# Punarnava

> Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as a rasayana (rejuvenative) category herb. Anti-inflammatory: Punarnavine inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and GM-CSF while increasing IL-2 and IFN-gamma production.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Boerhaavia diffusa
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) as a rasayana (rejuvenative) category herb. Over 35 Ayurvedic formulations contain Punarnava as a major ingredient. Used across Ayurveda, traditional African, and South American medicine systems. Recognized in Indian Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia as well. No standalone WHO monograph identified, but referenced in WHO traditional medicine literature for hepatoprotective and diuretic uses.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Punarnava |

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Punarnavine inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and GM-CSF while increasing IL-2 and IFN-gamma production.
- Anti-inflammatory: Extract inhibits Src/Syk/TRAF6 signaling pathway, suppressing NO and TNF-alpha production with decreased iNOS and TNF-alpha mRNA expression.
- Diuretic: [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) stimulate mild diuresis via increased glomerular filtration rate. Boeravinones enhance urine output without significant sodium loss.
- Renal protection: Punarnavine and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) curb inflammatory cascades in renal glomeruli, working synergistically with boeravinones.
- Anti-obesity: Phytoconstituents block cannabinoid receptors (CB1), reducing HFD-induced weight gain and improving lipid profile.
- Hepatoprotective: Boeravinones A and B protect hepatocytes against ethanol-induced toxicity via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) mechanisms.
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/): Syringaresinol mono-beta-D-glucoside, punarnavine, and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) exhibit immunostimulant activity.
- Anti-angiogenic: Punarnavine downregulates VEGF expression both in vitro and in vivo.
- Key active constituents: Boeravinones A-G, punarnavine, rotenoids, flavonoids, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), and syringaresinol mono-beta-D-glucoside.

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Khalid M, Alqarni MH, Shoaib A and others 2022. [Anti-Obesity Action of Boerhavia diffusa in Rats against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Blocking the Cannabinoid Receptors](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35567159/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [35567159](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35567159/) · [doi:10.3390/plants11091158](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11091158)  
  Molecular docking revealed B. diffusa phytoconstituents bind to cannabinoid receptors. In vivo study in HFD-induced obese rats showed significant reduction in body weight, organ fat pad weight, and improved lipid profile and liver biomarkers.
- Das S, Singh PK, Ameeruddin S and others 2023. [Ethnomedicinal values of Boerhaavia diffusa L. as a panacea against multiple human ailments: a state of art review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033469/). *Frontiers in chemistry*. PMID [38033469](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38033469/) · [doi:10.3389/fchem.2023.1297300](https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2023.1297300)  
  Comprehensive review confirmed activities including immunomodulation, hepatoprotection, antifibrinolysis, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/), anti-inflammatory, and diuretic effects. Highlighted need for additional clinical trials.

*3 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

- Generally considered safe for short-term use in most healthy adults based on traditional use history, but comprehensive human safety data are lacking.
- Diuretic effect may disrupt electrolyte balance, especially [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) levels, potentially affecting cardiac and muscular function.
- May interact with diuretic medications (additive effect on fluid and electrolyte loss).
- May interact with blood thinners (anticoagulants) -- caution advised.
- May interact with diabetes medications (potential additive hypoglycemic effect).
- May interact with blood pressure medications (additive hypotensive effect).
- Use with caution in patients with kidney disorders due to diuretic properties.
- Gastrointestinal side effects possible: upset stomach, nausea, loose stools.
- Avoid or use with medical supervision during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or concurrent use with allopathic medications.
- Allergic reactions reported but uncommon.

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root/whole herb powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Mandoora combination (Punarnavadi Mandoora), Swarasa (fresh juice), [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) combination, Asava

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder daily; 20-40 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg - 1 g standardized extract twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice daily

**Bioavailability:** Punarnavine (alkaloid) from Boerhavia diffusa has moderate oral bioavailability (30-45%). Boeravinone (rotenoid) shows variable absorption (15-30%) improved by lipid co-administration. Liriodendrin has moderate bioavailability (~25-35%). Ursolic acid requires lipid-based delivery for adequate absorption. Traditional decoction (Kwatha) may enhance bioavailability of polar constituents through solubilization.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for diuretic effect (ensure adequate water intake). With meals for hepatoprotective use. Kwatha: morning and evening between meals.

**Standardized Extract:** Punarnava root extract (8:1) standardized to punarnavine >0.5%, boeravinone B >0.3%, total [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) >1.5%. Aqueous extract with ursolic acid >1% and validated HPTLC fingerprint.

**Shelf Life:** Dried root: 18-24 months; Churna: 18-24 months; Extract: 24-36 months; Capsules: 24-36 months; Asava: 5-10 years

**Storage:** Dried root and powder: airtight, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from moisture and pest infestation. Extracts: amber containers, cool and dry. Fresh juice: refrigerated, use within 24 hours. Asava: amber glass, room temperature, improves with age.

**Marker Compounds:** Punarnavine, Boeravinone B, Boeravinone E, Liriodendrin, Ursolic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Hypoxanthine-9-L-arabinofuranoside, Eupalitin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Fresh root juice expression (Swarasa)
- Methanol extraction for rotenoid profiling
- Spray drying of aqueous extract
- Traditional Asava preparation (fermented)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (diuretic and renal health combination - Punarnavadi [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|Punarnavadi Guggulu)
- Mandoora Bhasma (iron + Punarnava for edema and anemia)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory)
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (urinary tract and renal health)
- Amalaki (rejuvenation and antioxidant synergy)
- [Shilajit](/herb/shilajit/) (renal tonic combination)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/punarnava/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.