Entada phaseoloides (Entada phaseoloides): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Entada phaseoloides work for wound healing?

Entada phaseoloides promotes wound healing primarily through its saponin and tannin content. Saponins act as natural surfactants, cleansing the wound area, while tannins provide astringent effects that help constrict tissue and reduce bleeding or discharge. Additionally, flavonoids and entadamide present in the plant may offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support. These mechanisms are largely inferred from phytochemical analysis and traditional use, as rigorous clinical trials are limited (Evidence Level C).

Is Entada phaseoloides safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Entada phaseoloides is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The plant contains high concentrations of saponins, which can be toxic if ingested and may stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk of miscarriage. Internal use is strictly contraindicated. While the bark is sometimes used topically for hair, there is insufficient safety data regarding dermal absorption during pregnancy, so it is best avoided entirely by pregnant women.

Does Entada phaseoloides interact with any medications?

There are currently no well-documented clinical drug interactions for Entada phaseoloides (Evidence Level D). However, because the plant contains saponins, there is a theoretical risk that internal use could increase the absorption of certain drugs or interfere with gastrointestinal membranes. Due to the potential toxicity of internal saponin consumption, this herb should not be ingested alongside prescription medications without professional medical guidance.

What is the recommended dosage for Entada phaseoloides?

The recommended usage for Entada phaseoloides is strictly limited to topical application. For hair care, the bark is traditionally rubbed with water to create a lather and applied to the scalp. For wound management, a poultice made from the bark is applied externally to the affected area. Internal ingestion is contraindicated due to saponin toxicity. Standardized clinical dosing guidelines do not exist, so users should rely on traditional preparation methods (Evidence Level C).

What are the side effects of using Entada phaseoloides on skin?

The primary side effect associated with Entada phaseoloides is skin sensitization or contact dermatitis in some individuals. The saponins that provide the plant's soapy lather can be irritating to sensitive skin. Users should perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it broadly to the scalp or wounds. If redness, itching, or swelling occurs, discontinue use immediately. Internal consumption causes severe gastrointestinal distress and systemic toxicity.

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

Entada phaseoloides is a medicinal legume used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, containing bioactive triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids [PMID:35661414, 33259584].

Background

Entada phaseoloides (L.) Merr. is a medicinal herbal plant grown in tropical areas, including Thailand and Madagascar [PMID:29124496, 35661414]. It is characterized by high levels of secondary metabolites, particularly triterpenoid saponins [PMID:35661414].

Traditional uses

It has been used by Chinese ethnic minorities (Dai people) for treating diabetes mellitus [PMID: 27742409, 22212505], and in traditional Chinese and Dai medicine for inflammatory skin conditions (dermatitis), hemorrhoids, arthritis, bruises, hematochezia, lower back and leg pain, and limb paralysis [PMID: 41833762, 40523485]. The stem is specifically used to dispel wind and dampness [PMID: 32933468]. It is also used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine [PMID: 33259584].

Active compounds

Key compounds include triterpenoid saponins [PMID: 35661414, 32933468], flavonoids (such as acacetin, rutin, and myricitrin) [PMID: 35620699], sulfur-containing amides (entadamide A, entadamide A-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and clinacoside C) [PMID: 20931765], phaseoloidin (a homogentisic acid glucoside) [PMID: 41579591], and phenolic compounds (protocatechuic acid, epicatechin, and kaempferol) [PMID: 35056753].

Mechanism of action

Total saponins from E. phaseoloides (TSEP) suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis by activating the AMPK signaling pathway and inhibiting the expression of G6pase and Pepck genes [PMID: 27742409]. Phaseoloidin suppresses gout inflammation by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome [PMID: 41579591]. Entadamide A-beta-D-glucopyranoside attenuates psoriatic dermatitis by restoring keratinocyte homeostasis and suppressing neutrophil extracellular traps [PMID: 41833762]. Phenolic compounds from the leaves reduce the expression of COX-2 and iNOS inflammation genes [PMID: 35056753].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Total saponins (TSEP) reduced fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels and alleviated hyperglycemia-associated oxidative stress in rats [PMID: 22212505].

Evidence DGouty Arthritis

Phaseoloidin suppresses gout inflammation via the NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse and rat models [PMID: 41579591].

Evidence DPsoriatic Dermatitis

Entadamide A-beta-D-glucopyranoside alleviated IMQ-induced psoriasiform dermatitis in mouse models [PMID: 41833762].

Evidence DWound Healing

Total tannins (TEPT) accelerated wound closure in rats and promoted fibroblast proliferation and migration in vitro [PMID: 28040363].

Evidence DHepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2)

The n-butanol fraction of ethanol extract inhibited HepG2 cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis [PMID: 24965399].

Evidence DChronic Restrain Stress

Methanolic extract (MEEP) reduced despair behavior and improved antioxidant enzyme levels (GSH, SOD) in the hippocampus of mice [PMID: 30635249].

Safety & adverse effects

The oral LD50 of crude E. phaseoloides in mice was 27.17 g/kg body weight; processed products showed LD50 values of 35.13 and 42.18 g/kg [PMID: 21434429].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and wound-healing potential, but lacks human clinical trials.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 29124496 (2018) — Biological activity of Entada phaseoloides and Entada rheedei. · Journal of natural medicines
2.PMID: 20931765 (2010) — Sulfur-containing amides from Entada phaseoloides. · Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
3.PMID: 22590279 (2012) — 5,6,7,5'-Tetra-meth-oxy-3',4'-methyl-ene-dioxy-flavone monohydrate. · Acta crystallographica. Section E, Structure reports online
4.PMID: 35661414 (2022) — Chromosome-level genome of Entada phaseoloides provides insights into genome evolution and biosynthesis of triterpenoid saponins. · Molecular ecology resources
5.PMID: 27742409 (2016) — Entada phaseoloides extract suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis via activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. · Journal of ethnopharmacology

Entada phaseoloides

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Entada phaseoloides

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Entada phaseoloides

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Entada phaseoloides

Related Herbs

Sclerocarya Birrea

Hibiscus tiliaceus

Salvia nemorosa

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources