Orthosiphon Stamineus (Orthosiphon stamineus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Orthosiphon stamineus work as a diuretic?

Orthosiphon stamineus contains active compounds including rosmarinic acid, sinensetin, eupatorin, and methylripariochromene A that promote diuresis by increasing urine volume and flow rate. These flavonoids and phenolic compounds appear to enhance kidney filtration and urinary excretion. The herb also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may support urinary tract health. Evidence level C indicates these mechanisms are supported primarily by in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical data available.

Can Orthosiphon stamineus interact with prescription medications?

Orthosiphon stamineus may interact with diuretic medications such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, potentially causing excessive fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. Due to its potassium-wasting diuretic effect, concurrent use with potassium-depleting drugs requires monitoring. The herb may also potentiate antihypertensive medications, as it has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects in traditional use. Patients taking lithium should avoid this herb since increased urination can alter lithium clearance and increase toxicity risk. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Orthosiphon stamineus?

The typical adult dosage for Orthosiphon stamineus is 2-4 grams of dried leaves prepared as a tea, taken up to three times daily. Standardized extracts at approximately 400mg daily are also used. Traditional preparation involves steeping dried leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Evidence level C indicates optimal dosing has not been established through rigorous clinical trials. Users should start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance and avoid exceeding recommended amounts without professional medical guidance.

Is Orthosiphon stamineus safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Orthosiphon stamineus is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb's strong diuretic effects can cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances that may harm fetal development. Traditional use has included uterine stimulation properties, posing potential miscarriage risk. Insufficient safety data exists for nursing infants, so breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb. Pregnant or nursing individuals seeking urinary tract support should consult a qualified healthcare provider for safer alternatives appropriate for their condition.

What are the side effects of Orthosiphon stamineus?

Common side effects of Orthosiphon stamineus include increased urination frequency and volume, which is an expected diuretic effect. Some users experience mild nausea, particularly when taken on an empty stomach. Prolonged use may cause potassium depletion due to enhanced urinary excretion, potentially leading to muscle weakness, fatigue, or cramping. Patients with kidney disease requiring fluid restriction should avoid this herb entirely. Discontinue use if experiencing dizziness, excessive thirst, or persistent muscle symptoms, and seek medical attention for severe reactions.

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 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Orthosiphon stamineus, also known as Misai Kucing or Java tea, is a medicinal plant from Southeast Asia used traditionally for metabolic and urinary disorders [PMID:28926512, PMID:18600199].

Background

Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. (Lamiaceae) is a valued medicinal plant in traditional folk medicine, particularly in southern China, Malaysia, and Thailand [PMID:35056765, PMID:30237681].

Traditional uses

It is used traditionally to treat diabetes, chronic renal failure, gout, arthritis, inflammatory related conditions, and urinary tract infections [PMID:35056765, PMID:27881135, PMID:18600199, PMID:34521130].

Active compounds

Identified phytochemicals include flavonoids, terpenoids, essential oils, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, cichoric acid, and polymethoxylated flavones [PMID:30237681, PMID:34521130, PMID:39121367].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, regulating lipid metabolism, promoting insulin secretion, and suppressing VEGFR phosphorylation [PMID:35056765, PMID:22136553]. It may also augment glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) transport [PMID:36986806].

Clinical evidence

Evidence ADiabetes

Systematic review indicates effects in treating diabetes and complications via inhibiting α-amylase/α-glucosidase and promoting insulin secretion [PMID:35056765]; animal models showed significant reductions in blood glucose [PMID:36986806].

Evidence DRheumatoid Arthritis

50% ethanol extract resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of paw edema in acute and chronic inflammation models [PMID:27881135].

Evidence DUrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)

In vitro study showed a 4 mg/ml water extract had a better chemolytic action on calcium oxalate stones (70%) compared to potassium citrate (41%) [PMID:35399798].

Evidence DOsteoporosis

Leaf extracts dose-dependently improved bone strength and flexibility in ovariectomized rats [PMID:28926512].

Evidence DHyperuricemia

Ethyl acetate extracts ameliorated hyperuricemia by regulating xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase activity, and urate transporters in mice [PMID:31910301].

Evidence B

Safety & adverse effects

Toxicological studies in nude mice and Sprague Dawley rats showed no lethality or adverse toxic signs at doses up to 5 g/kg; however, a significant decrease in AST and ALT and increase in liver weight were observed in some rat models [PMID:30581613, PMID:18600199].

Pregnancy & lactation

Study in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats indicated antidiabetic effects in both pregnant and non-pregnant rats [PMID:31334030].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with limited human biomedical data (Level B) and one systematic review (Level A) regarding diabetes.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35056765 (2022) — A Systematic Review of Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. in the Treatment of Diabetes and Its Complications. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 27881135 (2016) — Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus) tea modulates arthritis pathogenesis via the angiogenesis and inflammatory cascade. · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
3.PMID: 30237681 (2018) — Orthosiphon stamineus Benth. is an Outstanding Food Medicine: Review of Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activities. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
4.PMID: 28926512 (2018) — Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) ameliorated postmenopausal osteoporosis in rat model. · Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
5.PMID: 30581613 (2019) — Toxicological studies of Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) standardized ethanol extract in combination with gemcitabine in athymic nude mice model.

Orthosiphon Stamineus

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Orthosiphon Stamineus