Evidence supporting the use of: Boerhavia diffusa
For the health condition: Glaucoma
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Boerhavia diffusa, commonly known as Punarnava, has been used in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda for a variety of health conditions, including eye disorders. Its use in supporting or managing glaucoma primarily stems from these traditional practices. In Ayurveda, Boerhavia diffusa is valued for its purported diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenative properties. Some traditional formulations recommend Punarnava for conditions involving ocular pressure or vision problems, which may include glaucoma by extension.
However, scientific evidence directly supporting the efficacy of Boerhavia diffusa in treating or managing glaucoma is limited. A few preclinical studies suggest that certain extracts from Boerhavia diffusa may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which are theoretically relevant to neuroprotection in glaucoma, but there is a lack of clinical trials or robust animal studies demonstrating a clear intraocular pressure-lowering effect or direct benefit in glaucoma models. The evidence base is therefore weak and largely extrapolated from broader pharmacological actions rather than specific anti-glaucoma effects.
In summary, the use of Boerhavia diffusa for glaucoma is rooted in traditional medicine rather than modern scientific validation. While its general pharmacological properties warrant further investigation, current evidence does not robustly support its use as a therapeutic agent for glaucoma beyond its traditional context.
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