Sesbania grandiflora (Sesbania grandiflora): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Sesbania grandiflora help lower blood sugar?

Sesbania grandiflora contains flavonoids and sesbamine, which are believed to exert antidiabetic effects. Research suggests these compounds may improve insulin sensitivity and inhibit glucose absorption in the intestines. Additionally, the high antioxidant content helps reduce oxidative stress associated with diabetes complications. However, evidence is currently limited to animal studies and in vitro research (Evidence Level C), necessitating more rigorous human clinical trials to confirm these mechanisms.

Can I take Sesbania grandiflora with diabetes medications?

Because Sesbania grandiflora possesses blood-sugar-lowering properties, it may interact with antidiabetic medications like metformin or insulin. Taking them together could potentially cause hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar). Patients managing diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely and consult a healthcare provider before combining this herb with conventional treatments. There is currently limited data on interactions with other drug classes (Evidence Level D).

What is the recommended dosage for Sesbania grandiflora leaf tea?

For therapeutic use, the typical adult dosage is 5 to 10 grams of dried leaf prepared as a tea, taken twice daily. The flowers and young leaves are commonly consumed as a vegetable in Asian cuisine, offering nutritional benefits. Due to potential laxative effects, it is advisable to start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance. Always follow specific product instructions or professional guidance (Evidence Level Traditional).

Is Sesbania grandiflora safe during pregnancy?

While the flowers and leaves are often eaten as food and generally considered safe in culinary amounts, medicinal doses of Sesbania grandiflora are typically contraindicated during pregnancy. The herb possesses mild laxative properties that may stimulate uterine contractions or cause gastrointestinal distress. Pregnant women should avoid concentrated extracts or therapeutic teas and limit consumption to normal dietary amounts unless advised otherwise by a qualified healthcare provider (Evidence Level D).

What are the health benefits of Sesbania grandiflora leaves?

Sesbania grandiflora leaves are traditionally used to manage diabetes, constipation, and fever. Rich in protein, minerals, and flavonoids, they support nutritional needs and may help treat anemia. In traditional medicine, the leaves are also applied for eye conditions due to anti-inflammatory properties. Current scientific evidence supports these uses primarily through animal studies (Evidence Level C), suggesting potential for blood sugar regulation and antioxidant support, though human trials are lacking.

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

Sesbania grandiflora, also known as the hummingbird tree, is a medicinal plant used in traditional Indian and Myanmar medicine for its diverse pharmacological properties [PMID:21251969, PMID:30650546].

Background

Sesbania grandiflora (Fabaceae) is a plant commonly referred to as 'Sesbania', 'agathi', or 'hummingbird tree' [PMID:21251969, PMID:29530609]. It is an edible medicinal plant utilized in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and other traditional medicine systems in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar [PMID:21251969, PMID:31263504, PMID:30650546, PMID:35813364].

Traditional uses

In folk and traditional medicines, it is used to treat headache, swellings, anemia, bronchitis, pains, liver disorders, tumors [PMID:21251969], inflammation, colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, leprosy, gout, rheumatism, jaundice, convulsion, anxiety [PMID:29530609], and renal calculi [PMID:18408896]. It is also historically employed for the management of diabetes mellitus and associated cognitive decline [PMID:40484255].

Active compounds

The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids [PMID:39861127], polyphenols, and flavanones [PMID:29530609]. Specific identified compounds include quercetin, kaempferol, sesbagrandiforian A and B [PMID:39861127], sesbanimides (from seeds) [PMID:39861127], a glycosylated oleanolic acid derivative (F4B1) [PMID:40468424], and 2-arylbenzofurans such as sesbagrandiflorain D and E, spinosan A, and spinosan B [PMID:32945195]. Flowers contain alpha-glucosidase inhibitor proteins SGF60 and SGF90 [PMID:17823874].

Mechanism of action

Anticancer effects are attributed to the activation of caspase cascades and induction of apoptosis [PMID:39861127]; specifically, sesbanimides disrupt mitochondrial function [PMID:39861127] and the derivative F4B1 suppresses NF-κB translocation to induce intrinsic apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells [PMID:40468424]. Anti-inflammatory effects in ulcerative colitis are mediated by the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 [PMID:29530609].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DCancer

Ethanol extracts of leaves and flowers showed anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice [PMID:21251969]; 2-arylbenzofurans showed cytotoxicity against MCF-7, HeLa, and WiDr cells [PMID:32945195]; flowers showed anticancer properties against various cell models [PMID:31263504].

Evidence DDiabetes Mellitus

Flower extract (250 mg/kg) in diabetic rats lowered glucose and HbA1C levels and ameliorated C-peptide, insulin, and carbohydrate metabolic enzyme activities [PMID:34220217].

Evidence DUlcerative Colitis

Hydroalcoholic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) provided a protective effect against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in mice [PMID:29530609].

Evidence DHepatotoxicity

Ethanolic leaf extract (200 mg/kg/day) produced significant hepatoprotection against erythromycin estolate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats [PMID:14682193].

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Stem bark extracts exhibited antibacterial activity, particularly the butanol fraction against Gram-negative bacteria [PMID:22466091]; extracts also showed anti-biofilm and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus [PMID:29090281].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential anticancer, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and antibacterial activities. No human clinical trials were provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 21251969 (2011) — Evaluation of anticancer activity of ethanol extract of Sesbania grandiflora (Agati Sesban) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 40484255 (2025) — Interlinking diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: A pathway through medicinal plant-based treatments. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 39861127 (2025) — Distribution, Phytochemical Insights, and Cytotoxic Potential of the Sesbania Genus: A Comprehensive Review of Sesbania grandiflora, Sesbania sesban, and Sesbania cannabina. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 31263504 (2019) — Medicinally Important Herbal Flowers in Sri Lanka. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
5.PMID: 29530609 (2018) — Protective effect of Sesbania grandiflora on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6.

Sesbania grandiflora

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sesbania grandiflora

Physalis peruviana

Coprosma Robusta

Caesalpinia bonduc

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Sesbania grandiflora

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Sesbania grandiflora

Related Herbs

Physalis peruviana

Coprosma Robusta

Caesalpinia bonduc

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources