Yavasa benefits and side effects

Yavasa plant has long been used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of infections.

An in vivo study indicated that methanol extract of A. camelorum flowers possesses potent antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli (causes dysentery and diarrhoea) and Staphylococcus aureus (causes skin infections).

In another study, both the leaves and flower extracts of yavasa plants were found to have antimicrobial effects that were positively associated with the antimicrobial potential of the plant.

According to a study published in the journal Medicinal plants with antimicrobial effects, A. mauroram extract inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

The plant has also been found to be effective against fungi like Fusarium, Aspergillus and Trichoderma.

Read more: Fungal infections symptoms

Alhagi maurorum is used for the treatment of various liver disorders in folk medicine. Though there are no clinical studies to prove the effectiveness of the herb on the liver, some preclinical studies have indicated the hepatoprotective effects of Alhagi.

In a study done on rat models, it was found that the ethanol extract of A. camelorum plant improves liver function.

In another animal study, administration of Alhagi ethanol extract was indicated to have protective effects against liver injury. As per the study, the herb was helpful in reducing cell death and inflammation in liver cells.

According to a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Pharmacognosy magazine, a group of compounds called flavonoids present in A. maurorum are responsible for the hepatoprotective effects of this herb.

However, quite contrary to all this evidence, an in vivo study noted no effect in the liver health on the administration of Alhagi extract.

Read more: Foods to improve liver health

Traditionally, Alhagi species are used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal conditions including stomach pain, diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also used to manage constipation, low appetite and bloating.

In a study done in Egypt, a group of researchers suggested that A. maurorum possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effects.

Another in vivo study (done on rats) suggested that A. camelorum has a dose-dependent protective effect on gastric ulcers.

According to a research study published in the Wulfenia journal, methanol extract of A. maurorum reduces the risk of gastric-ulcers in animal models.

However, since no clinical study has yet been conducted to study the dosage and safety of Alhagi extract on human gastric mucosa, it is best that you consult an experienced ayurvedic doctor before using this herb for any gut-related issue.

Read more: How to improve digestion

Antioxidants are natural compounds that help our body fight free radicals (unstable molecules formed during normal metabolism). With age or due to poor lifestyle, free radicals tend to accumulate in the body, leading to a condition known as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress gradually deteriorates organ function and may also lead to metabolic diseases and premature ageing.

Now, methanol extract of A. maurorum plants has shown to possess potent antioxidant properties in a research conducted in Iraq. As per the study, the properties are due to the presence of various compounds including phenols and flavonoids in the plant extracts; the greater the antioxidant effects, the better are the antimicrobial properties of Alhagi plant.

In another study, the flavonoids present in A. maurorum plant were suggested to be responsible for its antioxidant activity.

Similar results were obtained in another lab study conducted on A. camelorum. However, along with flavonoids, the researchers also indicated that phenolics may be adding to the antioxidant effect of the plant.

Extracts of Alhagi maurorum plant are used by some local populations for the treatment and management of kidney stones.

A phytochemical analysis done on Alhagi plant indicated that various bioactive compounds including flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes may be responsible for its benefits in kidney stones.

On the contrary, a study done in Iran suggested that the hydrophilic extract of Alhagi has no effect on the rate of calcium oxalate stone formation in kidneys.

However, if you have kidney stones, it is best not to self medicate and instead talk to your doctor about the effectiveness of this herb.

Read more: Kidney stones diet

Several studies indicate that Alhagi possesses hypoglycemic (reducing blood sugar levels) potential, suggesting the possible role of this herb in the management of diabetes.

In a study conducted on rats, regular administration of a specific dose of A. camelorum was found to help reduce the rate of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) associated with diabetes.

Another animal study found that A maurorum ingestion reduces blood glucose, blood cholesterol levels and oxidative stress caused by diabetes in rats.

As per a study published in the American Journal of Ethnomedicine, the anti-diabetic potential of Alhagi pseudalhagi can be attributed to various phytonutrients present in the plant including glycosides, tannins and alkaloids.

Read more: Exercises for diabetes

Apart from the ones mentioned above, the following are some of the other benefits of yavasa plant:

• Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that yavasa plants have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Experts suggest that Alhagi maurorum may be useful in the management of inflammatory diseases.
• Alcoholic extract of A. maurorum is suggested to possess anti-diarrheal properties.
• In an animal study, methanol extracts of A. maurorum are indicated to have a diuretic effect (increase the amount of salt and water released in urine).
• Traditionally, leaves of Alhagi plant smoked for the treatment of asthma, leaf paste and crushed flowers are used as a topical application for piles and Alhagi leaves are taken orally for reducing fever.
• Alhagi leaves are also used for the treatment of headache and chest pain.
• The plant is used for the treatment of rheumatism in some parts of the world.
• A. maurorum extracts have been found to have antitumor activity against various cancer cell lines.