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)
American LiverleafAngelica
apple
artichoke
atractylodes
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
barberry
beet
Berberis (unspecified)
bile
bile acid
bile salt
birch
bitter grass
bitter principals
black nightshade
Boerhavia diffusa
boldo
bovine
Brassica
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
bur-reed
burdock
carqueja
castor oil
chicory
cholic acid
cleavers
colocynth
cornsilk
costus
couch grass
cynarin
dandelion
dehydrocholic acid
Dianthus
duodenal substance
endive
enzymes blend (proprietary)
fat liver oil
fiber
Fumaria parviflora
fumitory
ginger
goldenrod
Hedyotis
Herb Robert
horseradish
Indian bael
Kefir
Kokilaksha
lemon
licorice root
lipase
Milk thistle
Momordica
mustard seed
Myrrh
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papaya
parsley
pear
peony
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylcholine
probiotics
punarnava
rockweed
Sete sangrias
Sichuan Lovage
Silybum
silymarin
Solanum indicum
Southern Tsangshu
Taraxacum
Taurocholic acid
Taurodeoxycholic acid
Triphala
turmeric
Varuna
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Wulinshen
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
