Stereospermum Suaveolens (Stereospermum suaveolens): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Stereospermum suaveolens work in the body?

Stereospermum suaveolens contains bioactive flavonoids, specifically scutellarein and hispidulin, which contribute to its medicinal properties. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity by modulating inflammatory cytokines and scavenging free radicals. In Ayurvedic theory, it pacifies Vata dosha, explaining its traditional use for musculoskeletal and respiratory disorders. Current evidence is rated Level C, derived largely from in vitro and animal studies rather than extensive human clinical trials.

Does Stereospermum suaveolens interact with any medications?

There are currently no well-documented clinical drug interactions for Stereospermum suaveolens in major medical databases. However, due to its traditional use as a cardiac tonic and potential physiological effects, it is advisable to exercise caution when combining it with anticoagulants or heart medications. Patients should consult a healthcare provider before adding this herb to their regimen, as comprehensive interaction studies are limited.

What is the recommended dosage for Stereospermum suaveolens?

The standard adult dosage for Stereospermum suaveolens is typically 3 to 6 grams of root bark powder daily. In Ayurvedic practice, it is often administered as a decoction or as part of the Dashamoola formulation. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated and the individual's constitution, so consulting a qualified practitioner for personalized advice is recommended.

Is Stereospermum suaveolens safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Stereospermum suaveolens is considered unsafe during pregnancy. High doses of this herb are contraindicated for pregnant women due to potential risks. While specific clinical teratogenicity data is limited, traditional Ayurvedic texts and safety classifications advise against its use to prevent complications. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

What are the main uses of Stereospermum suaveolens?

Stereospermum suaveolens is primarily used for managing respiratory disorders, inflammation, and fever. As a key ingredient in the Dashamoola formula, it acts as a cardiac tonic and helps alleviate Vata-related conditions. Preliminary evidence (Level C) supports its anti-inflammatory potential, making it useful in traditional treatments for asthma, cough, and various inflammatory conditions.

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 28 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Stereospermum suaveolens is a medicinal tree native to India, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating inflammation, rheumatism, and neuronal disorders [PMID:31734448, PMID:23607907].

Background

Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (synonym S. chelonoides), belonging to the Bignoniaceae family, is an important medicinal plant in India [PMID:25598634]. It is known as 'Patala' in Ayurvedic texts and is a component of the 'dasamula' (ten roots) and 'Dashamularishta' preparations [PMID:31734448, PMID:25598634].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used as an analgesic, liver stimulant, astringent, wound healing agent, and antidyspeptic [PMID:25598634]. It is also used for the treatment of inflammation, rheumatism [PMID:31734448], and various neuronal disorders [PMID:23607907].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include the lignan Cycloolivil [PMID:25598634], the iridoid glucosides Specioside (6-O-coumaroylcatalpol) [PMID:25619942] and Verminoside [PMID:26189547], as well as p-coumaric acid and triacontanol [PMID:19930809].

Mechanism of action

The herb demonstrates antioxidant activity by increasing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and total thiols while reducing lipid peroxidation [PMID:23248404, PMID:20645794, PMID:22435475]. It modulates inflammatory mediators to attenuate arthritis [PMID:31734448] and exhibits both central and peripheral mechanisms for analgesic effects [PMID:22435610].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DInflammation/Edema

Ethanol extract of bark (400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited carrageenan-, dextran-, and histamine-induced hind paw edema in rats [PMID:20645819].

Evidence DDiabetes/Hyperglycemia

Ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats [PMID:22435475, PMID:22593683].

Evidence DLiver Damage

Methanol stem bark extract (125-500 mg/kg) provided hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced damage by decreasing serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and bilirubin [PMID:20645794].

Evidence DParkinson's Disease (Model)

Methanolic extract (125-500 mg/kg) improved behavioral activity and muscular coordination in 6-OHDA induced rat models [PMID:23248404].

Evidence DCerebral Ischemia (Model)

Methanol extract (125-500 mg/kg) demonstrated neuroprotective activity in a global cerebral ischemia rat model [PMID:23607907].

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

Aqueous extracts exhibited severe toxicity to brine shrimp nauplii and lettuce seed germination bioassays [PMID:16414581].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based primarily on animal models (rats, mice, C. elegans) and in-vitro studies, indicating strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential. No human clinical trial data was provided in the abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 31734448 (2020) — Attenuation of adjuvant-induced arthrits by Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens via modulation of inflammatory mediators. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 25598634 (2015) — Cycloolivil, a lignan from the roots of Stereospermum suaveolens. · Pharmacognosy research
3.PMID: 23607907 (2013) — Neuroprotective activity of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia rat model. · Pharmaceutical biology
4.PMID: 20645819 (2010) — Anti-inflammatory effect of Stereospermum suaveolens ethanol extract in rats. · Pharmaceutical biology
5.PMID: 29564534 (2018) — Green synthesis of Stereospermum suaveolens capped silver and gold nanoparticles and assessment of their innate antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities.

Stereospermum Suaveolens

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Stereospermum Suaveolens