Oldenlandia diffusa

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Oldenlandia diffusa, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Oldenlandia diffusa has shown anticancer effects in lab studies, but human data are lacking.

O. diffusa is an herb found in East Asia and Southern China. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of liver diseases, snake bites, and tumors. Laboratory studies suggest that this herb may inhibit the growth of cancer cells and stimulate the immune system to destroy or engulf tumor cells. Animal studies show that certain chemicals found in this herb may help lower cholesterol and have anti-inflammatory effects.

More research is necessary to confirm whether this herb can be used safely and effectively for any condition in humans.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Hepatitis
    There are no data to support this claim.
  • Cancer
    Lab and animal studies suggest anticancer properties, but human data are lacking.
  • Snake bite
    Although traditionally used to treat snake bites, there are no studies to back this claim.
  • Arthritis
    A compound from O. diffusa may have anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies, but this has not been confirmed in humans.
  • High cholesterol
    Animal studies identified compounds from O. diffusa that may lower cholesterol levels, but human studies have not been conducted.

What else do I need to know?

Patient Warnings:

Poor quality control has been reported with products containing of O. diffusa. Two similar species – Corymbosa LAM and Oldenlandia tenelliflora BL – are commonly used as substitutes for Herba Oldenlandiae, the powdered form of O. diffusa.