Varshabhu
Trianthema portulacastrum L. (primary identity); also associated with Boerhavia erecta L.
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.
| Botanical name | Trianthema portulacastrum L. (primary identity); also associated with Boerhavia erecta L. |
|---|---|
| Family | Aizoaceae (Trianthema) / Nyctaginaceae (Boerhavia) |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| 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 |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3084848 · Wikidata Q3335516 · NCBI Taxonomy 3548 |
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 (Boerhavia species)
- Ecdysterone (insect molting hormone analog)
- Trianthenol
- Flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins
- Beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol
- Tannins and glycosides
How does it work?
- Diuretic activity through punarnavine-mediated modulation of renal tubular sodium-potassium ATPase
- Hepatoprotective effect via antioxidant enzyme restoration and membrane stabilization against chemical toxins
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism through inhibition of COX-2, LOX, and NF-kB signaling pathways
- 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) - 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. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 26844923 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.042
Reviewed 46 compounds isolated from Boerhavia erecta; documented anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, 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. Fitoterapia. PMID 40334820 · doi: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 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, beta-Sitosterol, Leptorumol, Kaempferol
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Fresh juice expression
- Methanol extraction for alkaloid-rich fraction
- Soxhlet extraction
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 HSP90 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer Models: A Systematic ReviewInternational journal of molecular sciences. PMID 38791506 · doi:10.3390/ijms25105468
Randomised controlled trials1
Other clinical studies and reviews3
- 2025. A comprehensive review of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and green nanotechnological significance of Boerhavia diffusa LinnFitoterapia. PMID 40334820 · doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106599
- 2016. Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of the genus BoerhaviaJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 26844923 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.042
- 2016. Health-promoting and disease-preventive potential of Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. (Gadabani) -An Indian medicinal and dietary plantJournal of integrative medicine. PMID 26988430 · doi:10.1016/S2095-4964(16)60247-9
Laboratory and animal studies7
- 2024. In vitro anti-HIV, cytotoxicity and nutritional analysis of Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae)BMC complementary medicine and therapies. PMID 38216975 · doi:10.1186/s12906-023-04300-5
- 2024. Green synthesized cobalt nanoparticles from Trianthema portulacastrum L. as a novel antimicrobials and antioxidantsPreparative biochemistry & biotechnology. PMID 37493403 · doi:10.1080/10826068.2023.2238306
- 2024. Chemical Control of the Invasive Weed Trianthema portulacastrum: Nethouse StudiesPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39795279 · doi:10.3390/plants14010019
- 2023. Identification of allergens in Artocarpus heterophyllus, Moringa oleifera, Trianthema portulacastrum and Syzygium samarangenseClinical and molecular allergy : CMA. PMID 37568224 · doi:10.1186/s12948-023-00187-2
- 2022. Antioxidant Properties of Trianthema Portulacastrum and Protection Against Ionizing Radiation-Induced Liver Damage Ex vivoIndian journal of clinical biochemistry : IJCB. PMID 35463107 · doi:10.1007/s12291-021-00964-3
- 2022. Tillage and crop establishment effects on weeds and productivity of a rice-wheat-mungbean rotationField crops research. PMID 35924187 · doi:10.1016/j.fcr.2022.108577
- 2019. Protective and therapeutic effects of Trianthema portulacastrum against atherosclerosis in male albino rats via G-protein-coupled receptor 124AMB Express. PMID 31673813 · doi:10.1186/s13568-019-0901-7
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