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
Impatiens balsamina is an annual herb of the Balsaminaceae family used in folk medicine for various inflammatory and pain conditions [PMID:36436713].
Background
Impatiens balsamina is an annual herbaceous plant cultivated extensively in Asia and other tropical and subtropical regions as an ornamental plant [PMID:36436713, PMID:39561440].
Traditional uses
It has been long prescribed in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, isthmus, generalized pain, fractures, inflammation of the nails, scurvy, carbuncles, dysentery, bruises, and foot diseases [PMID:36436713]. In traditional Chinese and Thai medicine, it is used for hair loss and various skin conditions [PMID:39561440].
Active compounds
Over 307 natural compounds have been identified, including flavonoids, naphthoquinones (such as 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), coumarins, and terpenoids [PMID:36436713, PMID:21754213, PMID:39561440]. Other identified compounds include biflavonoid glycosides (balsamisides A-D), oleanane-type triterpenoidal glycosides (imbalosides A-C), baccharane glycosides (hosenkosides L-O), and Ib-AMP antimicrobial peptides [PMID:28165740, PMID:32846890, PMID:7765763, PMID:37185763].
Mechanism of action
The plant may exert anti-androgenic effects through the inhibition of steroid 5-alpha reductase (S5αR) [PMID:39561440]. Certain seed and callus extracts demonstrate antioxidant activities and lipid accumulation-inhibitory effects [PMID:42280753].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DAndrogenetic alopecia
Topical application of Impatiens balsamina was capable of promoting new hair growth in the dorsal skin lesions of a mouse model [PMID:31852654]
Safety & adverse effects
Toxicity evaluations of extracts and isolated biomarkers on skin cells, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts were performed, though specific adverse results were not detailed in the provided abstract [PMID:39561440].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on phytochemical screening, in vitro assays, and animal models (Level D), with a comprehensive review of ethnobotanical uses (Level C). No human clinical trials were provided.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 21754213 (2011) — 2-Meth-oxy-naphthalene-1,4-dione. · Acta crystallographica. Section E, Structure reports online
- 2.PMID: 36436713 (2023) — Impatiens balsamina: An updated review on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
- 3.PMID: 28165740 (2017) — Anti-Neurodegenerative Biflavonoid Glycosides from Impatiens balsamina. · Journal of natural products
- 4.PMID: 37185763 (2023) — Plant Antimicrobial Peptides: Insights into Structure-Function Relationships for Practical Applications. · Current issues in molecular biology
- 5.PMID: 42280753 (2026) — Antioxidant Activities and Lipid Accumulation-Inhibitory Effects of Seed and Callus Extracts of Impatiens balsamina L.