Hydrocotyle umbellata (Hydrocotyle umbellata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Hydrocotyle umbellata work for skin healing?

Hydrocotyle umbellata contains active compounds including asiaticosides, triterpenes, and flavonoids that may support skin healing through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. The triterpenes, particularly asiaticosides, are believed to stimulate collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity, promoting tissue repair and wound contraction. These mechanisms are similar to those observed in related species like Centella asiatica (gotu kola). However, direct mechanistic studies on Hydrocotyle umbellata are limited (Evidence Level C), and most evidence is extrapolated from traditional use and related species.

Is Hydrocotyle umbellata safe during pregnancy?

Hydrocotyle umbellata is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional evidence suggests potential uterine effects at higher doses, which may pose risks during pregnancy. The active compounds, including asiaticosides and triterpenes, have not been adequately studied for safety in pregnant women. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use this herb. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal supplement during pregnancy.

What is the recommended dosage for Hydrocotyle umbellata?

The traditional adult dosage for Hydrocotyle umbellata is 3-6 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea, taken once or twice daily. This dosing is based on folk medicine tradition rather than standardized clinical trials. Due to limited pharmacokinetic data, there is no established standardized extract dosage. Users should start with lower doses to assess tolerance and avoid exceeding recommended amounts. Duration of use should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner.

Does Hydrocotyle umbellata interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions for Hydrocotyle umbellata in clinical literature. However, due to its traditional use for nervous conditions and the presence of biologically active triterpenes, caution is advised when combining with sedatives, CNS depressants, or medications affecting cognitive function. The herb may theoretically potentiate the effects of antianxiety or sleep medications. Given limited research (Evidence Level C), patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

What is Hydrocotyle umbellata used for in traditional medicine?

Hydrocotyle umbellata has been used in American folk medicine primarily for skin conditions and nervous system support. Traditional applications include wound healing, skin inflammation, and various dermatological complaints. The herb has also been employed for cognitive support, memory enhancement, and calming nervous conditions. It is botanically similar to gotu kola (Centella asiatica) and shares overlapping traditional uses. These applications are based on folk medicine tradition (Evidence Level C) rather than rigorous clinical trials.

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 19 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Hydrocotyle umbellata is a medicinal aquatic herb used traditionally for hypertension, inflammation, and pain [PMID:35074453, 38994559], demonstrating various pharmacological effects including vascular relaxation and antidiabetic potential [PMID:35074453, 38054808].

Background

Hydrocotyle umbellata (also known as acariçoba or water pennywort) is a member of the Apiaceae (or Araliaceae) family [PMID:38747201, 33680008]. It is an aquatic macrophyte often confused with Centella asiatica due to similar morphological traits [PMID:38747201, 40594828].

Traditional uses

Traditional medicine uses the herb for the treatment of hypertension [PMID:35074453], inflammatory diseases [PMID:28903179], skin ulcers, rheumatism [PMID:24068088], and the retardation of aging (Rasayana effect) in Ayurvedic medicine [PMID:31445134].

Active compounds

The plant contains flavonoids, tannins, and saponins [PMID:38747201], as well as phenolics, specifically quercetin and its glycoside derivatives [PMID:38054808]. A key chemical marker and lignan identified is hibalactone [PMID:35074453, 35747359, 28903179].

Mechanism of action

Vascular relaxation is mediated by the blocking of L-type Ca2+ channels (specifically Cav1.2) [PMID:35074453]. Anticarcinogenic effects are linked to the inhibition of cellular respiration, which reduces tumor cell proliferation [PMID:38994559]. Anxiolytic-like effects of hibalactone are associated with the 5-HT1A receptor and the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor [PMID:35747359]. Antidiabetic activity is associated with the inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme activity [PMID:38054808].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DInflammation/Edema

Defatted ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and reduced IL-6 and PGE2 levels [PMID:33680008].

Evidence DDiabetes Mellitus

Standardized ethanolic extract significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [PMID:38054808].

Evidence DCancer

Extract (HUE) inhibited growth of various tumor cell lines (including B16F10) and was effective in treating and preventing tumor growth in mice [PMID:38994559].

Evidence DAnxiety

Oral treatment with hibalactone (33 mg/kg) showed anxiolytic-like effects in light-dark box and elevated plus maze tests in mice [PMID:35747359, 28903179].

Evidence DPain/Nociception

Ethanolic extract of underground parts reduced nociceptive responses in acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests, and increased pain latency in hot plate tests [PMID:24068088, 28903179].

Evidence D

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based on preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo animal models) and phytochemical analyses. There are no human clinical trials or meta-analyses provided; therefore, the overall strength of clinical evidence is low (Level D).

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35074453 (2022) — Vascular relaxing effect of Hydrocotyle umbellata L. is mediated by blocking of l-type Ca2+ channels. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 30408300 (2018) — Behavioral responses of gravid Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes to aquatic macrophyte volatiles. · Journal of vector ecology : journal of the Society for Vector Ecology
3.PMID: 35156484 (2022) — Heavy metals phytofiltration potential of Hydrocotyle umbellata from Nullah Lai wastewater and its environmental risk. · International journal of phytoremediation
4.PMID: 38747201 (2024) — Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. and Hydrocotyle umbellata L. identification and quality assessment: A methodology comparison. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
5.PMID: 39604713 (2024) — Unveiling Cu extractability and statistical insights: Hydrocotyle umbellata L. as a catalyst for environmental remediation.

Hydrocotyle umbellata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Hydrocotyle umbellata