How does Aeschynomene indica work medicinally?

Aeschynomene indica contains bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The flavonoids and tannins are primarily responsible for the herb's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which support its traditional use for skin conditions and infections. These compounds exert their effects through antioxidant pathways and by modulating inflammatory mediators in the body. Evidence level: C (preliminary research only).

Does Aeschynomene indica interact with any medications?

There is currently insufficient clinical data to establish specific drug interactions for Aeschynomene indica. Due to its tannin and alkaloid content, the herb may theoretically affect the absorption of certain medications or interact with drugs metabolized by the liver. Patients taking prescription medications, particularly those with hepatic metabolism, should consult a healthcare provider before using this herb. No well-documented interactions exist in current literature.

What is the recommended dosage for Aeschynomene indica?

The traditional adult dosage for Aeschynomene indica is 5-10 grams of the plant prepared as a decoction. This involves boiling the dried plant material in water and consuming the resulting liquid. Due to limited clinical studies, standardized commercial dosing recommendations have not been established. Users should follow traditional preparation methods and consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing guidance.

Is Aeschynomene indica safe during pregnancy?

Aeschynomene indica is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. Traditional use and available evidence suggest potential risks, though specific clinical safety data is limited. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid this herb entirely. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for safe alternative treatments for skin conditions or other complaints during pregnancy.

What is Aeschynomene indica used for in traditional medicine?

Aeschynomene indica is traditionally used in Asian folk medicine, particularly in India, for treating skin conditions, reducing fever, and addressing liver complaints. Preliminary research has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that support these traditional applications. The herb has been valued for various dermatological conditions and systemic inflammatory complaints. Current evidence is rated as level C, indicating limited clinical research to fully validate these uses.

Aeschynomene indica (Aeschynomene indica)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Aeschynomene indica, also known as Indian jointvetch, is a semiaquatic legume [PMID:31562167] that is recognized as a pernicious weed in certain rice fields [PMID:38486176].

Background

Aeschynomene indica is a semiaquatic legume [PMID:31562167] characterized by its ability to form both stem and root nodules through a unique Nod factor-independent symbiosis with photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium [PMID:31562167, PMID:21966910]. It is described as a common and pernicious weed in upland direct-seeding rice fields in China, where it can significantly reduce rice yields [PMID:38486176].

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, the aerial parts of Aeschynomene indica L. have been used for wound healing, and to treat urinary tract infection, hepatitis, enteritis, dysentery, nyctalopia, conjunctivitis, urticaria, and furuncle [PMID:30107245].

Active compounds

Essential oils from the leaves and stems contain predominant constituents including (E)-caryophyllene, linalool, viridiflorol, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, trans-verbenol, and α-guaiene [PMID:39124959]. Additionally, the Bradyrhizobium sp. BTAi1 symbiont associated with the plant produces a unique C10 monosaccharide called bradyrhizose as part of its O-antigen polysaccharide [PMID:25797311].

Mechanism of action

The plant's aerial parts may enhance wound healing by influencing inflammatory cell infiltration, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis [PMID:30107245]. Essential oils from the plant exhibit antibacterial and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis [PMID:39124959].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DWound healing

Aeschynomene indica L. leaf extract demonstrated in vivo wound-healing activity in a circular excision model, affecting collagen remodeling and inflammatory cell infiltration [PMID:30107245]

Evidence DBacterial infections

Essential oils from leaves and stems showed potent inhibition and bactericidal activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis (MICs 0.312-0.625 mg/mL) and synergistic effects when combined with traditional antibiotics [PMID:39124959]

Evidence summary

The available evidence is primarily based on laboratory-based pharmacological assays (in vitro and in vivo animal models) and botanical/microbiological research. There are no human clinical trials provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36879507 (2023) — Characterization of photosynthetic Bradyrhizobium sp. strain SSBR45 isolated from the root nodules of Aeschynomene indica. · Plant signaling & behavior
2.PMID: 40913088 (2025) — A Bradyrhizobium isolate from a marine diatom induces nitrogen-fixing nodules in a terrestrial legume. · Nature microbiology
3.PMID: 34995397 (2022) — Nod factor-independent 'crack-entry' symbiosis in dalbergoid legume Arachis hypogaea. · Environmental microbiology
4.PMID: 38647727 (2024) — Bradyrhizobium ontarionense sp. nov., a novel bacterial symbiont isolated from Aeschynomene indica (Indian jointvetch), harbours photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and nitrous oxide (N2O) reductase genes. · Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
5.PMID: 31562167

Aeschynomene indica

Sources & Citations

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Bauhinia tomentosa

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Aeschynomene indica

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Cleavers Herb

Smilax Zeylanica

Bauhinia tomentosa

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources