Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea pes-caprae): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Beach Morning Glory work to reduce inflammation?

Beach Morning Glory contains ergoline alkaloids, resin glycosides, and flavonoids that contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These compounds appear to modulate inflammatory pathways and may inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators in the body. The plant has a long history of traditional use across Pacific Island cultures for treating inflammatory skin conditions and rheumatic pain. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence supporting traditional applications).

Does Beach Morning Glory interact with any medications?

Beach Morning Glory contains ergoline alkaloids that may interact with medications metabolized through similar pathways. Individuals taking migraine medications, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications should exercise caution. Those with known ergoline alkaloid sensitivity should avoid this herb entirely. Limited clinical data exists on specific drug interactions, so consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Beach Morning Glory?

Traditional dosage involves applying fresh or crushed leaves topically as a poultice for skin conditions and jellyfish stings. For internal use, 6-9 grams of dried leaf prepared as a daily tea is the traditional recommendation. Topical application is generally preferred for localized inflammation and marine stings. Internal use should be limited to short durations under professional guidance. Evidence level: C (traditional use with limited clinical validation).

Is Beach Morning Glory safe to use during pregnancy?

Beach Morning Glory is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The ergoline alkaloid content may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially affect fetal development. Traditional knowledge and constituent analysis both contraindicate use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid both topical and internal preparations of this herb. Evidence level: C based on constituent analysis and traditional contraindications.

What is Beach Morning Glory used for traditionally?

Beach Morning Glory has been used across Pacific Island and tropical coastal regions for treating jellyfish stings, skin inflammation, and rheumatism. The plant demonstrates both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Coastal communities traditionally apply leaf poultices directly to marine stings and inflamed skin. Internal preparations address rheumatic complaints and general inflammation. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence supporting these traditional applications).

What side effects can Beach Morning Glory cause?

Beach Morning Glory is generally well tolerated when applied topically as a poultice for most individuals. Internal use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some people. Those with sensitivity to ergoline alkaloids should avoid this herb, as adverse reactions may occur. Long-term safety data remains limited. Discontinue use if skin irritation, digestive upset, or any unusual symptoms develop and seek medical advice. Evidence level: C.

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

Ipomoea pes-caprae is a halophytic plant found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions, utilized in traditional medicine for inflammatory and skin conditions [PMID:35621980, PMID:41582220].

Background

Ipomoea pes-caprae (Convolvulaceae), also known as bayhops or goat's foot, is a perennial halophytic vine with high salt and drought tolerance [PMID:35621980, PMID:41582220, PMID:30071625]. It is distributed across Asia, America, Africa, and Australia [PMID:35621980].

Traditional uses

The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, gastrointestinal disorders, pain, hypertension [PMID:35621980], and is specifically prescribed by traditional healers in Mexico to moderate 'heat' in infected kidneys [PMID:17511505]. It is also used in folk medicine for the relief of jellyfish-sting symptoms [PMID:28196712] and by Aboriginal people in Australia for various inflammatory conditions [PMID:35744969].

Active compounds

Phytochemical analyses have identified alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids [PMID:35621980]. Specific compounds include resin glycosides such as pescaproside A and B, and various pescapreins (I-XXX) [PMID:17511505, PMID:21338052, PMID:19061389, PMID:15730248]. Phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and isochlorogenic acid, have also been identified [PMID:36068780].

Mechanism of action

Targeted network pharmacological analysis suggests the plant may act against rheumatoid arthritis through specific regulatory mechanisms [PMID:36772844]. In vitro studies indicate that its extracts possess collagenase inhibitory activity and antioxidant capacity [PMID:36015117, PMID:36682245].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DMelanoma cancer

Petroleum ether, methanolic, and aqueous extracts administered intraperitoneally in mice showed significant antitumor effects (P < 0.01) [PMID:25829785]

Evidence DCnidarian venom-skin contact (jellyfish stings)

A topical hydroethanolic extract in a semisolid cream relieved nociception and inflammation in mice [PMID:28196712]

Evidence DSkin aging

Ethanolic extracts promoted cell proliferation and collagen production in human fibroblasts (CCD-986sk cells) and inhibited collagenase [PMID:36015117]

Evidence DSnake envenoming (Bothrops)

A topical gel containing phenolic-rich extract demonstrated antiedematogenic action in mice [PMID:36068780]

Evidence DMultidrug resistance (Breast cancer cell line MCF-7/ADR)

Pentasaccharide resin glycosides increased the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin by 1.5-3.7-fold [PMID:21338052]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal models (Level D), with some supporting review articles (Level C). There are no human clinical trials (Level B) or meta-analyses (Level A) provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 38243598 (2024) — A simple and efficient in planta transformation method based on the active regeneration capacity of plants. · Plant communications
2.PMID: 35621980 (2022) — A Medicinal Halophyte Ipomoea pes-caprae (Linn.) R. Br.: A Review of Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivity. · Marine drugs
3.PMID: 17511505 (2007) — Resin glycosides from Ipomoea pes-caprae. · Journal of natural products
4.PMID: 25829785 (2015) — In vivo antitumor potential of Ipomoea pes-caprae on melanoma cancer. · Pharmacognosy magazine
5.PMID: 33203606 (2021) — A preliminary study on heavy metal pollutants chrome (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in sediments and beach morning glory vegetation (Ipomoea pes-caprae) from Dasun Estuary, Rembang, Indonesia.

Beach Morning Glory

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Beach Morning Glory