Punarnava: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More

Introduction

Punarnava is an indigenous plant with numerous medicinal properties. Punarnava derives its name from its nature of growth and proliferation. The aerial part of the plant dries up in the summer and regenerate in the rainy season; Its name, Punarnava, comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Punar’ meaning “again” and ‘Nava’ meaning “new,” symbolising the plant’s ability to renew and restore itself¹. 

Other Names of Punarnava

Punarnava is called Hogweed in English, and the botanical name of the plant is Boerhavia diffusa². 

This plant has many different names in India, such as: 

• Punarnava in Sanskrit 
• Gadapurna or Biskafra in Hindi 
• Thazhuthama in Malayalam 
• Ghetuli in Marathi 
• Kommeberu in Kannada 
• Satodi in Gujarati 
• Atikamamidi / Erra galijeru in Telugu 
• Mukurattai in Tamil.

Based on my experience, I have observed that the ethyl acetate extract from the roots of punarnava may have strong antifungal properties. It has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of fungal species such as Microsporum gypseum, M. fulvum, and M. canis. The extract hinders the growth and reproduction of these fungi, suggesting its potential use as an effective antifungal⁸. 

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Uses of Punarnava

Punarnava has been in use in Ayurveda since ancient times. All parts of the plant are utilised in the preparation of various formulations, owing to their wide range of medicinal properties. 

• The leaves of the Punarnava plant have anti-bacterial properties that may help reduce bacterial infections caused due to gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria³.   
• The chloroform extract of the leaves of Punarnava can reduce blood glucose levels and shows a significant increase in plasma insulin levels¹.   
• The aqueous form of root extract of Punarnava possesses liver protective activity^1,3.  
• The extract from the leaves of Punarnava consists of antiproliferative and antiestrogenic activity that can act on breast cancer cells to control them¹.   
• The leaf and stem extracts of Punarnava could help with oedema as they can help soothe inflammation and swelling¹.
• The Punarnava plant may help with convulsions¹.   
• The root extracts of Punarnava can stimulate white blood cells and increase the tolerance to stress¹.
• The Punarnava plant has anti-fibrinolytic activity which helps to decrease the deposition of fibrin and platelets in blood vessels.  
• It helps reduce swelling in the cornea, inflammation, and twisting of the glands.  
• The herb can be used as a diuretic in kidney disorders and helps to manage symptoms of  spleen enlargement.
• The extract of Punarnava helps soothe cough because of its expectorant property.
• The root of Punarnava consists of anti-helminthic properties to remove intestinal worms and help in asthma.

Health Benefits of Punarnava

1. Benefits of Punarnava for Eyes

• The juice extracted from the leaves of Punarnava can be mixed with honey and applied to the eyes to help manage chronic ophthalmia and cataract⁴. 
• Fresh root juice may help relieve symptoms of night blindness and conjunctivitis. 
• Other eye conditions it is traditionally used for include corneal opacity, excessive tearing, and itching of the eyes.

2. Benefits of Punarnava for Gastrointestinal Diseases 

• Punarnavadi Mandura is a traditional formulation used to help reduce the symptoms of malabsorption syndrome, worm infestation, inflammation, anaemia, splenic disease, and piles⁵. 
• Punarnavasava is another herbal formulation commonly used to support digestion and relieve symptoms of dyspepsia, as well as abdominal discomfort or enlargement. 
• It can also be used as part of traditional management for disorders related to the spleen and liver.

3. Benefits of Punarnava for Neuromuscular Disorders 

• Punarnava Guggulu is a traditional preparation that may help relieve symptoms of neuromuscular conditions such as sciatica, including pain in the calves, thighs, back, lower spine, and bladder region⁶. 
• It is also used in traditional practice to help reduce swellings in the groin and scrotal area in men.

4. Benefits of Punarnava for Respiratory Diseases 

• Punarnavastaka and Punarnavadi Kvatha Churna are traditional formulations used to help manage respiratory conditions such as cough, breathlessness, asthma, and colicky pain⁷. 
• The root of the Punarnava plant is is a key ingredient in the preparation of both remedies.

5. Benefits of Punarnava for Joints 

Punarnava may be beneficial in managing symptoms of rheumatism and gout.

In my experience, I have observed that Punarnava may possess notable spasmolytic properties, meaning it can help relax muscles by reducing their contractions. This effect is believed to be linked to its influence on calcium regulation within the muscles, as well as the presence of active compounds such as boeravinone E⁸. 

Dr. Smita Barode, BAMS

How to Use Punarnava?

The Punarnava plant and its parts are traditionally used in different forms to prepare remedies for a range of health conditions, as outlined below: 

1. Punarnava juice is commonly used in traditional medicine for general wellness¹.   
2. Fresh leaf or root juice of Punarnava can be topically applied for eye disorders.   
3. Punarnava powder is typically consumed with milk or water as part of traditional practices.
4. Ointment made with a paste of the roots of the Punarnava.
5. Punarnava root is made into a paste with ghee, honey, milk, Kanjika or Tila Taila and used as an ointment for multiple purposes.

Your Ayurvedic physician will determine the appropriate form and dosage based on your individual health condition. 

Side Effects of Punarnava

Although no side effects have been reported so far. It is important to note that these herbal remedies are generally prescribed as part of a treatment regimen, where one preparation may help to balance the effects of another. It is important to use such remedies only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Over the years, based on my experience and observations, I believe that Punarnava may have notable anticonvulsant properties. Some studies⁸ have shown its potential in helping to reduce seizures. This effect is thought to be linked to a compound in the plant known as liriodendron, which may work by blocking calcium activity in the brain.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Precautions to Take with Punarnava

• Please consult your physician before taking the Punarnava.
• It is not recommended for children below the age of 12 years. 
• It is not recommended for use during pregnancy.      

Interactions with Other Drugs

Punarnava may interact with the following medications: 

• Cardiac medications that treat diuresis, vasodilation, and ACE inhibitors.  
• Hypertensive medications  
• Anxiolytics as it may increase their activity. 

Also Read: Tamarind (Imli): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Conclusion

Punarnava has been traditionally valued for its wide range of supportive health benefits. However, it should be used responsibly and under medical supervision. Always consult a qualified doctor before starting any herbal treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Bihari Dora B, Dora BB, Gupta S, Sital S, Pastore A. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): A Promising Indigenous Herbal Drug and Its Effect on Different Disease Conditions. 2015 [cited 2022 Feb 15];21–4. Available from: https://sciencejournals.stmjournals.in/index.php/RRJoHS/article/view/715   

2. Abbi C, Kumar V, Kumar S, Kumar D. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): A promising indigenous herbal drug. Int Res J Pharm. 2013;4(3):85–89. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269846433_PUNARNAVA_BOERHAVIA_DIFFUSA_A_PROMISING_INDIGENOUS_HERBAL_DRUG

3. Umamaheswari A, Nuni A, Shreevidya R. Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. leaves. Int J Green Pharm. 2010;4(2):88–92. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/44298779_Evaluation_of_antibacterial_activity_of_Boerhaavia_diffusa_L_leaves 

4. Rao PP. Ophthalmic uses of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Punarnava): Review. J Med Plants Stud. 2016;4(2):78–80.Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335381955_Ophthalmic_uses_of_Boerhaavia_Diffusa_L_Punarnava_Review

5. Rajendran K, Raj C D, Ramakrishnan V, Krishnan UM. Therapeutic efficacy of Punarnavadi mandura against phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats. J Tradit Complement Med. 2025;15(1):93–104. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411024000361

6. Patil GG, Shettar RV. Evaluation of the efficacy of Punarnavadi Guggulu & Mahamashadi Taila Kati Basti in the management of Gridhrasi (Sciatica). J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2019;4(2):15–23. Available from: https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/588

7. Shah VN, Shah MB, Bhatt PA. Hepatoprotective activity of punarnavashtak kwath, an Ayurvedic formulation, against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and on the HepG2 cell line. Pharm Biol. 2011;49(4):408–15. doi:10.3109/13880209.2010.521162. PMID: 21391842. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21391842/

8. Mishra S, Aeri V, Gaur PK, Jachak SM. Phytochemical, therapeutic, and ethnopharmacological overview for a traditionally important herb: Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:808302. doi:10.1155/2014/808302. Epub 2014 May 14. PMID: 24949473; PMCID: PMC4053255. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4053255/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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