Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Tempuyung work for kidney stones?

Tempuyung contains flavonoids such as luteolin-7-glucoside and apigenin-7-glucoside that exhibit antilithic (stone-preventing) properties. These compounds may help inhibit calcium oxalate crystal formation and promote diuretic activity, increasing urine output to flush urinary tract deposits. The inulin content may also support kidney function. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical data, with most support coming from traditional use and preliminary pharmacological research.

Does Tempuyung interact with any medications?

Tempuyung has diuretic properties and may interact with potassium-depleting medications, including certain diuretics (such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide) and corticosteroids. Concurrent use may increase the risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Patients taking antihypertensive medications should monitor blood pressure closely, as Tempuyung may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Tempuyung leaf tea?

Traditional Jamu preparations recommend 2-3 cups of Tempuyung leaf tea daily for kidney stone support. For standardized extracts, 500mg taken twice daily is commonly used. Fresh or dried leaves can be steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage may vary based on individual health conditions and should be discussed with a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider. Evidence level C supports these traditional recommendations.

Is Tempuyung safe to use during pregnancy?

Tempuyung is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb's diuretic properties and potential effects on smooth muscle may stimulate uterine contractions or alter fluid balance during pregnancy. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding women, so avoidance is recommended. Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant should consult their healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations containing Tempuyung.

What conditions is Tempuyung used for in Indonesian Jamu medicine?

Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis) is one of the most popular Indonesian herbal remedies in Jamu traditional medicine. It is primarily used for kidney stones, urinary tract conditions, and gallstones due to its antilithic properties. Additional traditional uses include managing hypertension and supporting overall kidney function. The herb is valued for its diuretic effects and ability to promote urinary tract health. Evidence level C reflects traditional use with limited clinical validation.

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

Tempuyung (Sonchus arvensis L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant used globally as a nutritious vegetable and traditional medicine [PMID: 30934545, 39005925].

Background

Sonchus arvensis L., also known as perennial sowthistle, is a member of the Asteraceae family [PMID: 33457894]. It is found wild in various regions, including China, Indonesia, and Thailand, and is considered an invasive weed in some areas [PMID: 19260217, 41711885].

Traditional uses

It is used as a traditional Chinese food and medicine termed 'Ju Mai Cai' [PMID: 36923824]. In Indonesia, it is used for treating kidney stone disorders [PMID: 34430859], and in Pakistan, it is used to treat various human ailments [PMID: 23107458]. It has also been used as a substitute for North Patrininae herba to treat appendicitis, enteritis, and dysentery [PMID: 35988143].

Active compounds

The plant contains phenolic compounds, flavonoids (including kaempferol, quercetin, orientin, rutin, hyperoside, catechin, and myricetin), and polysaccharides [PMID: 23107458, 41601972]. Other identified metabolites include chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, chicoric acid, apigenin, and various sesquiterpenoids [PMID: 39641078, 35879021].

Mechanism of action

Protective effects against colitis are associated with the regulation of gut microbiota and metabolites [PMID: 38091956, 36923824, 41601972]. Phenolic compounds from the plant have been shown to involve the TGF-β signaling pathway and are related to skn-1 for antioxidant activity [PMID: 36838695].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DUlcerative Colitis (Mice)

Total flavones and water extracts significantly attenuated body weight loss, improved colon length, and lowered disease activity index (DAI) scores by adjusting gut microbiota [PMID: 38091956, 36923824, 41601972]

Evidence DGout Arthritis (Rats)

Extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential in reducing inflammation caused by monosodium urate crystal deposition in synovial tissue [PMID: 34430859]

Evidence DFatigue (Mice)

Aqueous extracts (250-500 mg/kg) alleviated fatigue behaviors, improved muscle structure and hemoglobin levels, and enhanced liver glycogen synthesis [PMID: 30934545]

Evidence DHypertension (Rats)

Combination of S. arvensis and Anredera cordifolia leaves showed antihypertensive potential in epinephrine-induced male Wistar rats [PMID: 34820314]

Evidence DMalaria (In vitro/In vivo)

Leaf extracts and callus-derived metabolites exhibited antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and P. berghei [PMID: 32064450, 36788545, 41093881]

Evidence summary

The current evidence is based entirely on in vitro studies and animal models (mice, rats, C. elegans), indicating a low overall strength of clinical evidence for human use.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 32064450 (2020) — CALLUS INDUCTION OF Sonchus arvensis L. AND ITS ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITY. · African journal of infectious diseases
2.PMID: 33457894 (2020) — Characterization of the complete plastome sequence of perennial sowthistle, Sonchus arvensis (Asteraceae). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
3.PMID: 38091956 (2023) — Total flavones from Sonchus arvensis L. ameliorate colitis by adjusting the gut microbiota. · Annals of medicine
4.PMID: 36923824 (2023) — Sonchus arvensis L. water extract attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by adjusting gut microbiota. · Heliyon
5.PMID: 36838695 (2023) — Phenolic Compounds from Sonchus arvensis Linn. and Hemerocallis citrina Baroni. Inhibit Sucrose and Stearic Acid Induced Damage in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Tempuyung

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Tempuyung

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Chapéu de Couro

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Tempuyung

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Tempuyung

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources