Patha plant benefits and side effects

In a study done on mice, a 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Cissampelos parreira was found to be effective in increasing arthritis pain threshold. The study indicated that the herb may have some benefits in the treatment of pain and arthritis. 

A study, published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, indicated the anti-arthritic effects of a polyherbal formulation that contains Cissampelos pareira. 

According to a study done in India, the ethanolic extracts of the leaves of laghupatha plant is effective against osteoarthritis, hyperuricemia (high uric acid levels in blood that may lead to gout) and rheumatoid arthritis.

Additionally, several studies suggest that Cissampelos pareira plants possess anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation (marked by swelling, redness and pain) is the characteristic feature of arthritis.

Both rajpatha and laghupatha were suggested to possess analgesic (pain-relieving) properties in an animal study. However, the effect was found to be more pronounced in animals who were treated with laghupatha.

According to a study done in India, the flavonoid extract of C peltata plant shows significant anti-inflammatory activity. 

However, if you have arthritis, it is best to talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking laghupatha as a remedy.

A study done on rats indicated that consumption of laghupatha may help prevent CCL4 induced liver damage. CCL4 is a toxic compound that is used to induce liver damage in animal models. The compound produces excessive free radicals resulting in inflammation, necrosis (cell death) and stenosis in the liver.

Another study that was done at the CSIR National Botanical Research Institute found similar results in in vitro (lab study) and in vivo (animal models) studies. Both the studies concluded that this herb has some hepatoprotective potential. 

Hepatoprotective drugs or compounds are those that are used to prevent liver diseases. Liver diseases affect millions of people every year in the world. They include viral infections like hepatitis and hereditary diseases like Wilson’s disease. Excess consumption of alcohol and drugs also slowly deteriorate liver function and may lead to complications like cirrhosis and cancer.

Rajpatha is traditionally used in Kerala for the treatment of jaundice. An in vivo study done in rats indicated that C. peltata plant has hepatoprotective effects. As per the study, these effects may be due to stabilization of the outer membrane in liver cells and prevention of lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation is a process in which free radicals take electrons from lipids in the cell membranes and cause cell damage. 

In another study, the alkaloid extract of C. peltata was found to be effective in promoting liver health by reducing free radical damage.

Several studies have shown the antioxidant effects of laghupatha. Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that are formed in the body due to the normal metabolic processes. Ageing and poor lifestyle leads to accumulation of free radicals and a condition called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress damages and deteriorates organ function over time. 

An in vivo study done on mice showed that the alkaloid fraction of the extract of C. pareira plant possesses potent antioxidant properties. It also showed immunomodulatory action by suppressing the hypersensitivity response in test animals. 

Both in vitro and in vivo studies done by a group of researchers in India suggested that the polyphenols present in the roots of C. pareira plants have dose-dependent neutralising effects on free radicals. 

In another study, both the leaf and stem extracts of laghupatha plant were found to have antioxidant effects. As per the study, these effects were due to the presence of flavonoids in the extracts.

Read more: Phytonutrients types and benefits

Infectious diseases are one of the leading causes of death in the world, killing millions of people every year. On top of that, excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of drug-resistant microbes that do not respond well or at all to existing drugs and most medicines have their own side effects. Hence, researchers are now looking towards natural substances to develop new drugs with limited side effects. 

Experts suggest that C. pareira contains some biologically active compounds and has the potential to be harnessed as a natural antibiotic. 

In a study done to screen for antibacterial activity in this plant, laghupatha root extract was found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus (causes skin conditions), S. typhimurium (causes gastroenteritis), E. coli (causes diarrhoea and dysentery) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (causes pneumonia and surgical wound infections). 

According to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, C. pareira extracts can inhibit the growth of the dengue virus.  

In another study, both the methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of C. pareira roots were indicated to have antibacterial activity. 

According to a study published in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, laghupatha plant is highly effective against the tuberculosis bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The antimicrobial effects were attributed to the presence of certain compounds like phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids and anthraquinones in the plant. Drug-resistant TB is one of the major concerns for healthcare experts right now. 

In a study done in Kerala, India, various extracts of C. peltata were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris (causes UTIs, respiratory tract infections and infections in wounds) and Klebsiella pneumoniae. 

In another study, C. peltata extracts were suggested to be helpful in inhibiting the growth of E. coli. 

As per a study published in the Asian Journal of Research in Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, ethanolic extracts of C. peltata plant have better antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts. 

A study done in mice indicated that C pareira contains a flavonoid called quercetin that is effective against gastric ulcers. 

Rajpatha is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcers. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, root extracts of C. peltata plant may be effective against gastric ulcers as it reduces the secretion of gastric juices. Excess production of gastric acids increases the risk of gastric ulcers.

Laghu patha is traditionally used for the management of diabetes mellitus in some parts of the world. Though the effects of the herb have not been clinically proven yet, some preclinical studies indicate that it may be effective in controlling blood sugar levels. 

At least two different in vivo studies (done on rats and mice) done in India suggest that the leaves of the C. pareira plant possess antidiabetic potential and may be considered for diabetes mellitus treatment. 

Similar results were obtained by another group of researchers on using  C. pareira root extract.

According to a study published in the Journal of Drug Metabolism and Toxicology, the hypoglycemic (reducing blood sugar levels) activity of lahgupatha plants is due to the presence of certain plant-based compounds including phenols, flavonoids and terpenes in it. 

An in vivo study done on mice indicated that the root extract of C. peltata plant has antidiabetic potential, which it mediates by reducing free radicals in the body.

Another animal study found that administration of C peltata root extracts improves insulin levels and glycogen levels in peripheral tissues, indicating it’s anti-diabetic potential. Our body converts extra glucose into another sugar called glycogen and stores it inside our liver and muscles.

Since no clinical studies have yet been done on the antidiabetic potential of patha plant or the safety of this plant in diabetes, it is best that diabetic people should talk to their doctor before taking this herb in any form. 

Read more: What to eat and what not to eat in diabetes

Several studies indicate that C. pareira has nootropic (improves cognition) and memory-enhancing effects. 

A study done in mice suggested that the hydroalcoholic extract of laghupatha plant can reverse amnesia (a type of memory loss). As per the study, the nootropic effects of this herb may be due to it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and reduction of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. 

In another study, a combined preparation made from C. pareira and Anethum graveolens (dill plant) was found to have a protective effect against mild cognitive decline that occurs with age. It was also found to be effective against early-phase Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, C. pareira is a promising candidate for drug development and management of Alzheimer’s and dementia. The study indicated that these effects may be due to the presence of a compound called benzylisoquinoline in the herb. These compounds have been found to have strong inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase.

As per a study published in the Natural Products journal, 8 g root of laghupatha powder, when mixed with a powder made from about 12 black peppers, taken three times a day is traditionally used for the treatment of malaria in Orissa.  

A study done in Kenya indicated that C. pareira contains potent antiplasmodial compounds. Plasmodium is the causative agent of malaria. 

In an in vivo study done on mice, administration of laghupatha extracts was found to be significantly effective in suppressing the growth of Plasmodium. The study indicated that the antiplasmodial properties of C. pareira plants need to be further investigated.

Read more: 10 most frequently asked questions about malaria

Laghupatha plant is traditionally said to be beneficial against heart diseases. 

In a preclinical study done in New Delhi, India, it was found that C. pareira root extracts can reduce cardiac dysfunction by reducing free radicals and improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes.  

Another in vivo study indicated the cardioprotective effects of C. pareira, suggesting the role of antioxidant enzymes in the action.   

However, in the absence of clinical studies, it is best to talk to a doctor to know more about the safety and efficacy of laghupatha plant in humans. 

Here are some other health benefits of laghupatha:

• Leaves of laghupatha plant have been found to have anti-hemorrhagic properties.
• Both laghupatha and rajpatha have been indicated to promote anticancer activity.
• In an animal study, administration of C. pareira extracts was suggested to have anti-diarrhoeal effects - it reduced the total number of faecal droppings.
• Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of C. peltata have been found to possess antihyperlipidemic properties, meaning that they reduce body cholesterol levels. 
• C. peltata extracts have shown to possess bronchodilator activity in guinea pigs and is hence suggested to be effective in the management of asthma.
• An animal study suggested that rajpatha root extracts inhibit the formation of kidney stones. It has also been found to possess nephroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress.