Indigofera oblongifolia (Indigofera oblongifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Indigofera oblongifolia work for epilepsy?

Indigofera oblongifolia contains active compounds, specifically alkaloids and flavonoids, which are believed to provide anticonvulsant effects. While the precise mechanism of action requires further study, these constituents may modulate neurotransmitter activity or reduce oxidative stress in the nervous system. Traditionally used in African medicine for seizure management, current evidence supporting these biological pathways is preliminary (Evidence Level C). It is not intended to replace prescribed anticonvulsant therapies.

Does Indigofera oblongifolia interact with seizure medications?

Yes, there is a potential interaction between Indigofera oblongifolia and pharmaceutical anticonvulsants. Because the herb possesses anticonvulsant properties, combining it with prescription epilepsy medications may lead to additive effects or reduced drug efficacy. This could result in poorly controlled seizures or increased side effects like sedation. Patients taking medication for epilepsy should avoid this herb unless specifically supervised by a healthcare professional.

What is the traditional dosage for Indigofera oblongifolia?

The traditional adult dosage for Indigofera oblongifolia is typically a decoction prepared using 5 to 10 grams of the whole plant. This preparation is commonly administered for liver conditions or as an anticonvulsant in folk medicine. Due to the lack of standardized clinical trials (Evidence Level C), there is no established safe therapeutic window. Users should proceed with caution and consult a qualified practitioner for guidance.

Is Indigofera oblongifolia safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Indigofera oblongifolia is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The plant contains alkaloids that may stimulate the uterus or cause developmental toxicity. Traditional use contraindications explicitly advise against use by pregnant women. Due to the potential risk of miscarriage or fetal harm, this herb should be strictly avoided by expectant mothers. There is insufficient safety data regarding its use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is also recommended for nursing mothers.

What are the side effects of taking Indigofera oblongifolia?

Reported side effects of Indigofera oblongifolia primarily involve gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. These effects are generally associated with oral consumption of the plant decoction. Since comprehensive toxicological studies are limited (Evidence Level C), other potential adverse reactions may not be fully documented. If you experience persistent digestive issues, discontinue use immediately 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 26 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Indigofera oblongifolia is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Saudi Arabia for malaria treatment, demonstrating antimalarial, antioxidant, and organ-protective effects in animal models [PMID:26648699, 26109255].

Background

Indigofera oblongifolia is a plant species found in regions including Saudi Arabia and Yemen [PMID:26648699, 31146001]. It is characterized as a facultative halophyte capable of adapting to salt stress [PMID:38422268].

Traditional uses

The plant leaves are traditionally used in Saudi Arabian society for the treatment of malaria [PMID:26648699].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include phenolics, flavonoids [PMID:32210676, 30898472], indigin, alkylated xanthene, indigoferic acid, beta-sitosterol, and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid [PMID:16114488]. Small protein peptides have also been isolated from the leaves [PMID:10363845].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits antioxidant activity by increasing glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while reducing lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide [PMID:27330278, 28123424, 27052307, 27391413]. It regulates immune responses by modulating proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 [PMID:40917784, 32749003] and influences gene expression related to metabolism and immune response [PMID:29630927, 26648699]. Certain constituents also inhibit the enzyme lipoxygenase [PMID:16114488].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DMalaria (Plasmodium chabaudi infection in mice)

Leaf extracts significantly reduced parasitemia and protected the spleen, liver, and lungs from tissue injury and oxidative stress [PMID:26109255, 29630927, 40917784].

Evidence DLead-induced toxicity (rats)

Leaf extract mitigated lead-acetate-induced damage and apoptosis in the kidneys, brain, liver, and testes [PMID:27330278, 28123424, 27391413, 27052307].

Evidence DTrypanosomiasis (T. evansi in mice)

Leaf extract decreased parasitemia by 70%, reduced weight loss, and mitigated spleen and liver injury [PMID:30898472, 32346351].

Evidence DBacterial and Fungal Infections (in vitro)

Leaf extracts and isolated peptides showed antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts such as Candida albicans [PMID:32210676, 11167035, 10363845].

Evidence DCCl4-induced hepatotoxicity (rats)

Treatment significantly increased antioxidant status and reduced serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH) [PMID:16117622].

Evidence summary

The evidence is based entirely on in vitro studies and animal models (mice and rats), representing a low level of clinical evidence (Level D). No human clinical trials are provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 29062263 (2017) — Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extract regulates spleen macrophage response during Plasmodium chabaudi infection. · Saudi journal of biological sciences
2.PMID: 32210676 (2020) — Anthelmintic and antimicrobial activity of Indigofera oblongifolia leaf extracts. · Saudi journal of biological sciences
3.PMID: 27330278 (2016) — Indigofera oblongifolia mitigates lead-acetate-induced kidney damage and apoptosis in a rat model. · Drug design, development and therapy
4.PMID: 40917784 (2025) — Morphometric analysis and immunobiological investigation of Indigofera oblongifolia on the infected lung with Plasmodium chabaudi. · Open life sciences
5.PMID: 28123424 (2016) — Neuroprotective potential of Indigofera oblongifolia leaf methanolic extract against lead acetate-induced neurotoxicity.

Indigofera oblongifolia

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Indigofera oblongifolia