Ludwigia octovalvis (Ludwigia octovalvis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ludwigia octovalvis work to reduce inflammation?

Ludwigia octovalvis exerts its anti-inflammatory effects primarily through its rich content of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. These active compounds function as antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals and inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways within the body. Additionally, the tannins provide astringent properties that can help reduce swelling and irritation when applied to the skin or ingested. While these mechanisms are supported by the plant's phytochemical profile, clinical evidence remains limited (Level C) and more rigorous human studies are needed.

Is Ludwigia octovalvis safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Ludwigia octovalvis is considered unsafe for use during pregnancy. Herbal safety guidelines classify this herb as contraindicated for pregnant women due to a lack of safety data and the potential for uterine stimulation or other adverse effects. Because the herb contains active compounds that may affect smooth muscle or metabolic processes, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should strictly avoid this remedy. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements during pregnancy.

What is the recommended dosage for Ludwigia octovalvis?

The standard adult dosage for Ludwigia octovalvis is typically 2 to 3 grams of the dried herb prepared as a tea. This traditional preparation is commonly used to address symptoms of diarrhea and internal inflammation. Due to the limited nature of clinical evidence (Level C), users should adhere strictly to recommended amounts and avoid exceeding this dosage without professional guidance. It is generally recommended to use the herb for short-term relief rather than long-term maintenance.

Does Ludwigia octovalvis interact with any medications?

While specific clinical drug interaction studies for Ludwigia octovalvis are lacking, caution is advised when taking it with other medications. Because the herb has documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, it may theoretically potentiate the effects of prescription antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, the presence of tannins could potentially interfere with the absorption of certain alkaloids or iron supplements. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding this herb to their regimen.

What is Ludwigia octovalvis used for in traditional medicine?

In traditional folk medicine, Ludwigia octovalvis is primarily used to treat acute diarrhea and various skin conditions. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a common remedy for wounds, rashes, and other dermatological issues. The herb has also been historically utilized to reduce general inflammation and swelling. While these applications are well-documented in ethnobotanical records, current scientific evidence supporting these specific uses is rated as Level C, indicating reliance on tradition and preliminary research rather than large-scale 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 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Ludwigia octovalvis is an aquatic plant used in traditional medicine for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and wound management [PMID:28666833, 37447139, 39345301].

Background

Ludwigia octovalvis (also known as willow primrose) is a globally distributed wetland plant belonging to the Onagraceae family [PMID: 27856583, 28695387].

Traditional uses

Historically consumed as a healthful drink for treating edema, nephritis, hypotension, diabetes, dysentery, diarrhea, and headache [PMID: 28666833, 26091966, 22705121]. It is also used traditionally in parts of Asia for wound management [PMID: 39345301] and as a diuretic [PMID: 19963029].

Active compounds

The plant contains oleanane-type triterpenes including (23Z)-feruloylhederagenin, (23E)-feruloylhederagenin, beta-amyrin acetate, and beta-amyrin palmitate [PMID: 17365192], as well as (23Z)-coumaroylhederagenin, (23E)-coumaroylhederagenin, (3Z)-coumaroylhederagenin, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid [PMID: 14738395]. Other identified constituents include chlorophyll a [PMID: 19963029], polyphenols, flavonoids [PMID: 24338263], beta-sitosterol, 2alpha-hydroxy ursolic acid, tormentic acid, daucosterol, maltol, luteolin, quercetin, apigenin, methyl brevifolincarboxylate, gallic acid, and ellagic acid [PMID: 16494025].

Mechanism of action

Chlorophyll a from L. octovalvis activates the CD95 (APO-1/CD95) system and AMPK pathway in 3T3-L1 cells [PMID: 19963029]. Extracts may regulate lifespan through a dietary restriction (DR)-related pathway and activate AMPK [PMID: 24338263, 28666833]. The plant also contains compounds capable of inhibiting digestive enzymes, including alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, lipase, and pepsin [PMID: 37835184, 30105075].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes/Hyperglycemia

Extracts improved glycemic control in streptozotocin-induced and high fat diet-induced diabetic mice [PMID: 28666833] and decreased fasting glycemia in a murine model of metabolic syndrome [PMID: 37447139].

Evidence DCognitive Decline/Memory

Extracts attenuated age-related memory deficits in Drosophila melanogaster and SAMP8 mice [PMID: 24338263, 28666833].

Evidence DMetabolic Syndrome/Obesity

Hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased body weight gain, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and insulin resistance (TyG index) in hypercaloric diet mice [PMID: 37447139].

Evidence DExercise Performance

Oral administration in mice dose-dependently increased endurance swimming time and increased gastrocnemius muscle glycogen content [PMID: 29962382].

Evidence DWound Healing

Ethanolic extract was investigated for wound healing potential using an excision wound model in Sprague-Dawley rats [PMID: 39345301].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

In an acute toxicity study in BALB/c mice, a single oral dose of 5000 mg/kg showed no mortality or toxic symptoms over 14 days [PMID: 22705121]. Subacute toxicity (up to 800 mg/kg daily for 28 days) was also evaluated [PMID: 22705121].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (mice, rats, and Drosophila), indicating potential anti-hyperglycemic, anti-obesity, and neuroprotective effects. No human clinical trials were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 17365192 (2007) — Oleanane-type triterpenes from Ludwigia octovalvis. · Journal of Asian natural products research
2.PMID: 37835184 (2023) — Digestion-Related Enzyme Inhibition Potential of Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants (Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H.Raven, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and Crotalaria longirostrata). · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 28666833 (2017) — Ludwigia octovalvis extract improves glycemic control and memory performance in diabetic mice. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 24338263 (2014) — The anti-aging effects of Ludwigia octovalvis on Drosophila melanogaster and SAMP8 mice. · Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
5.PMID: 37447139 (2023) — Chemical Characterization, Antilipidemic Effect and Anti-Obesity Activity of Ludwigia octovalvis in a Murine Model of Metabolic Syndrome.

Ludwigia octovalvis

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ludwigia octovalvis