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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
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Euphorbia Hirta Plant
Euphorbia hirta
Asthma and bronchitis in tropical traditional medicine
Euphorbia hirta contains quercitrin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties, and choline, which may help relax bronchial smooth muscle. These compounds work synergistically to reduce airway inflammation and alleviate bronchospasm. The plant also contains shikimic acid, which may contribute to its respiratory benefits. Laboratory studies suggest it may inhibit inflammatory mediators in the airways, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C). More research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of action.
Does Euphorbia hirta interact with any medications?
Euphorbia hirta may interact with anticoagulant and anti-platelet medications, as some compounds may affect blood clotting. Caution is advised when combining with diabetes medications, as the herb may influence glucose metabolism. Due to its gastrointestinal effects, it may enhance the irritant effects of NSAIDs and other GI-irritating drugs. Those taking immunosuppressants should also exercise caution. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications, as comprehensive interaction studies are limited.
What is the recommended dosage for Euphorbia hirta?
The traditional adult dosage for Euphorbia hirta is 3-6 grams of dried herb prepared as a decoction, taken three times daily. To prepare, boil the dried herb in water for 10-15 minutes, then strain before drinking. For respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis, this dosage has been used traditionally in tropical medicine systems. Standardized commercial extracts may have different dosing recommendations. Always follow product-specific instructions and consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Is Euphorbia hirta safe to take during pregnancy?
Euphorbia hirta is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. The herb contains compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially causing miscarriage or harm to the developing fetus. Traditional use has historically excluded pregnant women for this reason. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data regarding transfer through breast milk. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider for safer alternatives.
Can Euphorbia hirta help with dengue fever?
Euphorbia hirta is widely used in Filipino traditional medicine as supportive care for dengue fever, particularly for its potential to help maintain platelet levels. Laboratory studies suggest antiviral and platelet-supporting properties, though human clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C). In the Philippines, it is commonly prepared as a decoction during dengue infection. However, it should never replace standard medical care for dengue, which can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention for suspected dengue fever rather than self-medicating.
What are the side effects of Euphorbia hirta?
Common side effects of Euphorbia hirta include gastrointestinal irritation and nausea, particularly when taken on an empty stomach or at higher doses. Some individuals may experience diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort. The herb belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, known for containing plants with irritant latex and compounds. Those with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease should use caution or avoid it. Discontinue use if severe symptoms occur and consult a healthcare provider.
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 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Euphorbia hirta is a tropical weed used in traditional medicine across Asia and the Philippines for various ailments, including respiratory disorders and dengue [PMID: 29849664, 35187071, 39290882].
Background
Euphorbia hirta, also known as Tawa-Tawa, is a common roadside weed found in tropical Asia and India [PMID: 29849664, 40061658].
Traditional uses
Traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, dysentery, jaundice, digestive problems, and diarrhea [PMID: 35455080, 39290882]. In the Philippines, it is used in folklore medicine for the treatment of dengue [PMID: 29849664]. In India, Indonesia, and Angola, it has been used as a galactagogue and to improve colostrum quality [PMID: 30000943].
Active compounds
Identified constituents include flavonoids (such as Quercetin-3-O-alpha-rhamnoside and kaempferol), saponins, sterols (beta-sitosterol), terpenes (alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol, taraxerone), alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, and mucilage [PMID: 25598628, 27033089, 28479737, 40061658]. Other identified compounds include heneicosane, tetracosane, phytol, and squalene [PMID: 40061720, 40061658].
Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the modulation of Nrf2 and NF-kappaB signaling pathways [PMID: 39505796]. In human keratinocytes, it suppresses TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma-induced inflammatory responses by down-regulating JNK or STAT1/3 pathways [PMID: 35455080]. It also suppresses the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 from activated rat peritoneal mast cells [PMID: 17643865].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CDengue
Used in folklore medicine; a systematic review identified one human trial, though limited studies have been conducted on antidengue activity [PMID: 29849664]
Evidence DHepatotoxicity (CCl4-induced)
Ethanolic extracts exhibited potential in vitro antioxidant activity and protective effects in Wistar rats [PMID: 36268597]
Evidence DSnake Venom Toxicity
Quercetin-3-O-alpha-rhamnoside inhibited protease, phospholipase-A(2), hemolytic activity, and hemorrhage inducing activity of Naja naja venom in vitro and in mice models [PMID: 27033089]
Evidence DGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Whole plant extract and flavonoids were investigated in surgically induced GERD models in rats [PMID: 28479737]
Evidence DAnaphylaxis
Ethanolic extract showed anti-anaphylactic activity against compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis in rats and mice [PMID: 17643865]
Evidence DBacterial Infections (S. mutans)
Safety & adverse effects
Acute toxicity studies indicate the toxic dose may be above 3000 mg/kg [PMID: 25598628]. In silico assessments suggest several phytoconstituents are nontoxic [PMID: 40061720]. However, it has been identified as a potential antigen in air-borne contact dermatitis [PMID: 28150592].
Pregnancy & lactation
Used as a galactagogue in some cultures, but no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use, and no data exist on the excretion of components into breastmilk [PMID: 30000943].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (D), and systematic reviews of folklore use (C). There is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (A or B) to support therapeutic claims in humans.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 30000943 (2006) — Lignans from Euphorbia hirta L. · Natural product research
2.PMID: 29849664 (2018) — Potential Use of Euphorbia hirta for Dengue: A Systematic Review of Scientific Evidence. · Journal of tropical medicine
3.PMID: 40061720 (2024) — In Silico toxicity assessment of Euphorbia hirta. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
4.PMID: 40061658 (2024) — Determination of Phytochemical Properties "Amman Pacharisi"-Euphorbia hirta Linn. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
5.PMID: 25598628 (2015) — Minerals salt composition and secondary metabolites of Euphorbia hirta Linn., an antihyperglycemic plant. · Pharmacognosy research
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
Ethanol extract formulated as a mouthwash demonstrated anti-bacterial effects against Streptococcus mutans [PMID: 35592805]
6.
PMID: 24359779 (2013) — Triterpenes from Euphorbia hirta and their cytotoxicity. · Chinese journal of natural medicines
7.PMID: 36268597 (2022) — Protective effect of Euphorbia thymifolia and Euphorbia hirta against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. · Drug development and industrial pharmacy
8.PMID: 35187071 (2021) — Phytochemicals of Euphorbia hirta L. and Their Inhibitory Potential Against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. · Frontiers in molecular biosciences
9.PMID: 35592805 (2022) — Formulation, characteristics and anti-bacterial effects of Euphorbia hirta L. mouthwash. · Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences
10.PMID: 35455080 (2022) — Euphorbia hirta Leaf Ethanol Extract Suppresses TNF-α/IFN-γ-Induced Inflammatory Response via Down-Regulating JNK or STAT1/3 Pathways in Human Keratinocytes. · Life (Basel, Switzerland)
11.PMID: 39290882 (2024) — A review of ethnobotanical studies reveals over 500 medicinal plants in Mindanao, Philippines. · Plant diversity
12.PMID: 27033089 (2016) — Quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside from Euphorbia hirta protects against snake Venom induced toxicity. · Biochimica et biophysica acta
13.PMID: 28479737 (2017) — Flavonoids from whole Plant of Euphorbia hirta and their Evaluation against Experimentally induced Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Rats. · Pharmacognosy magazine
14.PMID: 39505796 (2025) — Flavonoids of Euphorbia hirta inhibit inflammatory mechanisms via Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways. · Cell biochemistry and biophysics
15.PMID: 28150592 (1986) — Air-borne Contact Dermatitis in Varanasi. · Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology
16.PMID: 19943357 (2010) — Molluscicides from some common medicinal plants of eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. · Journal of applied toxicology : JAT
17.PMID: 17643865 (2007) — Anti-anaphylactic effect of Euphorbia hirta. · Fitoterapia