Indian camphorweed
Pluchea indica
Pluchea indica is a traditional plant with origins in India and other parts of Asia. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used for medicinal purposes across various cultures. Scientific studies have shown that stigmasterol from its leaves can reduce spermatogenic cell counts and increase sperm morphological abnormalities in male rats at 0.75 mg/kg body weight, indicating potential effects on reproductive health, though the relevance to humans is unclear. Additionally, leaf extracts of Pluchea indica have demonstrated potential for biosynthesizing silver-titanium dioxide nanoparticles with anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, as well as MgO-ZnO nanocomposites with similar beneficial activities. The leaves also exhibit insecticidal activity against Alphitobius diaperinus but are not as effective as Evodia suaveolens. Safety concerns for Pluchea indica appear to be minimal based on current data, and there have been no recorded drug interactions.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Stigmasterol from Pluchea indica leaves significantly reduced spermatogenic cell counts and increased sperm morphological abnormalities in male rats at 0.75 mg/kg BW.
- The MgO-ZnO nanocomposite synthesized using Pluchea indica leaf extract showed potential as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer agent with IC50 values ranging from 31.25 to 179.13 µg/mL.
- Pluchea indica leaf extract biosynthesized silver-titanium dioxide nanoparticles showed potential anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.
- The leaf extracts of Pluchea indica showed insecticidal activity against Alphitobius diaperinus, but not as effective as Evodia suaveolens.
- The leaf extract of Pluchea indica significantly inhibited cell proliferation in TGF-β-induced prostate stromal cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian camphorweed?
Indian camphorweed (Pluchea indica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Indian camphorweed?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Indian camphorweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Stigmasterol from Pluchea indica leaves significantly reduced spermatogenic cell counts and increased sperm morphological abnormalities in male rats at 0.75 mg/kg BW.
How strong is the evidence for Indian camphorweed?
The strongest finding for Indian camphorweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian camphorweed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian camphorweed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian camphorweed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian camphorweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Indian camphorweed a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Standardized Pluchea Indica Leaf Extract Exhibited Antiproliferative Activity Against TGF-β-induced Prostate Stromal Cells (WPMY-1) Through G 1 Phase Cell Cycle Arrest via SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 Signaling Pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synthesis of novel MgO-ZnO nanocomposite using Pluchea indica leaf extract and study of their biological activities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insecticidal Effects of Extracts from Three Herbal Plants on the Poultry Pest Alphitobius diaperinus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Green biosynthesis of bimetallic silver titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Pluchea indica with their anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Stigmasterol from Pluchea indica Leaves Reduces Spermatogenesis and Alters Sperm Morphology in Male Rat: In Vivo and In Silico Study. literature abstract metadata