Punarnava
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 55 participants, researched for Kidney & Diuretic Support, Anti-inflammatory & Hepatoprotective.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Kidney & Diuretic Support
ModerateAnti-inflammatory & Hepatoprotective
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Kidney & Diuretic Support
Boerhavia diffusa vs Enalapril in chronic renal failure
Study Type
Comparative clinical study
Purpose
Boerhavia diffusa vs Enalapril in chronic renal failure
Dose
400mg/day root extract
Participants
48 chronic renal failure patients
Duration
90 days
Results
Comparable reductions in serum creatinine and BUN to Enalapril. Renoprotective effects without significant adverse haemodynamic effects.
How They Measured It
Serum creatinine, BUN, urine protein, GFR estimation
Nephroprotective activity of B. diffusa against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity
Study Type
Animal pharmacological study
Purpose
Nephroprotective activity of B. diffusa against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity
Dose
100-200mg/kg extract
Participants
Animal nephrotoxicity model
Duration
10 days
Results
Significantly mitigated gentamicin-induced renal damage. Reduced serum creatinine, BUN, and improved histopathology. Diuretic and nephroprotective effects confirmed.
How They Measured It
Serum creatinine, BUN, urinary protein, kidney histopathology
Diuretic activity and mechanism of B. diffusa extract
Study Type
Diuretic pharmacological study
Purpose
Diuretic activity and mechanism of B. diffusa extract
Dose
200-400mg/kg aqueous extract
Participants
Animal pharmacology study
Duration
24 hours
Results
Significant diuresis with increased sodium and potassium excretion. Activity approximately 1/3 that of furosemide. Confirms traditional diuretic use for oedema.
How They Measured It
Urine output, electrolyte excretion
Anti-inflammatory & Hepatoprotective
Phytochemistry, therapeutic uses, and ethnopharmacology of B. diffusa
Study Type
Comprehensive phytochemical review
Purpose
Phytochemistry, therapeutic uses, and ethnopharmacology of B. diffusa
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
B. diffusa contains punarnavine, boeravinone flavolignans with diuretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory properties.
How They Measured It
Systematic literature review
Protective effect of B. diffusa against paracetamol-induced liver injury
Study Type
Hepatoprotective study
Purpose
Protective effect of B. diffusa against paracetamol-induced liver injury
Dose
200mg/kg extract
Participants
Paracetamol hepatotoxicity model
Duration
7 days
Results
Significantly reduced elevated ALT, AST, and ALP comparable to silymarin. Hepatoprotective effect confirmed by histopathological improvements.
How They Measured It
Liver enzymes, histopathology, antioxidant markers
Antidiabetic effects of B. diffusa extract in STZ-induced diabetes
Study Type
Antidiabetic study
Purpose
Antidiabetic effects of B. diffusa extract in STZ-induced diabetes
Dose
250-500mg/kg extract
Participants
STZ-induced diabetic rats
Duration
21 days
Results
Significant reduction in blood glucose and restoration of insulin levels. Improved GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle.
How They Measured It
Blood glucose, insulin levels, GLUT-4 expression
Anticancer properties of B. diffusa punarnavine alkaloid
Study Type
Anticancer study
Purpose
Anticancer properties of B. diffusa punarnavine alkaloid
Dose
Punarnavine 10-50µg/mL
Participants
HeLa, MCF-7 cancer cell lines
Duration
N/A
Results
Punarnavine induced apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway. Significantly reduced cancer cell viability without significant toxicity to normal cells.
How They Measured It
MTT assay, flow cytometry, apoptosis markers
B. diffusa nephroprotective role in renal disorders
Study Type
Nephroprotective review
Purpose
B. diffusa nephroprotective role in renal disorders
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Demonstrates nephroprotective effects in nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy, and oxalate stone formation. Clinical data shows reduction in urine protein and serum creatinine with 6-month use.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical and experimental studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Punarnava research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), involving 55 total participants. Research covers Kidney health & diuretic support, Oedema reduction, Liver protection and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study), and reported outcomes.
Punarnava has been researched for: Kidney health & diuretic support, Oedema reduction, Liver protection, Anti-inflammatory. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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