Scoparia dulcis

Other Names

AiyaAmbulia micrantha Raf.AmrutiAnisilloAsphotaBabo cástahBanaganjeiBitterbroomBon DhoniaBon dhonyaBongphang RakhibBoroemiaBroomweedBrum sirpiCancharaguaCapraria dulcis (L.) KuntzeCapraria dulcis var. albiflora KuntzeCapraria dulcis var. caerulea KuntzeCapraria dulcis var. coerulea KuntzeDintanDulasErva doceEscobillaEscobilloFamafama vazahaFunduisiGadadahanaGendunaGhoda TulsiGilarnikkaGoat weedGoatweedGokarniGokarnikaGratiola micrantha Franch. & Sav.Gratiola micrantha Nutt.JyestamadhurKakkanamKallurukkiKaruvilaiLicorice weedMalaanisMastuerzoMeenanganniMithi PattiModhu-mehariMrigandiMruganmhi GidaÑuñco pichanaPampaPapadaPashanabhedaPichanaPiqui pichanaPottipooliRoma fadaSabacasanSamkhakhyaSarakkotthiniScobiyoScoparia dulcis L.Scoparia dulcis var. abrahamii S.N.Pardeshi & SrinivasuScoparia dulcis var. australiensis DominScoparia dulcis var. tenuifolia Griseb.Scoparia dulcis var. typica DominScoparia fruticosa Rottb.Scoparia grandiflora NashScoparia gypsophyloides Walp.Scoparia nudicaulis Chodat & Hassl.Scoparia procumbens Jacq.Scoparia purpurea Ridl.Scoparia ternata Forssk.Scoparia-weedScopia dulcis L.Sweet broomSweet broom weedSweet broomweedTapeiçavaTapixabaTapixavaTipychä kuratuTupixabaVassourinhaViviman tétonZhu zai cao

Synopsis

Scoparia dulcis (Sweet Broomweed): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Description

1.1 Taxonomic Identity

Scoparia dulcis L. is a perennial herb widely distributed in the torrid zone, and has been recently placed in the Plantaginaceae family (formally Scrophulariaceae). This reclassification is reflected in modern botanical databases, though a substantial portion of the pharmacological literature continues to reference the older family name Scrophulariaceae. The species epithet dulcis is Latin for "sweet," referencing the notable sweetness of the plant's leaves and stems.

Scoparia dulcis is a species of flowering plant in the plantain family. Common names include licorice weed, goatweed, scoparia-weed, and sweet-broom in English; tapeiçava, tapixaba, and vassourinha in Portuguese; escobillo in Spanish; and tipychä kuratu in Guarani. It is native to the Neotropics but can be found throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Additional regional common names include Mithipatti and Ghodatulsi in Hindi, Sarakkotthini in Tamil, and Bon-dhonya in Bengali.

1.2 Morphological Description

S. dulcis may reach between 3 and 8 decimeters (approximately 12 to 31 inches) in height. Leaves are oppositely arranged and 1 to 3 centimeters long. Flowers are axillary. The flowers are small and white, in small 2–4 or 5-flowered inflorescences; corolla white; limb 7–8 mm across; lobes spathulate, 3–3.5 × 2 mm, reflexed with age; seeds minute, many.

Although S. dulcis is considered a weed in many parts of India and Bangladesh, its use in traditional medicine has led to overexploitation. The genus Scoparia contains 10 species, mainly distributed in Mexico and South America, one of which is widespread in the global tropics, and there is only one species in China (Scoparia dulcis L.).

1.3 Common Preparations and Dosage Forms

Dried or fresh leaves, fruits, and some other parts of the plant serve the purpose of providing essential components for the body's metabolism. The compounds are extracted from different parts of S. dulcis, including the whole plant, aerial parts, leaves, and roots. Preparations documented in both traditional and scientific contexts include aqueous decoctions and infusions (teas), ethanolic and methanolic extracts, and food-based preparations. S. dulcis is also commonly used in herbal tea for health benefits in southern China. In Sri Lanka, a traditional preparation known as kola kenda (herbal rice porridge) incorporating the leaf extract has been the subject of clinical investigation.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Geographic and Cultural Distribution

Scoparia dulcis L. is a medicinal botanical herb that has been widely used for generations in southern China, India, Brazil, Paraguay, and Nigeria. Its ethnomedical use spans multiple continents and dozens of distinct cultural traditions, making it one of the more broadly employed tropical medicinal herbs.

2.2 Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine considers that S. dulcis has stomachic, diuretic, antitussive, heat-clearing, and toxin-absorbing effects. It is applied in traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat colds, fever, coughs with lung heat, sore throats, enteritis, abnormal urination, hunger swelling, eczema, and miliaria since ancient times. In other ethnomedicine communities, S. dulcis is also used to treat gastric problems, edema, liver diseases, and respiratory diseases.

2.3 South Asian Traditions

As a traditional medicine, S. dulcis has been used for diabetes in India and hypertension in Taiwan. In Siddha medicine it is used for the treatment of kidney stones. In a very comprehensive study on the ethnomedical value of plants used in the preparation of traditional rice beer, it was identified that Bodo, Karbi, Ahom, Deori, Rabha, Mising, and Sonowal Kachari tribes of Assam used widely differing herbs and plant parts in their rice beer preparations. Of these, the leaves of S. dulcis were used in particular by the Deori and Rabha tribes for alleviation of diabetes, jaundice, stomach problems, skin disease, and piles.

2.4 Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific Region

The roots, leaves, and tops are traditionally used in India, Indo-China, and South-East Asia as an analgesic, diuretic, and antipyretic, to treat gastric disorders such as diarrhoea and dysentery, and also for cough, bronchitis, hypertension, haemorrhoids, and insect bites.

2.5 Latin American Traditions

The plant's origins in the Neotropics correspond to its deep roots in indigenous Latin American medicine. In Paraguay and Brazil—where the plant is known by Guarani names and Portuguese terms like vassourinha—the herb has historically been employed by indigenous Guarani communities, and Japanese researchers conducted early phytochemical studies specifically on Paraguayan specimens. Early investigations included traditional medicines of the Guarany Indio and studies on diterpenes from Scoparia dulcis.

2.6 African Traditions

Scoparia dulcis Linn together with other medicinal plants serve as antisickling remedies in Africa. Ethnomedical applications of the herb have been identified as treatment for jaundice, stomach problems, skin disease, fever, and kidney stones, reproductive issues, and piles. The plant's traditional use in Africa has also extended to topical applications for skin conditions and as a general febrifuge.

2.7 Summary of Traditional Indications

Diabetes and hyperglycemia (India, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, China)
Hypertension (Taiwan, Southeast Asia)
Fever, colds, and respiratory complaints including cough and bronchitis (China, Southeast Asia, West Africa)
Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhoea, dysentery, enteritis, stomach pain (widespread)
Jaundice and liver disease (India, Africa)
Kidney stones (Siddha medicine, India)
Skin conditions including eczema and miliaria (China, India)
Haemorrhoids and piles (India, Africa)
Analgesic use: insect bites, toothache (Southeast Asia, Latin America)
Sickle cell disease management (West Africa)

3. Phytochemistry: Key Constituents

3.1 Overall Chemical Complexity

This review discusses the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Scoparia dulcis L. plants. So far, approximately 160 compounds have been identified from S. dulcis, among which 115 compounds may be related to the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Chemical analysis of S. dulcis identified various components including nitrogen-containing compounds, flavonoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, steroids, phenolics, and aliphatics.

3.2 Terpenoids

Terpenoids constitute one of the most pharmacologically investigated compound classes in S. dulcis. Diterpenoids such as scopadulcic acids A, B, and C, and triterpenoids including betulinic acid, friedelin, and glutinol, are particularly prominent, often isolated from the aerial parts of the plant.

Phytochemical studies revealed that this plant produces various unique diterpenes in its leaves: (1) labdane type: scoparic acid A; (2) scopadulane type: scopadulcic acid B (SDB) and scopadulciol; (3) aphidicolane type: scopadulin. From the aerial parts of Scoparia dulcis L. grown in Vietnam, four scopadulane-type diterpenoids were isolated, one of which was new and named scopadulcic acid C.

Scoparic acid, scopadulcic acid, scopadulciol, scopadulin, and ammelin are the major chemical components to which the observed medicinal effects of the plant have been attributed. Other notable diterpenoids include scopadiol (also known as scoparinol), scopadulciol, scopadulin, and scoparic acids A–C, all sharing similar labdane-derived structures with varying degrees of hydroxylation and carboxylation.

The triterpenoid glutinol deserves particular note. The chemical composition of glutinol and glutinone, isolated from S. dulcis, provide potential anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can also reduce total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol to provide the anti-atherosclerotic effect.

3.3 Flavonoids

According to current literature research, most of the flavonoids found in S. dulcis are flavones. Key identified flavones and flavone glycosides include scutellarein, apigenin, luteolin, coixol (also spelled coixol or benzoxazolin-2-one), cirsimarin, cynaroside, and linarin. Scutellarin methylester, cynaroside, and 5,7,8,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxy-flavone glucuronide were isolated from S. dulcis; 5,7,8,3′,4′,5′-hexahydroxy-flavone glucuronide and iso-vitexin showed β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity in experiments.

Catechin and naringin were present in the 70% aqueous ethanol extract from aerial parts of S. dulcis. They belong to flavan-3-ols and isoflavones respectively. Both catechin and naringin have antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects. They are both antioxidants, and naringin seems to alleviate metabolic syndrome by preventing oxidative damage and pro-inflammatory cytokine release.

3.4 Phenolic Acids and Other Phenolics

Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapic acid have been determined from the 70% ethanol extract of S. dulcis. Chlorogenic acid can improve blood glucose and lipid levels by regulating gene expression. The aerial parts also contain 3,4-dihydroxy benzeneacetic acid.

3.5 Alkaloids and Nitrogen-Containing Compounds

HPLC analysis of the aqueous fraction of S. dulcis revealed the presence of noradrenalin and adrenaline, which have sympathomimetic effects. Isolation from aerial parts has also yielded six alkaloids including the benzoxazinone class. The compound ammelin—a triazine derivative—is a characteristic nitrogen-containing constituent historically linked to sweetness and early antidiabetic observations.

3.6 Sterols and Other Constituents

In previous chemical investigations, alkaloids, saponin, cardiac glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, and terpenoids have been isolated from S. dulcis. Prominent sterols identified include stigmasterol, daucosterol, and β-sitosterol. It has been reported that stigmasterol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects and can improve tissue damage caused by inflammatory responses. The fresh and dried leaves of the herb showed richness in ascorbic acid content.

3.7 α-Glucosidase Inhibitors Identified via Modern Screening

Among nine compounds isolated from the aerial parts in a 2022 study, compound (2S)-2,7-dihydroxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one showed potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of (132.8 ± 11.5) μmol/L, which is 28-fold higher than the positive control acarbose.

4. Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Antidiabetic Mechanisms

The primary mechanisms of action of antidiabetic activity of the plant and its bioactive constituents are through α-glucosidase inhibition, curbing of PPAR-γ, and increased secretion of insulin. Scoparic acid A, scoparic acid D, scutellarein, apigenin, luteolin, coixol, and glutinol are some of the compounds identified as responsible for these mechanisms of action.

Extracts of S. dulcis have effects of reducing fasting blood glucose level, increasing the plasma insulin level, and stimulating insulin secretion to treat diabetes. S. dulcis also increases binding of insulin to receptors, insulin synthesis, and release of insulin from beta cells by stimulating Ca²⁺ influx.

4.2 Antihyperlipidemic and Anti-Atherosclerotic Mechanisms

Extracts also produce antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing serum high-density lipoprotein levels, the anti-atherogenic index of plasma, and HMG-CoA reductase activity. The inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase—the same enzymatic target as statin drugs—represents a mechanistic parallel with established pharmacological lipid-lowering agents.

4.3 Antioxidant Mechanisms

The extracts carry out hepatoprotective effects by preventing the descent of the antioxidative enzymes of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRd), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). These antioxidant enzyme-preserving properties have been documented in animal models of oxidative injury.

4.4 Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

S. dulcis exerts anti-arthritic properties through its effect on cytokine levels, significantly reducing IFN-γ and IL-6 levels and elevating IL-10 levels. The triterpenoids glutinol and glutinone are considered primary mediators of this anti-inflammatory activity.

4.5 β-Glucuronidase Inhibition

The 70% EtOH extract of Scoparia dulcis showed inhibitory activity against β-glucuronidase from bovine liver. Bioassay-directed fractionation of the active extract led to the isolation of three labdane-type diterpene acids — the scoparic acids. β-Glucuronidase inhibition is considered relevant to the prevention of tumor promotion, gastrointestinal conditions, and bilirubin metabolism.

4.6 Antiulcer Mechanisms

The protection of aqueous leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis against characteristic gastric lesions may be due to scopadulcic acid B (SA-B), and its debenzoyl derivative, diacetyl scopadol (DAS), which have been shown to inhibit gastric H⁺, K⁺-ATPase. Inhibition of the gastric proton pump (H⁺/K⁺-ATPase) is the same mechanism employed by proton pump inhibitor drugs.

4.7 Sympathomimetic Effects

The acetylated flavone glycosides of S. dulcis have NGF-potentiating activity, which may be useful in treating neurological disorders. HPLC analysis of the aqueous fraction of S. dulcis revealed the presence of noradrenalin and adrenaline, which had sympathomimetic effects.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Glycemic Control and Antidiabetic Activity

Animal and In Vitro Evidence

The antidiabetic evidence base for S. dulcis in animal models is extensive. The antihyperglycaemic effect of scoparic acid D (SAD), a diterpenoid isolated from the ethanol extract of Scoparia dulcis, was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. SAD was administered orally at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. At the end of the experimental period, SAD-treated STZ diabetic rats showed decreased blood glucose levels compared with diabetic control rats. The improvement was associated with a significant increase in plasma insulin levels. SAD at 20 mg/kg body weight exhibited the most significant effect compared with other doses.

The effect of SAD was also tested on STZ-treated rat insulinoma cell lines (RINm5F cells) and isolated islets in vitro. SAD at a dose of 20 µg/mL evoked a two-fold stimulation of insulin secretion from isolated islets, indicating its insulin secretagogue activity.

Marked decreases in fasting blood glucose and urine sugar, with an increase in body weight, were observed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats at a Scoparia dulcis extract dose of 250 mg/kg body weight twice a day for 3 weeks.

Human Clinical Evidence

This is the area with the most direct human evidence for S. dulcis. A randomized crossover clinical trial with type 2 diabetic patients (n = 35) on medication, with mild and moderate diabetes [fasting blood glucose 126–300 mg/dL, age 35–70 years] was conducted. Within the first three months, group 1 was the test and group 2 was the control. Following a washout period, the two groups were crossed over. The test group consumed commercially produced S. dulcis porridge (SDC) for 3 days per week for three months, and the control group consumed any other food.

At the onset and end of each study period, glucose measurements (FBG, HbA1c), lipid measurements (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, cholesterol ratios), and toxicity parameters (liver enzymes, creatinine, CRP, eGFR) were analyzed. Porridge made with SDC leaf extract decreased FBG and HbA1c (p >0.05) of type 2 diabetic patients. The porridge had no effect on cholesterol measurements and no toxicity was observed at the dose tested.

Evidence assessment: This is the primary human clinical trial. While it demonstrated a directional decrease in both FBG and HbA1c, the reported p-value (>0.05) indicates the reductions did not reach conventional statistical significance. The trial is limited by its small sample size (n = 35), the fact that all participants remained on their background diabetes medications, and the use of a food-based (porridge) preparation rather than a standardized extract. The results are hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory.

5.2 Antioxidant Activity

In studies using STZ diabetic rat models, a defective metabolism of lipid peroxides was observed in tissues (liver, kidney, and brain) of STZ diabetic rats after treatment. The present investigation assessed the antioxidant efficacy of Scoparia dulcis in STZ diabetic rats after 6 weeks of treatment, and the effect produced was compared with glibenclamide. The antioxidant properties have been documented through both DPPH free radical scavenging assays and measurement of tissue enzyme markers (SOD, GPx, GST) in multiple animal studies.

Evidence assessment: Antioxidant evidence is entirely preclinical (in vitro and animal). No human clinical trials specifically examining antioxidant endpoints have been published.

5.3 Hepatoprotective Activity

In a study evaluating hepatoprotective activity, petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol extracts (PDM) at doses of 50, 200, and 800 mg/kg, p.o., and standard silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, and total proteins in serum, glycogen, lipid peroxides, SOD, and glutathione reductase levels in liver homogenate, and by histopathological analysis. The extract at 800 mg/kg significantly prevented CCl4-induced changes in serum and liver biochemistry (P < 0.05) and liver histopathology. The above results were comparable to those of standard silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.).

Scoparia dulcis was considered a safe drug that exhibited properties to treat liver toxicity and hepatitis by traditional practitioners.

Evidence assessment: All hepatoprotective evidence is from animal models (mice and rats) with induced hepatotoxicity. No human clinical evidence for hepatoprotection exists.

5.4 Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activity

The analgesic properties of the plant have been substantiated by in vitro investigations extended from the existence of glutinol. Additionally, the analgesic and hyperanalgesic properties of S. dulcis aqueous extracts have been verified in rat models by Ratnasooriya et al. The diterpenoid scoparinal, isolated from the plant, demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities (P < 0.001) in animals.

Evidence assessment: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory evidence is preclinical (in vitro and rodent models). No human trials have been conducted.

5.5 Antiulcer Activity

A study explored the antiulcer activity of water extracts of S. dulcis in Sprague-Dawley rats. For the first time, S. dulcis water extract was verified to possess gastroprotective activity as evidenced by its significant inhibition in the formation of ulcers induced by indomethacin in this study.

Evidence assessment: All antiulcer evidence is from animal models; no human data exist.

5.6 Antimicrobial Activity

S. dulcis has been used as Chinese folk medicine and has demonstrated antidiabetic, antigastric ulcer, antiviral, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sympathomimetic, and diuretic activities. In microbiological testing, extracts have been evaluated against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. In one study, methanol extract displayed a better minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) when compared to aqueous extract against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungus, justifying its potential as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.

Evidence assessment: Antimicrobial evidence is from in vitro studies. No clinical antimicrobial trials involving S. dulcis have been reported in the literature.

5.7 Antisickling Activity

Together with other medicinal plants, S. dulcis Linn serves as an antisickling remedy in Africa. A study investigated the antisickling activity of the leaves of the plant as well as establishing the toxicological profile. Evaluation of the antisickling activity involved the inhibition of sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling of HbSS red blood cells obtained from confirmed sickle cell patients not in crises. Aqueous methanol extracts of S. dulcis showed significant inhibitory effects at concentrations of 100, 300, and 500 mg/mL on sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling. The chloroform and aqueous fractions of the crude extract also inhibited sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling of the HbSS red blood cells to varying degrees. These results support the ethnomedical uses of Scoparia dulcis in the treatment of sickle cell disease.

Evidence assessment: Antisickling evidence is from ex vivo experiments using blood samples from sickle cell patients. These are not clinical outcome studies, and in vivo efficacy and safety in sickle cell disease patients remain uninvestigated.

5.8 Sedative and Hypnotic Activity

Scientific information on S. dulcis regarding neuropharmacological effects is limited. A study evaluated the sedative and hypnotic effects of the ethanolic extract of whole plants of Scoparia dulcis (EESD). The existing body of work on CNS effects is small relative to the antidiabetic and antioxidant literature.

Evidence assessment: CNS/sedative evidence is preliminary, arising from animal models. No human clinical evidence is available.

5.9 Antihyperlipidemic Effects

Extracts produce antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing serum high-density lipoprotein levels, the anti-atherogenic index of plasma, and HMG-CoA reductase activity. The chemical composition of glutinol and glutinone, isolated from S. dulcis, provide potential anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds can also reduce total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol.

Evidence assessment: Lipid-modifying evidence is principally from animal (rodent) models. The single human clinical trial (the Sri Lanka crossover trial) specifically found no significant effect on cholesterol measurements at the tested dose and preparation.

5.10 Anti-tumor and Antiviral Activity

Scopadulcic acid B inhibited TPA-enhanced phospholipid synthesis in cultivated cells and inhibited the effect of TPA on skin tumor formation in mice initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenzyl anthracene. A flavone compound isolated from S. dulcis exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against HeLa 299 and S3 cell lines with ID50 values of 0.097 and 0.140, respectively.

Evidence assessment: Anti-tumor data is from cell lines and animal tumor promotion models only. No clinical oncology research on S. dulcis has been reported.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Scoparia dulcis

S. dulcis has been shown to exhibit analgesic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, sedative, hypnotic, antiulcer, antisickling, and antimicrobial activities. Based on the scientific and ethnomedical literature, the following body systems are most prominently associated with the plant:

Endocrine/Metabolic System: Glycemic regulation via insulin secretagogue activity, α-glucosidase inhibition, and PPAR-γ modulation; antihyperlipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects.
Hepatic System: Hepatoprotective effects documented in CCl4-induced liver injury models, preserving antioxidant enzyme status (SOD, GPx, GST).
Gastrointestinal System: Antiulcer effects via H⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibition; traditional use in diarrhoea, dysentery, and enteritis.
Immune and Inflammatory System: Anti-inflammatory effects mediated through cytokine modulation (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10); analgesic properties from glutinol and scoparinal.
Cardiovascular/Circulatory System: Antihypertensive properties noted in traditional use; antisickling properties relevant to haematological conditions; antihyperlipidemic effects.
Central Nervous System: Preliminary sedative and hypnotic properties; NGF-potentiating activity via acetylated flavone glycosides.
Renal/Urinary System: Traditional diuretic applications; use in kidney stone prevention in Siddha medicine.
Dermatological: Traditional and ethnobotanical use in skin conditions including eczema and miliaria.

7. Dosage Forms and Doses Reported in Studies

The following dosages are reported as they appear in published research and should not be interpreted as recommended therapeutic doses. The majority of dosing data originates from animal studies.

Scoparic acid D (isolated compound), oral, rat: SAD was administered orally at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg body weight for 15 days. SAD at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight exhibited the most significant antidiabetic effect.
Crude aqueous extract, oral, rat: Marked decreases in fasting blood glucose were observed at a Scoparia dulcis extract dose of 250 mg/kg body weight twice a day for 3 weeks in STZ-induced diabetic rats.
Aqueous extract (STZ rat, brain antioxidant study): Effects were observed when the dried leaf solid dose was 200 mg/kg body weight/day.
PDM extract for hepatoprotection, oral, mice: Petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol extract (PDM) at 50, 200, and 800 mg/kg p.o.; the 800 mg/kg dose significantly prevented CCl4-induced changes in serum and liver biochemistry.
Ethanol leaf extract, chronic toxicity, rat (SDELE): Animals were administered varying doses of SDELE (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg body weight and 0.2 mL distilled water respectively) for a period of fourteen weeks (100 days).
Human clinical trial (herbal porridge): A randomized crossover trial in type 2 diabetic patients (n = 35) administered commercially produced S. dulcis porridge (SDC) 3 days/week for three months.
Antisickling (ex vivo): Aqueous methanol extracts showed significant inhibitory effects on sodium metabisulphite-induced sickling at concentrations of 100, 300, and 500 mg/mL.

8. Safety Considerations

8.1 Acute Toxicity

The LD50 of ethanol leaf extract of Scoparia dulcis (SDELE) was found to be 1131 mg/kg body weight in the acute toxicity study in mice. This places it in a moderate acute toxicity range according to conventional classifications.

8.2 Chronic Toxicity: Hepatotoxic and Nephrotoxic Signals

A critical safety finding exists in the chronic toxicity literature. Ethanol leaf extracts of Scoparia dulcis showed hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic tendencies and should be used with caution especially when employed in the treatment of chronic diseases. The study was undertaken to determine the chronic toxicity profile of oral administration of Scoparia dulcis ethanol leaf extract (SDELE) on the liver and the kidney of Wistar rats. The animals were grouped into four and administered varying doses of SDELE (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg body weight) for a period of fourteen weeks (100 days).

This finding stands in notable contrast to shorter-duration hepatoprotective findings and to the result of the human crossover trial, which reported: the porridge had no effect on cholesterol measurements and no toxicity was observed at the dose tested. The divergence suggests that toxicity risk may be dose-, duration-, and preparation-dependent, and that the ethanol extract (used in the chronic rodent study) may not be equivalent to the aqueous or food-matrix preparations used in other research.

8.3 Overexploitation Concern

Although S. dulcis is considered a weed in many parts of India and Bangladesh, its use in traditional medicine has led to overexploitation. This has ecological implications for sustainability of supply.

8.4 Absence of Established Regulatory Status

Numerous studies have been conducted on different parts of Scoparia dulcis, but this plant has not yet been developed as a drug by pharmaceutical industries. As of the available literature, S. dulcis does not appear in major Western pharmacopoeias (such as the European Pharmacopoeia or USP) and has not been evaluated by regulatory bodies such as the EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) or ESCOP for a formal monograph. No NIH Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet or NCCIH monograph is available for this botanical.

8.5 Drug Interaction Potential

Given the plant's documented ability to reduce blood glucose and stimulate insulin secretion, a potential pharmacodynamic interaction with antidiabetic medications (insulin, sulfonylureas, biguanides) exists. All participants in the human clinical trial were type 2 diabetic patients already on medication, underscoring that concurrent use with conventional antidiabetic drugs has been the context for human use in research. The additive hypoglycemic risk in this setting has not been formally quantified. The sympathomimetic amines (noradrenaline, adrenaline) identified by HPLC analysis also raise theoretical concerns about interactions with cardiovascular medications, though this has not been studied clinically.

9. Summary of Evidence Strength

Antidiabetic effects: Preclinical evidence (animal models, in vitro) is extensive and mechanistically diverse. One small human randomized crossover trial (n = 35) exists, showing directional but not statistically significant reductions in FBG and HbA1c. Overall strength: Preliminary; insufficient for therapeutic recommendation.
Hepatoprotective effects: Multiple animal studies; contradicted at longer durations and higher doses by chronic toxicity signals. Strength: Weak and conflicting.
Anti-inflammatory / analgesic: In vitro and rodent data only. Strength: Preliminary.
Antiulcer: Single rodent study. Strength: Very preliminary.
Antioxidant: In vitro and animal data. Strength: Preliminary.
Antimicrobial: In vitro only. Strength: In vitro only; clinical relevance unknown.
Antisickling: Ex vivo (human blood, not in vivo). Strength: Ex vivo only.
Sedative / CNS effects: Limited animal data. Strength: Very preliminary.
Antitumor: Cell-line and animal tumor promotion models only. Strength: Very preliminary; no clinical data.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Scoparia dulcis may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Scoparia dulcis may help support.

No body systems available.