Evidence supporting the use of: Boerhavia diffusa
For the health condition: Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Boerhavia diffusa, commonly known as Punarnava, has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for liver and kidney health. In traditional systems, it is valued for its purported ability to support the liver, promote bile flow, and act as a diuretic. The rationale for its use in gall bladder conditions—such as sluggish gallbladder function or in individuals who have had the gall bladder removed—comes mainly from these traditional practices. Ayurvedic texts often describe Punarnava as a "rejuvenator" for the hepatobiliary system, suggesting it may help compensate for reduced bile storage or flow after gall bladder removal.
However, scientific studies specifically investigating Boerhavia diffusa for gall bladder health or post-cholecystectomy management are very limited. Most of the research focuses on its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects in animal models or in vitro settings. While these properties might indirectly support digestive and biliary health, there is insufficient direct scientific evidence to conclusively support its efficacy for gall bladder conditions. Thus, its use in this context remains primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with scientific validation currently lacking or very preliminary.
More about Boerhavia diffusa
More about Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Other ingredients used for Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
appleartichoke
barberry
beet
bovine
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
chicory
turmeric
dandelion
ginger
horseradish
lemon
licorice root
lipase
milk thistle
mustard seed
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylcholine
silymarin
triphala
atractylodes
papaya
Indian bael
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
peony
goldenrod
bile salt
myrrh
cornsilk
birch
couch grass
cleavers
enzymes blend (proprietary)
Avens
Angelica
American Liverleaf
Brassica
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter Grass
boldo
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
Bile
Black Nightshade
Bitter principals
bile acid
Bupleurum
Boerhavia diffusa
cholic acid
Carqueja
Cynarin
Costus
Castor Oil
Colocynth
Dianthus
Duodenal Substance
Dehydrocholic acid
Endive
Other health conditions supported by Boerhavia diffusa
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gastritis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout