Turnera ulmifolia (Turnera ulmifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Turnera ulmifolia work in the body?

Turnera ulmifolia contains active compounds including flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and caffeic acid that contribute to its medicinal effects. The flavonoids and caffeic acid provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, while saponins may support expectorant action for respiratory conditions. These compounds work together to produce the herb's traditional digestive and respiratory benefits. Evidence level: C (preliminary research and traditional use support these mechanisms, though specific clinical trials are limited).

Does Turnera ulmifolia interact with any medications?

There is limited research on Turnera ulmifolia drug interactions. Due to its potential effects on digestion and possible mild sedative properties, it may theoretically interact with medications metabolized by the liver or with central nervous system depressants. The tannin content could potentially reduce absorption of certain medications if taken simultaneously. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining this herb with prescription medications, especially those for anxiety, sleep, or digestive conditions.

What is the recommended dosage for Turnera ulmifolia tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Turnera ulmifolia is 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of hot water, taken up to three times daily. Steep the herb for 10-15 minutes before straining. This preparation is commonly used for respiratory and digestive support. Dosage recommendations are based on traditional use rather than clinical trials (Evidence level: C). Always start with the lower end of the dosage range to assess individual tolerance.

Is Turnera ulmifolia safe during pregnancy?

Turnera ulmifolia is considered unsafe during pregnancy, particularly at higher doses. Traditional use and available evidence suggest it should be avoided by pregnant women due to potential uterine effects. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use this herb without explicit guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. The safety profile during pregnancy has not been established through clinical research.

What is Turnera ulmifolia used for in traditional medicine?

Turnera ulmifolia has been used traditionally across the Caribbean and tropical Americas for respiratory conditions, digestive complaints, and anxiety. It is valued as an expectorant for colds and respiratory ailments, and as a digestive aid for various gastrointestinal issues. The herb also has traditional anti-inflammatory applications. These uses are supported by traditional knowledge and preliminary research (Evidence level: C), though more rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

What are the side effects of Turnera ulmifolia?

Turnera ulmifolia is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or loose stools. These effects are typically temporary and resolve with continued use or dosage adjustment. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Turneraceae family should avoid this herb. Discontinue use if severe or persistent side effects occur and consult a healthcare provider.

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 21 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Turnera ulmifolia, known in Brazil as chanana, is a plant used in folk medicine for gastric dysfunction and inflammatory conditions [PMID:11995930, PMID:16226027].

Contexte

Turnera ulmifolia L. is a species belonging to the family Turneraceae (or Passifloraceae), distributed from Guyana to southern Brazil and also found in India and Jamaica [PMID:11995930, PMID:39857330, PMID:36196911]. It is often considered a weed in tropical rain forests, fields, and gardens [PMID:11995930].

Usages traditionnels

In Brazilian folk medicine, chanana tea is used to treat diseases related to gastric dysfunction, including gastric and duodenal ulcers [PMID:11995930]. It is also used as an anti-inflammatory [PMID:16226027] and is known in folk medicine to have anti-hyperglycemic effects to reduce complications in diabetic patients [PMID:35926329].

Composés actifs

The essential oil of the leaves contains volatile compounds, with beta-caryophyllene (21.5%) and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (18.4%) as the major components [PMID:21213992]. Phenolic compounds are suggested to be responsible for its antioxidant capacity [PMID:16226027].

Mécanisme d'action

The plant exhibits antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and preventing glutathione depletion during colonic inflammation [PMID:16876965, PMID:16226027]. It may also act as a resistance-modifying agent by potentially involving an efflux system to potentiate the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics [PMID:19426487, PMID:19633019].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DGastric and duodenal ulcers

Aqueous fraction of aerial parts significantly reduced lesions induced by HCl/ethanol (39-46%) and indomethacin/bethanechol (58-72%) in mice and rats [PMID:11995930]

Preuve DColitis

Pretreatment with a lyophilized infusion (250-500 mg/kg) significantly attenuated colonic damage and prevented glutathione depletion in TNBS-induced rat colitis [PMID:16876965]

Preuve DInflammation

Hydroalcoholic extract and its aqueous/ethanolic fractions inhibited carrageenan-induced edema and increased vascular permeability induced by histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and prostaglandin E2 in rats/mice [PMID:9705013]

Preuve DHepatotoxicity (CCl4-induced)

Oral administration of hydroethanolic extract (500 mg/kg) enhanced glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, SOD, catalase) and improved serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT) in rats [PMID:22940430]

Preuve DAntibiotic Resistance (MRSA and E. coli)

Ethanol extract demonstrated a synergistic or potentiating effect when used in combination with aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, amikacin, and tobramycin [PMID:19426487, PMID:19633019]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

A crude extract of Turnera ulmifolia showed no cytotoxicity [PMID:35926329].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Ethanol extracts of T. ulmifolia potentiate the activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics (gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, amikacin, tobramycin) [PMID:19426487, PMID:19633019] and metronidazole against C. tropicalis [PMID:22082100].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is based entirely on in vitro studies and animal models (mice/rats); there are no human clinical trials provided. Strength of evidence is low (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 24468305 (2014) — Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of the genus Turnera (Passifloraceae) with a focus on damiana--Turnera diffusa. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 11995930 (2002) — Effects of tea from Turnera ulmifolia L. on mouse gastric mucosa support the Turneraceae as a new source of antiulcerogenic drugs. · Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin
3.PMID: 35926329 (2022) — Antiglycation, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of crude extract of Turnera ulmifolia L. before and after microencapsulation process. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
4.PMID: 36196911 (2023) — Genetic architecture of multiple mutualisms and mating system in Turnera ulmifolia. · Journal of evolutionary biology
5.PMID: 9705013 (1998) — Oral anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of a hydroalcoholic extract and partitioned fractions of Turnera ulmifolia (Turneraceae).

Turnera ulmifolia

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Turnera ulmifolia

American Basswood

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Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Turnera ulmifolia

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Turnera ulmifolia

Plantes associées

American Basswood

Alpinia calcarata

Aristolochia debilis

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales