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PubMed · <i>Operculina turpethum</i> (Linn.) Silva Manso as a Medicinal Plant Species: A Review on Bioactive Components and Pharmacological Properties. (2017)
PubMed · Ameliorative potential of <i>Operculina turpethum</i> against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: biochemical and histopathological studies. (2021)
Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals
Ipomoea turpethum contains resin glycosides, including turpethin and operculinic acid, which stimulate intestinal motility and increase fluid secretion into the bowel. These compounds irritate the intestinal lining, triggering strong cathartic action. This mechanism supports its traditional Ayurvedic use for virechana (therapeutic purgation) and digestive cleansing. Evidence level: C (preliminary research and traditional use).
Does Ipomoea turpethum interact with any medications?
Due to its strong purgative effects, Ipomoea turpethum may reduce absorption of oral medications by accelerating intestinal transit. Concurrent use with diuretics, cardiac glycosides, or other laxatives may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on pharmacological mechanism).
What is the recommended dosage of Ipomoea turpethum root powder?
The traditional Ayurvedic dosage of Ipomoea turpethum root powder is 3-6 grams for adults when used as a purgative. This herb is considered a strong cathartic and should only be administered under qualified Ayurvedic supervision. Self-medication is not recommended due to the risk of severe purgation and electrolyte depletion. Evidence level: C (traditional use).
Is Ipomoea turpethum safe during pregnancy?
No, Ipomoea turpethum is contraindicated during pregnancy. Its potent purgative action can stimulate uterine contractions and cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss, posing serious risks to both mother and fetus. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level: C (traditional contraindication).
Who should not take Ipomoea turpethum?
Ipomoea turpethum is contraindicated in pregnant women, patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal obstruction, or severe debility. Its strong cathartic effects can worsen these conditions and cause dangerous complications. Individuals with hemorrhoids, rectal bleeding, or electrolyte disorders should also avoid this herb. Evidence level: C (traditional safety knowledge).
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
Ipomoea turpethum (also known as Operculina turpethum) is a perennial herb from the Convolvulaceae family used traditionally in various medicinal systems [PMID:37007000, PMID:28989252].
Background
Ipomoea turpethum (Operculina turpethum) is a perennial herb belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, found in China, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and Australia [PMID:37007000, PMID:25496022].
Traditional uses
The herb is used in traditional medicine for treating peptic ulcers, inflammation, pain, fevers, edema, ascites, anorexia, constipation, hepatosplenomegaly, hemorrhoids, cervical lymphadenitis, fistulas, chronic gout, bronchitis, and tumors [PMID:23476683, PMID:28989252]. It is also used in Iranian traditional medicine for Alzheimer's disease symptoms [PMID:28278615] and in Ayurveda for eczema (Vicharchika) [PMID:30595628].
Active compounds
Bioactive components include dammarane-type saponins (operculinosides A-D) [PMID:21866900], resin glycosides (turpethic acids A-C and turpethosides A-B) [PMID:22717506], and various other compounds such as α- and β-turpethein, turpethinic acids (A-E), coumarins, cycloartenol, lanosta-5-ene, β-sitosterol, lupeol, scopoletin, betulin, and salicylic acid [PMID:28989252].
Mechanism of action
In oral cancer cells, the extract inhibits growth and proliferation by inhibiting NF-κB, COX-2, and cyclin D1, while inducing apoptosis via upregulation of P53 [PMID:28351666]. It has also demonstrated the ability to restore antioxidant enzyme levels in the liver to counteract toxicity [PMID:2459231amine].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BChildhood Asthma
An oral combined tablet of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Viola odorata, and Operculina turpethum as add-on therapy improved respiratory test indices and reduced the severity and frequency of cough attacks and shortness of breath [PMID:37304220].
Evidence BPrimary Hypothyroidism
Majoone Sarkhas (containing O. turpethum) used as an adjuvant to levothyroxine was evaluated for synergistic effects in managing the condition [PMID:39976613].
Evidence DEczema (Vicharchika)
Trivritta powder (O. turpethum) combined with Aragvadha Patra Lepa was assessed for efficacy in management [PMID:30595628].
Evidence DPeptic Ulcer
Stem bark extracts showed potent ulcer preventive and protective activities in experimental rat models, performing better than ranitidine [PMID:23476683].
Evidence DHepatotoxicity
Root extracts attenuated N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) induced liver injury and fibrosis in rats by restoring antioxidant enzymes [PMID:19589336, PMID:24592311].
Evidence D
Safety & adverse effects
Acute oral toxicity studies in Wistar rats using root extract-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were conducted to evaluate safety [PMID:37007000]. One study noted that a flavonoid fraction (OTFF) produced mild toxicity at the organ level at a concentration of 2000 mg/kg in albino mice [PMID:34194901].
Evidence summary
The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (D), and a few small-scale clinical trials (B) focusing on respiratory and endocrine adjuvant therapies. Most pharmacological claims are based on preclinical data.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 21866900 (2011) — Bioactive dammarane-type saponins from Operculina turpethum. · Journal of natural products
2.PMID: 37007000 (2023) — Evaluation of acute oral toxicity of Ipomoea turpethum extract loaded polymeric nanoparticles in Wistar rats. · Frontiers in pharmacology
3.PMID: 23476683 (2013) — Antiulcer Activity of Indigenous Plant Operculina turpethum Linn. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
4.PMID: 28989252 (2017) — Operculina turpethum (Linn.) Silva Manso as a Medicinal Plant Species: A Review on Bioactive Components and Pharmacological Properties. · Pharmacognosy reviews
5.PMID: 41048577 (2025) — Deciphering the anthelmintic mechanisms of Operculina turpethum through integrated computational and in vitro approaches.
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.
Root extracts delivered via nanoparticles showed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines [PMID:31549130, PMID:32479012].
Evidence DBacterial Infections
Resin-rich methanolic extracts showed antibacterial activity against various strains, with B. subtilis and S. aureus being the most sensitive [PMID:24302834].
· In silico pharmacology
6.PMID: 28351666 (2017) — Operculina turpethum extract inhibits growth and proliferation by inhibiting NF-κB, COX-2 and cyclin D1 and induces apoptosis by up regulating P53 in oral cancer cells. · Archives of oral biology
7.PMID: 37900279 (2023) — Secretome analysis of breast cancer cells to identify potential target proteins of Ipomoea turpethum extract-loaded nanoparticles in the tumor microenvironment. · Frontiers in cell and developmental biology
8.PMID: 34795371 (2021) — De novo transcriptome and tissue specific expression analysis of genes associated with biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in Operculina turpethum (L.). · Scientific reports
9.PMID: 37304220 (2022) — The Efficacy of an Oral Formulation of Glycyrrhiza glabra, Viola odorata, and Operculina turpethum as an Add-on Therapy for Mild-to-moderate Childhood Asthma: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. · Journal of research in pharmacy practice
10.PMID: 24302834 (2013) — Antibacterial activity of resin rich plant extracts. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
11.PMID: 24592311 (2014) — Attenuation of N-nitrosodimethylamine induced hepatotoxicity by Operculina turpethum in Swiss Albino mice. · Iranian journal of basic medical sciences
12.PMID: 34194901 (2021) — Ameliorative potential of Operculina turpethum against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: biochemical and histopathological studies. · 3 Biotech
13.PMID: 28278615 (2017) — In vitro cholinesterase inhibitory activity of some plants used in Iranian traditional medicine. · Natural product research
14.PMID: 25496022 (2014) — Studies on antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of Operculina turpethum Linn. · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
15.PMID: 32479012 (2020) — Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Different Part Extracts of Ipomoea turpethum against Breast Cancer Cell Lines. · Journal of environmental pathology, toxicology and oncology : official organ of the International Society for Environmental Toxicology and Cancer
16.PMID: 39170771 (2024) — Retraction Note: Ameliorative potential of Operculina turpethum against streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats: biochemical and histopathological studies. · 3 Biotech
17.PMID: 24748732 (2014) — Ameliorative Effects of Operculina turpethum and its Isolated Stigma-5,22dien-3-o-β-D-glucopyranoside on the Hematological Parameters of Male Mice Exposed to N-Nitrosodimethylamine, a Potent Carcinogen. · Toxicology international
18.PMID: 22717506 (2012) — Resin glycosides from the aerial parts of Operculina turpethum. · Phytochemistry
19.PMID: 31659357 (2019) — Correction: Identification of protein targets and the mechanism of the cytotoxic action of Ipomoea turpethum extract loaded nanoparticles against breast cancer cells. · Journal of materials chemistry. B
20.PMID: 30595628 (2018) — Clinical evaluation of Trivṛta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (paste of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn.) in the management of Vicharchika (eczema). · Ayu
21.PMID: 40098721 (2025) — Green Synthesis: An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Functionalized with Operculina turpethum and It's In vitro and in vivo Biological Activities. · International journal of nanomedicine
22.PMID: 19589336 (2009) — Operculina turpethum attenuates N-nitrosodimethylamine induced toxic liver injury and clastogenicity in rats. · Chemico-biological interactions
23.PMID: 17531963 (2007) — Protective effect of Operculina turpethum against 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene induced oxidative stress with reference to breast cancer in experimental rats. · Chemico-biological interactions
24.PMID: 31549130 (2019) — Identification of protein targets and the mechanism of the cytotoxic action of Ipomoea turpethum extract loaded nanoparticles against breast cancer cells. · Journal of materials chemistry. B
25.PMID: 10758266 (2000) — Development-inhibiting activity of some tropical plants against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). · Journal of stored products research
26.PMID: 26401397 (2015) — Preliminary evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of the polyherbal formulation. · Journal of intercultural ethnopharmacology
27.PMID: 22131715 (2010) — Role of Uttara Vasti with Trivrit and Lasuna oil in the management of primary dysmenorrhea. · Ayu
28.PMID: 39976613 (2025) — Evaluation of the add on effect of Majoone Sarkhas with levothyroxine in primary hypothyroidism: a randomized standard control adjuvant clinical study. · Drug metabolism and personalized therapy
29.PMID: 40232523 (2025) — Evaluation of hepatic cancer stem cells (CD73+, CD44+, and CD90+) induced by diethylnitrosamine in male rats and treatment with biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles. · Molecular biology reports
30.PMID: 22516644 (2012) — Syringe test (modified larval immersion test): a new bioassay for testing acaricidal activity of plant extracts against Rhipicephalus microplus. · Veterinary parasitology