Picrasma Excelsa Uses, Benefits, And Remedies
Picrasma excelsa, commonly known as bitter leaf or bitter melon, is a medicinal herb native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
It is valued for its bitter taste and a range of health benefits, including supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, and enhancing liver function.
The herb contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which contribute to its therapeutic actions.
It can be prepared as an infusion, decoction, or tincture to harness its medicinal properties.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Picrasma excelsa.
The 11 best health benefits of Picrasma excelsa are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 11 best health benefits of Picrasma excelsa.
- Reduces Fever: Picrasma excelsa herb helps in reducing fever by its antipyretic properties, which lower body temperature.
- Treats Malaria: The herb is traditionally used to treat malaria due to its antimalarial compounds that inhibit the growth of the malaria parasite.
- Kills Bacterial Cells: Picrasma excelsa contains antibacterial compounds that effectively kill harmful bacterial cells.
- Cures Skin Diseases: The herb is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in curing various skin diseases.
- Treats Typhoid: Picrasma excelsa is used to treat typhoid due to its ability to combat the Salmonella typhi bacteria.
- Fights Parasitic Infections: The herb has antiparasitic properties that help in fighting various types of parasitic infections.
- Prevents Infections: Picrasma excelsa possesses antimicrobial properties that help in preventing infections by inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
- Fights Fungal Infections: The herb is effective in fighting fungal infections due to its antifungal compounds that destroy fungal cells.
- Prevents Inflammation: Picrasma excelsa has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing and preventing inflammation in the body.
- Treats Worm Infestations: The herb is used to treat worm infestations due to its anthelmintic properties that expel intestinal parasites.
- Relieves Joint Pain: Picrasma excelsa herb is known to relieve joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Bioactive Constituents
Picrasma excelsa stigmasterol, a plant-derived compound, is known for its diverse pharmacological properties.
It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which contribute to its traditional use in treating various ailments. Stigmasterol also plays a role in modulating cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines. Alongside stigmasterol, other medicinal constituents such as sitosterol, saponins, and picrasin are present in Picrasma excelsa.
Sitosterol, similar to stigmasterol, has cholesterol-lowering properties and may help in reducing cardiovascular risks. Saponins are known for their ability to enhance immune function and exhibit antimicrobial activity. Picrasin, another key constituent, is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it useful in treating conditions like arthritis and skin infections.
Together, these compounds contribute to the therapeutic potential of Picrasma excelsa, supporting its use in traditional medicine for a range of health benefits.
The 9 best bioactive constituents of Picrasma excelsa are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 11 best bioactive constituents of Picrasma excelsa.
- Stigmasterol: A plant sterol that may help reduce cholesterol levels and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Sitosterol: A phytosterol that can lower cholesterol absorption and has potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Saponins: Natural compounds that may help reduce cholesterol, have antimicrobial properties, and support immune function.
- Picrasin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, known for its medicinal use in traditional medicine.
- Quercitrin: A glycoside of quercetin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Oleanolic Acid: A triterpene with anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties.
- Ursolic Acid: A pentacyclic triterpene with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties.
- Rutin: A flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and may strengthen blood vessels.
- Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds with astringent properties, used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Medicinal Parts
Picrasma excelsa leaf has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potent therapeutic properties.
The leaves contain various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which contribute to their medicinal value. They are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including diarrhea and dysentery, due to their astringent and antimicrobial effects. The leaf's ability to reduce inflammation and combat microbial infections makes it a valuable component in traditional remedies.
Additionally, the leaves are sometimes used in the treatment of skin conditions and as a mild laxative, highlighting their diverse pharmacological applications.
The 3 best medicinal parts of Picrasma excelsa are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 3 best medicinal parts of Picrasma excelsa.
Herbal Preparations
Picrasma excelsa teas are a popular method of utilizing this herb, often prepared by steeping dried leaves or roots in hot water to extract its active compounds.
This herbal tea is valued for its potential digestive benefits and is commonly consumed to support liver function and detoxification processes. Unlike simple infusions, decoctions involve boiling the tougher parts of the plant, such as roots, for a longer period to release more potent compounds.
Tinctures made from Picrasma excelsa are another effective preparation, where the herb is soaked in alcohol or glycerin to create a concentrated extract that can be taken in smaller doses. Additionally, the herb is available in capsule form for convenience, making it easy to incorporate into daily routines, while essential oils derived from Picrasma excelsa are used in aromatherapy for their purported calming and cleansing properties.
Each preparation method offers unique benefits and can be tailored to suit individual health needs and preferences.
The 5 best herbal preparations of Picrasma excelsa are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 5 best herbal preparations of Picrasma excelsa.
- Teas: Picrasma excelsa tea is used to support digestive health and may help reduce inflammation due to its mild astringent properties.
- Decoctions: Picrasma excelsa decoctions are traditionally used to promote liver function and may aid in detoxification processes in the body.
- Tinctures: Picrasma excelsa tinctures are valued for their potential to support immune function and may be used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections.
- Capsules: Picrasma excelsa capsules provide a convenient form of the herb, often used to support overall vitality and enhance general well-being.
- Oils: Picrasma excelsa oils are applied topically to relieve skin irritations and may have antimicrobial properties that support skin health.
Side Effects of picrasma excelsa
Picrasma excelsa induces nausea feeling due to its bitter compounds that stimulate the digestive system and can overactivate the stomach lining.
Picrasma excelsa provokes allergic reaction because it contains various bioactive compounds that may trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals. Picrasma excelsa brings skin rashes as its active ingredients can cause irritation and inflammation when they come into contact with the skin.
Picrasma excelsa leads to skin irritation due to the presence of compounds that may disrupt the skin's barrier function and cause redness or discomfort.
The 11 most common side effects of Picrasma excelsa are shown in the image below.
The list below give a brief description of the 11 most common side effects of Picrasma excelsa.
- Induces Nausea Feeling: May cause a sensation of queasiness or an urge to vomit.
- Provokes Allergic Reaction: May trigger an immune response leading to symptoms like itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- Brings Skin Rashes: May result in red, itchy patches or bumps on the skin.
- Leads To Skin Irritation: May cause redness, inflammation, or discomfort on the skin.
- Causes Vision Blurring: May lead to temporary difficulty in focusing or clarity of vision.
- Brings Breathing Difficulty: May cause shortness of breath or labored breathing.
- Induces Heart Palpitations: May result in an irregular or rapid heartbeat sensation.
- Causes Throat Irritation: May lead to a sore, scratchy, or inflamed sensation in the throat.
- Provokes Digestive Issues: May cause problems with digestion such as bloating or cramping.
- Causes Stomach Upset: May lead to discomfort, cramps, or an upset stomach.
- Provokes Headache Pain: May result in a throbbing or dull pain in the head.