Bhadra
Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
Bhadra (Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Amaranthaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and AYUSH system; listed in regional ethnobotanical databases.
| Botanical name | Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Ouret lanata (L.) Kuntze — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Amaranthaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and AYUSH system; listed in regional ethnobotanical databases |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3085014 · Wikidata Q3595342 · NCBI Taxonomy 292353 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Bhadra |
| Latin/Botanical | Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Aervine
- Methylaervine
- Aervoside
- Ervolanine
- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Isorhamnetin
- Lupeol
- Methyl grevillate
- Beta-sitosteryl acetate
How does it work?
- Canthin-6-one alkaloids exhibit anti-urolithiatic activity by inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation in renal tubules, preventing kidney stone formation
- Kaempferol and quercetin flavonoids provide nephroprotective effects through antioxidant-mediated reduction of oxidative stress and inhibition of NF-kB-driven inflammatory pathways in renal tissue
- Beta-carboline alkaloids demonstrate antimicrobial activity by intercalating with bacterial DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, disrupting cell division
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Anti-urolithiasis (kidney stone dissolution) activity validated through in vivo and in vitro studies confirming traditional Ayurvedic use of Pashanabheda for Ashmari (urinary calculi)
- Diuretic activity confirmed through pharmacological studies supporting traditional use for strangury and urinary disorders in Ayurveda
- Anti-asthmatic and bronchodilatory effects validated in preclinical models consistent with traditional use for respiratory conditions
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Goyal M, Pareek A, Nagori BP and others 2011. Aerva lanata: A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects. Pharmacognosy reviews. PMID 22279378 · doi:10.4103/0973-7847.91120
Documented diuretic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-urolithiasis, and antifertility properties with identification of key alkaloids and flavonoids.
2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Traditional use as a common weed consumed as vegetable and herbal tea suggests good general safety profile; however, formal toxicity studies in humans are limited
- Antifertility effects documented in animal studies; should be avoided during pregnancy and by couples trying to conceive
- Diuretic effects may potentiate action of prescription diuretics; monitor electrolyte levels when used concurrently with diuretic medications
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Isorhamnetin
- Lupeol
- Aervine
- Methylaervine
- Aervoside
- Ervolanine
- Methyl grevillate
- Beta-sitosteryl acetate
Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Asava/Arishta
Standard Dosage: 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg extract capsule twice daily
Bioavailability: Limited modern pharmacokinetic data available. Traditional texts recommend administration with warm water or honey to enhance absorption. Aromatic volatile constituents show rapid absorption but short half-life. Decoction form provides better bioavailability for water-soluble glycosides than dry powder.
Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water for digestive benefits; after meals for general health support
Standardized Extract: Whole herb extract standardized to total phenolic content NLT 3%. Further analytical method development needed for robust standardization.
Shelf Life: 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule)
Storage: Cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Airtight packaging recommended.
Marker Compounds: Beta-sitosterol, Betulin, Gallic acid, Kaempferol, Flavonoid glycosides
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kashayam method)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Steam distillation for volatile fractions
- Hydrodistillation for essential oil components
Synergistic Combinations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2024. Plant-based therapies for urolithiasis: a systematic review of clinical and preclinical studiesInternational urology and nephrology. PMID 39042342 · doi:10.1007/s11255-024-04148-9
Other clinical studies and reviews3
- 2023. Plant Extracts as Skin Care and Therapeutic AgentsInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 37895122 · doi:10.3390/ijms242015444
- 2022. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Aerva lanata in ovalbumin induced allergic asthmatic miceJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 35143934 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115087
- 2017. Cardioprotective mechanisms of phytochemicals against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicityBiomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie. PMID 28460429 · doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2017.04.033
Laboratory and animal studies8
- 2023. Anti-fertility effect of Aerva lanata crude extract in male Dams offspring: An experimental studyInternational journal of reproductive biomedicine. PMID 37122890 · doi:10.18502/ijrm.v21i3.13199
- 2022. LC-ESI-MS/MS Polyphenolic Profile and In Vitro Study of Cosmetic Potential of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Herb ExtractsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35209048 · doi:10.3390/molecules27041259
- 2021. Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Phenolic Acids Fractions Obtained from Aerva lanata (L.) JussMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 34201147 · doi:10.3390/molecules26123486
- 2018. Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antiurolithiatic Potential of Different Solvent Extracts of Aerva lanata Linn FlowersPharmacognosy magazine. PMID 29576701 · doi:10.4103/pm.pm_60_17
- 2013. Phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult. Stem (Amaranthaceae)Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine. PMID 23375030 · doi:10.1016/S1995-7645(13)60020-6
- 2012. Aerva lanata (Polpala): Its effects on the structure and function of the urinary tractPharmacognosy research. PMID 23225960 · doi:10.4103/0974-8490.102259
- 2011. Aerva lanata: A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspectsPharmacognosy reviews. PMID 22279378 · doi:10.4103/0973-7847.91120
- 2011. Immunomodulatory and antitumor activity of Aerva lanata ethanolic extractImmunopharmacology and immunotoxicology. PMID 20979430 · doi:10.3109/08923973.2010.526614
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