Blumea balsamifera (Blumea balsamifera): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Blumea balsamifera work for kidney stones?

Blumea balsamifera contains active compounds including borneol, camphor, and flavonoids that exhibit diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help increase urine production and flow, which may assist in flushing out small kidney stones and preventing new stone formation. The plant's flavonoids also demonstrate antioxidant activity that may protect urinary tract tissues from oxidative damage. Evidence level: C (preliminary studies and traditional use support these mechanisms, but more rigorous clinical trials are needed).

Does Blumea balsamifera interact with any medications?

Blumea balsamifera may interact with diuretic medications, potentially enhancing their effects and increasing the risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. Due to its diuretic properties, it may also affect how the body processes certain drugs by altering kidney function and urine output. If you are taking lithium, prescription diuretics, or blood pressure medications, consult a healthcare provider before using Blumea balsamifera. Evidence level: C (based on pharmacological properties rather than documented clinical interactions).

What is the recommended dosage for Blumea balsamifera?

The standard adult dosage for Blumea balsamifera is 500mg of standardized extract taken three times daily, or 3-6 grams of dried leaf prepared as a tea. Traditional preparations typically use fresh or dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the form of the supplement. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Blumea balsamifera safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Blumea balsamifera is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb's emmenagogue properties may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. There is insufficient safety data regarding use during breastfeeding, so nursing mothers should also avoid this herb. Additionally, Blumea balsamifera is contraindicated in children under two years of age. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements.

Is Blumea balsamifera effective for urinary tract infections?

Blumea balsamifera has been traditionally used in the Philippines for urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Preliminary research suggests antimicrobial and diuretic properties that may help flush bacteria from the urinary system. However, clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence level: C), with most support coming from traditional use and laboratory studies rather than controlled human trials. While it may provide supportive benefits, it should not replace conventional antibiotic treatment for confirmed UTIs. Consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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

Blumea balsamifera, also known as sambong, is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family used in traditional medicine across Asia for its diverse pharmacological properties [PMID:24995927, PMID:37298979].

Background

Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. is a perennial herb native to China and Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines [PMID:37298979, PMID:38065366]. It is a commercially important source of natural borneol [PMID:29035305, PMID:24782086].

Traditional uses

Traditional uses include treatment of sinusitis, colic pain, cough, kidney stones, flu, diuretic purposes [PMID:34220120], and skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, athlete's foot, and wound healing [PMID:38972529]. It is also used by the Miao and Li nations to promote the healing of skin trauma or burn injuries [PMID:26393555].

Active compounds

The plant contains monoterpenes (notably borneol, camphor, and beta-caryophyllene), sesquiterpenes (including guaiane and eudesmane types), diterpenoids (blusamiferoids A-F), and various polyphenolic compounds, specifically flavonoids and flavanones [PMID:38065366, PMID:21319848, PMID:35566241, PMID:32256597, PMID:39228009].

Mechanism of action

Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO) can destroy the permeability of bacterial cell membranes and inhibit the synthesis of bacterial nucleic acids and proteins [PMID:34032873]. Certain diterpenoids (compounds 5 and 6) dose-dependently inhibit the production of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and nitrite oxide, and downregulate NF-kappaB phosphorylation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells [PMID:35566241].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DBurn Injuries

BBO treatment in rat models accelerated the rate of healing, reduced re-epithelialization time, and influenced plasma IL-1 and TNF-alpha levels [PMID:26393555]

Evidence DKidney Stones

Extracts decreased calcium oxalate crystal size and shifted the phase from calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) to calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) [PMID:29387552]

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Essential oil showed bacteriostatic effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Haemophilus parasuis in vitro [PMID:34032873, PMID:33152363, PMID:32638056]

Evidence DInfluenza A Virus (H3N2)

Isolated sesquiterpeniod esters (compounds 3 and 4) showed significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 46.23 and 38.49 ug/mL [PMID:33331176]

Evidence DPhotoaging

BBO demonstrated inhibitory effects on skin aging in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells under UVB stress and in UVA-induced mouse models [PMID:38972529]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and phytochemical reviews. There is a lack of human clinical trial data in the provided abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 24995927 (2014) — Blumea balsamifera--a phytochemical and pharmacological review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 21319848 (2011) — Sesquiterpenes from Blumea balsamifera. · Journal of natural products
3.PMID: 29035305 (2017) — NIR Rapid Assessments of Blumea balsamifera (Ai-na-xiang) in China. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 38065366 (2024) — Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activities of Blumea balsamifera (Sambong) Essential Oil Against Three Stored Product Insects. · Journal of food protection
5.PMID: 27108320 (2016) — In Vitro Propagation of Sambong (Blumea balsamifera Linn.). · Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)

Blumea balsamifera

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Blumea balsamifera