# Varshabhu

> Varshabhu (Trianthema portulacastrum L. (primary identity); also associated with Boerhavia erecta L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Aizoaceae (Trianthema) / Nyctaginaceae (Boerhavia) family. Not in WHO monographs under the name Varshabhu; Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) has better documentation in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; taxonomic identity of Varshabhu remains debated among Ayurvedic scholars.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Trianthema portulacastrum L. (primary identity); also associated with Boerhavia erecta L.
- **Family:** Aizoaceae (Trianthema) / Nyctaginaceae (Boerhavia)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs under the name Varshabhu; Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) has better documentation in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; taxonomic identity of Varshabhu remains debated among Ayurvedic scholars

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Varshabhu |
| Latin/Botanical | *Trianthema portulacastrum L. (primary identity); also associated with Boerhavia erecta L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Punarnavine and related [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (Boerhavia species)
- [Ecdysterone](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ecdysterone) (insect molting hormone analog)
- Trianthenol
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), phenolics, and [saponins](/reference/saponins/)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) and [stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) and [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## How does it work?

- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) activity through punarnavine-mediated modulation of renal tubular sodium-[potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) ATPase
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effect via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) enzyme restoration and membrane stabilization against chemical toxins
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism through inhibition of COX-2, LOX, and NF-kB signaling pathways
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through macrophage activation and complement system modulation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Diuretic (Mutrala) - strongly validated through multiple pharmacological studies showing significant diuretic activity
- Hepatoprotective (Yakrit-shodhana) - confirmed through studies showing protection against CCl4 and paracetamol-induced liver damage
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-edema (Shotha-hara) - validated through carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma models
- Rejuvenative ([Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)) - supported by antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-aging pharmacological data

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Patil KS, Bhalsing SR 2016. [Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the genus Boerhavia](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26844923/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [26844923](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26844923/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.042](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.042)  
  Reviewed 46 compounds isolated from Boerhavia erecta; documented anti-inflammatory, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), hepatoprotective, [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/), and antibacterial activities across the genus.
- Patel N, Mishra R, Rajput D and others 2025. [A comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and green nanotechnological significance of Boerhavia diffusa Linn](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40334820/). *Fitoterapia*. PMID [40334820](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40334820/) · [doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106599](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106599)  
  Comprehensive review documenting punarnavine and other alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins as key constituents with diverse pharmacological activities.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Identity confusion exists between Trianthema portulacastrum and Boerhavia species in the market; correct botanical identification is essential before use
- Trianthema portulacastrum in excess may cause hepatotoxicity; Boerhavia species are generally safer with established rasayana use; pregnant women should avoid both species

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Svarasa (fresh juice), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice daily

**Bioavailability:** Trianthema portulacastrum alkaloids (trianthemine, punarnavine-like compounds) show moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). Ecdysteroids (if present) have moderate absorption with enteric metabolism. Flavonoids and phenolic acids undergo typical Phase II conjugation with low systemic bioavailability (<15%). The diuretic action is primarily through local renal tubular effects of absorbed alkaloids.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for diuretic effect; before meals for hepatoprotective action

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >2% total alkaloids (by gravimetric method); >3% total flavonoids (as [rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin) equivalent by UV)

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: 24-48 hours refrigerated; Powder: 12-18 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24 months; Decoction: prepare fresh

**Storage:** Dried material in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from moisture and light. Fresh juice at 2-8 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Trianthemine, Ecdysterone, Rutin, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), beta-Sitosterol, Leptorumol, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Fresh juice expression
- Methanol extraction for alkaloid-rich fraction
- Soxhlet extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (Boerhavia diffusa) - synergistic diuretic and hepatoprotective action
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Tribulus terrestris) - renal supportive combination
- Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata) - litholytic (stone-dissolving) synergy
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (Crataeva nurvala) - urinary tract support

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

## 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.