This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
How does Quisqualis indica work to expel roundworms?
Quisqualis indica seeds contain quisqualic acid, which acts as an anthelmintic by paralyzing roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), allowing them to be expelled from the intestines. The compound affects the neuromuscular system of the parasites, causing paralysis. Traditional use and limited pharmacological studies support this mechanism (Evidence Level C). The seeds are typically roasted before use, which may optimize the anthelmintic properties.
Does Quisqualis indica interact with any medications?
There is limited documented evidence on specific drug interactions for Quisqualis indica. However, due to its neurological effects at high doses and potential impact on the gastrointestinal system, caution is advised when combining with other anthelmintic drugs, anticholinergic medications, or central nervous system depressants. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining herbal remedies with prescription medications.
What is the recommended dosage of Quisqualis indica seeds for adults?
The traditional adult dosage for Quisqualis indica (Combretum indicum) roasted seeds is 10-15 seeds, taken 6-8 hours before bedtime to allow the anthelmintic action to work overnight. The seeds must be roasted before consumption. This dosing is based on traditional use (Evidence Level C). Exceeding this dosage can cause neurological side effects. Always follow recommended amounts carefully and consult a qualified practitioner.
Is Quisqualis indica safe to take during pregnancy?
No, Quisqualis indica is contraindicated during pregnancy. The herb contains active compounds, including quisqualic acid, that may cause uterine contractions or harm fetal development. Traditional use and pharmacological evidence classify it as unsafe for pregnant women (Evidence Level C). Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this herb entirely. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for safe alternatives.
What are the side effects of taking Quisqualis indica seeds?
Common side effects of Quisqualis indica include hiccupping, which is dose-related and typically mild. Other reported effects include nausea and, in cases of overdose, fever and neurological symptoms such as dizziness or confusion. Excessive doses can cause serious neurological effects requiring medical attention. Side effects are generally reversible once the herb is discontinued. Always adhere to recommended dosages to minimize adverse 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 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Quisqualis indica (also known as Combretum indicum or Chinese honeysuckle) is a traditional medicinal plant used for treating inflammation, gastrointestinal issues, and lower urinary tract symptoms [PMID:39554608, PMID:36277358, PMID:32793460].
Background
Quisqualis indica L., belonging to the Combretaceae family, is a tropical Asian climber and traditional Chinese herb [PMID:36277358, PMID:38191129, PMID:30159538].
Traditional uses
It is used in Chinese Medicine to treat peptic ulcers, diabetes, inflammation, colds (including fever, headaches, and sore throats), and to help individuals who are overheated or under stress [PMID:39554608]. It is also widely used for gastrointestinal discomforts such as stomach pain, constipation, and digestive problems [PMID:36277358, PMID:32793460, PMID:28943529].
Active compounds
The plant contains phenols, flavonoids [PMID:30184413], and alkaloids including trigonelline [PMID:40120340, PMID:15719678] and quinoline-4-carbonitrile (QCN) [PMID:31264476]. Floral pigments include cyanidin 3-O-glucoside [PMID:34583599, PMID:36271596]. Volatile components include fatty acids, aldehydes, alcohols, and alkyl pyrazines [PMID:38191129], with trans-linalool oxide identified as a major scent compound [PMID:36271596, PMID:31264476].
Mechanism of action
In benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a standardized seed extract (HU-033) acts as an antagonist to α1A- and α1D-adrenergic receptors and inhibits the protein expression of androgen and estrogen receptor alpha [PMID:31915646]. It also reduces the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer cell lines [PMID:28943529]. Floral extracts exhibit free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities [PMID:30184413, PMID:31264476].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BLower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that both low-dose (1,000 mg) and high-dose (2,000 mg) Q. indica significantly improved total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 6 and 12 weeks compared to placebo [PMID:36629062].
Evidence DBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
In rat models, Q. indica extract ameliorated low urinary tract symptoms and reduced prostate weight, serum testosterone, and DHT concentration [PMID:32793460, PMID:28943529].
Evidence DDiabetes
Leaf extract (CILEx) significantly reduced blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats [PMID:34361788].
Evidence DEsophagitis
Ethanolic flower extract showed protective effects against experimental esophagitis in albino Wistar rats [PMID:30184413].
Safety & adverse effects
A 13-week repeated dose toxicity study in rats (up to 2000 mg/kg/day) showed no treatment-related adverse clinical signs, significant bodyweight decrement, or histopathological findings [PMID:36277358]. However, a case report indicates that Quisqualis indica can cause photoallergic contact dermatitis [PMID:27040881].
Evidence summary
Evidence consists of one human RCT for LUTS (Level B), several animal/in-vitro studies for BPH and diabetes (Level D), and a toxicity study in rats (Level D).
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 39554608 (2024) — A comprehensive review on Chinese honeysuckle (Qusqualis indica): A Traditional Chinese plant. · Toxicology reports
2.PMID: 36277358 (2022) — Repeated oral dose toxicity and genotoxicity of a standardized Quisqualis indica extract. · Toxicological research
5.PMID: 34583599 (2023) — Temporal accumulation of pigments during colour transformation from white to red in Combretum indicum (L.) DeFilipps (syn. Quisqualis indica L.) flowers.
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.
6.PMID: 38191129 (2024) — Origin differentiation based on volatile constituents of genuine medicinal materials Quisqualis indica L. via HS-GC-MS, response surface methodology, and chemometrics. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
7.PMID: 36629062 (2023) — Quisqualis indica extract for men with lower urinary tract symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. · Investigative and clinical urology
8.PMID: 30184413 (2017) — Effect of ethanolic extract of Quisqualis indica L. flower on experimental esophagitis in albino Wistar rats. · Indian journal of experimental biology
9.PMID: 31264476 (2021) — A quinoline alkaloid rich Quisqualis indica floral extract enhances the bioactivity. · Natural product research
11.PMID: 30159538 (2018) — Light induces petal color change in Quisqualis indica (Combretaceae). · Plant diversity
12.PMID: 40120340 (2025) — Combination of ultrasound and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction for trigonelline production from Quisqualis indica. · Ultrasonics sonochemistry
13.PMID: 15719678 (2004) — [IE-HPLC analysis of trigonelline in Fructus Quisqualis]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
14.PMID: 36271596 (2023) — Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals an insight into the candidate genes involved in anthocyanin and scent volatiles biosynthesis in colour changing flowers of Combretum indicum. · Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
15.PMID: 31915646 (2019) — Standardized Seed Extract of Quisqualis indica (HU-033) Attenuates Testosterone Propionate-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia via α1-Adrenergic Receptors and Androgen/Estrogen Signaling. · Preventive nutrition and food science
16.PMID: 34361788 (2021) — Pharmacoinformatics and UPLC-QTOF/ESI-MS-Based Phytochemical Screening of Combretum indicum against Oxidative Stress and Alloxan-Induced Diabetes in Long-Evans Rats. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)