most therapeutic claims lack large-scale human clinical trials.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 32320069 (2020) — Nutraceutical perspectives and value addition of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.): A review. · Journal of food biochemistry
2.PMID: 34229590 (2022) — Indian Indigenous Fruits as Radioprotective Agents: Past, Present and Future. · Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry
3.PMID: 38312640 (2024) — Phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.): A comprehensive review. · Heliyon
4.PMID: 36348773 (2022) — Selection of promising accessions of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) based on fruit-related traits. · Food science & nutrition
5.PMID: 37464170 (2024) — Tracking the Variations in Trace Elements, Some Nutrients, Phenolics, and Anthocyanins in Grewia asiatica L. (Phalsa) at Different Fruit Development Stages.

Grewia Asiatica Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Grewia Asiatica Herb

Origanum Minutiflorum

Ganoderma Tsugae

Purple Basil

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Grewia Asiatica Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Grewia Asiatica Herb

Plantes associées

Origanum Minutiflorum

Ganoderma Tsugae

Purple Basil

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales