Herbs (Global Traditional) · Southeast Asian
Beluntas (Pluchea indica) (Pluchea indica)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Beluntas (Pluchea indica) contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that inhibit inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins through cyclooxygenase pathway modulation. Animal studies demonstrate cholesterol-lowering effects at 400-600 mg/kg daily doses.
Beluntas (Pluchea indica L. Less.) is a medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family, native to tropical regions including Thailand, Malaysia, and India where it grows wild and is cultivated as a hedge plant. The leaves are typically processed into herbal teas, infusions, capsules, or powdered extracts using aqueous decoctions or solvent-based extraction methods like Soxhlet extraction.
The available literature consists primarily of preclinical studies including animal models (rats fed high-fat diets) and in vitro cell culture studies (GBM8401, HeLa, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells), with no specific human clinical trials or PMIDs provided. The research explicitly notes that 'preclinical studies have demonstrated the pharmacological effects of P. indica extracts; however, limited data are' available, indicating a significant gap between traditional use and clinical validation.
Animal studies used 400-600 mg/kg daily for cholesterol effects, but human dosing cannot be extrapolated from this data. Available forms include infusions, capsules, and tea, though specific clinically studied human dosage ranges are not documented in the available literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Beluntas (Pluchea indica) leaves contain moderate protein content of approximately 8-12g per 100g dry weight, with carbohydrates around 40-50g per 100g dry weight and low fat content of 2-4g per 100g dry weight. Dietary fiber is estimated at 15-20g per 100g dry weight, contributing to its traditional use in digestive support. Moisture content in fresh leaves is approximately 70-80%. Key micronutrients include calcium (200-400mg per 100g dry weight), iron (approximately 15-25mg per 100g dry weight), and phosphorus (around 100-150mg per 100g dry weight), though precise validated values remain limited in peer-reviewed literature. Vitamin C is present in fresh leaves at approximately 20-40mg per 100g fresh weight, though heat-sensitive and degraded during cooking. Bioactive compounds are the most documented fraction: flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives are primary antioxidant constituents, with total flavonoid content reported at approximately 15-30mg quercetin equivalents per gram dry extract in preliminary studies. Essential oils contain cineole, camphor, and limonene, contributing to aromatic properties and potential antimicrobial activity. Alkaloids and tannins are present in small quantities, with tannin content approximately 2-5% dry weight. Chlorogenic acid and other phenolic acids have been identified as contributing phenolics. Bioavailability notes: fat-soluble bioactives such as flavonoid aglycones may benefit from consumption with dietary fat; traditional preparations often involve brief blanching which may reduce water-soluble vitamins but concentrate certain heat-stable phenolics.
Beluntas flavonoids and phenolic compounds inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammatory cascade activation. The cholesterol-lowering effects appear to involve HMG-CoA reductase pathway modulation. Digestive benefits may involve gastric acid regulation and smooth muscle relaxation through cholinergic pathways.
Current evidence is limited to preclinical animal studies and traditional use documentation. Animal models showed significant cholesterol reduction at 400-600 mg/kg daily over 4-8 week periods. Anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in vitro through prostaglandin inhibition assays. No human clinical trials have been published to validate traditional digestive and metabolic claims.
Safety data is limited due to lack of human studies. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but specific side effects are undocumented. Potential interactions with cholesterol medications and anti-inflammatory drugs due to similar pathways. Pregnancy and lactation safety unknown due to insufficient research. Consult healthcare providers before use, especially with existing medications.
