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Family Molluginaceae
Lobio
Glinus lotoides L.
LOTUS SWEETJUICE

Xing su cao

Scientific names Common names
Doosera esculenta Roxb. ex Wight & Arn. Amargoso-babi (Pamp.)
Glinus astrolasion zipp. ex Span. Lobio (Tag.)
Glinus dahomensis A.Chev. Papait-ti-nuang (Ilk.)
Glinus dictamnoides Burm.f. Damascisa (Engl.)
Glinus lotoides Linn. Glinus (Engl.)
Glinus lotoides var. candidus Fenzl Hairy carpet weed (Engl.)
Glinus lotoides var. micrantha Pitot ex Täch. & Boulos Lotus sweet juice (Engl.)
Glinus lotoides var. macrantha Pitot ex Täch. & Boulos  
Glinus lotoides var. micrantha Pitot ex Täch. & Boulos  
Glinus lotoides var. pedicellatus Domin  
Glinus lotoides var. virens Fenzl  
Glinus micranthus Boiss.  
Glinus ononoides Burm.f.  
Glinus parviflorus Wall.  
Mollugo glinus A.Rich.  
Mollugo glinus var. dictamnoides (Burm.f.) Maire  
Mollugo glinus var. lotoides (L.) Maire  
Mollugo glinus var. virens (Fenzl) Oliv.  
Mollugo hirta Thunb.  
Mollugo hirta var. lotoides (L.) C.B.Clarke  
Mollugo lotoides (L.) Arcang.  
Pharnaceum pentagynum Roxb.  
Tryphera prostata hirtum Blume  
Mollugo lotoides (L.) Kuntze is a synonym of Glinus lotoides L.
Glinus lotoides L. is an accepted species. KEW: Plants of the World Online

Other vernacular names
ARABIC: Moghua, Moghera.
CHINESE; Xing su cao.
BENGALI: Duserasag.
ETHIOPIA: Mettere, Amkin, Merkato.
GUJARATI: Gholo okhrad, Meetho okhrad.
HINDI: Gandhi-buti, Bakada, dholakani, Hata.
KANNADA: Chandrakaasi soppu.
MARATHI: Kotak, Kadi-bhaji.
PAKISTAN: Kotak.
SANSKRIT: Ushandi, Bhissata, Okharad.i
TAMIL: Cheruppadai, Ceruppati, Ciru-ceruppadai.
TELUGU: Chadrasi koora, Thella poraku

Gen info
- Glinus is a genus of tropical and subtropical plants in the family Molluginaceae. Plants in the genus are sometimes called sweetjuice. (23)

Botany
Lobio is a spreading or prostrate, much branched, annual herb, with branches 20 to 50 centimeters long. All parts are densely stellate-pubescent, with short gray hairs. Leaves are opposite or whorled, broadly obovate, and 1 to 3 centimeters in length. Flowers are fascicled, sessile or shortly pedicelled, greenish, and about 5 millimeters long. Sepals are densely hairy outside. Capsule is ovoid, and somewhat shorter than the sepals. Seeds are small, brown or black, very numerous, and appendaged at the hilum.

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- In open, waste places about towns, in rice paddies, etc., at low and medium altitudes, in Ilocos Norte to Rizal Provinces in Luzon.

- Pantropic.

Constituents
- Study yielded Stidmollugogenol-F, a new triterpenoid sapogenin – 3β,16β,22-trihydroxyisohopane. (1)
- Seeds contain protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, moisture, sugar profile, fatty acids. (7)

- Phytochemical screening yielded anthroquinones, alkaloids, steroids, saponin, tannin, flavonoids, terpenoids, coumarins and quinones. Seeds contains protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, moisture, sugar profile, fatty acids. (13)
- Seeds yielded four new hopane-type saponins, glinusides F, G, H, and I, and the known succulentodise B, as well as two known flavones 5,7,4‘-trihydroxyflavone-6,8-di-C-glucoside (vicenin-2) and 5,7,4‘-trihydroxyflavone-8-C-sophoroside (vitexin-2‘ ‘-O-glucoside). (15)
- Nutritive content analysis (%) of root (R), shoot (S), and fruit (F) showed: crude protein 6.48 R, 11.38 S, 11.39 F; crude fat 30.19 R, 22.32 S, 18.53 F; total ash 5.72 R, 15.46 S, 23.70 F; nitrogen free extract (NFE) 57.00 R, 49.94 S, 45.41 F; organic matter 94.00 R, 84.54 S, 76.30 F; carbohydrates 87.00 R, 72.24 S, 62.44 F; calcium 3.54 R, 4.76 S, 6.74 F; phosphorus 1.66 R, 1.03 S, 1.24 F. (16)
- Methanol extract yielded flavonoids, sterols, alkaloids, triterpenoids, triterpenes, tannins, saponins, and coumarins. (see study below) (21)
- Study of roots isolated three new hopane saponins, lotoidosides A-C (1-3), and four new oleanane saponins, lotoidosides D-G (4-7). (see study below) (22)

Properties
- Purgative, anthelmintic, wound healing, antibacterial.
- Studies have shown anthelmintic, mollusicidal, wound healing, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic,, antiproliferative, anti-ulcer properties.

Parts used
Dried plant, seeds.

Uses

Edibility
- Tender shoots used as pot herb.
- Young leaves and stems are used as vegetable in some tropical countries.
Folkloric
- In Punjab, herb given as purgative in diseases of the abdomen.
- In
Sindh, dried plant prescribed by native practitioners for diarrhea.
- Applied to itches and skin diseases.
- In
Ethiopia, seeds of Glinus lotoides used in treatment of tapeworm infestation and stomaches. Used for treatment of diabetes.
-
In
Sidda medicine, whole plant used to cure vata diseases, gunmam, soolai, mandham, mega noigal (syphilis), leucorrhea, kapha diseases. (13)
- In Pakistan, poultice of leaves applied over wounds and inflammation. Plant ground in water taken orally as blood purifier in syphilis. Crushed fresh leaves in water drunk to expel intestinal worms. (17)
Others
- Fodder: Used as fodder for goats.


Studies
Toxicity Study / Seeds:
Methanolic extract of seeds of G. lotoides and flowers of Hagenia abyssinica were used in repeated dose toxicity studies. Single-dose toxicity study suggested the LD50 of the crude extract of Glinus lotoides might be greater than or equal to 5000 mg/kg. In repeated dose toxicity study of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, no mortality was observed when administered per day for 28 days. (2)
Toxicity Study / Seeds: Study evaluated single and repeated dose oral toxicities of ME of seeds of Glinus lotoides in rats. Various doses of 0, 1000, and 5000 mg/kg crude extract of Gl lotoides were used in single dose toxicity test, while 0, 250, 500, and 100 mg/kg were used in repeated toxicity studies. In single dose toxicity test, 5000 mg/kg produced mortality in two female and one male rat on day 4. No significant difference was noted in body and organ weights in surviving animals. In the 28-day repeated dose study, no mortality was observed, with no significant differences in body weight, no differences in most hematological parameters examined, and no histopathological changes. (3)
Genotoxicity / DNA Damaging Effect / Saponins: Study evaluated the potential genotoxicity of G. lotoides crude extracts. Fractions containing hopane-type saponins exhibited pronounced DNA damaging effect without affecting the viability of the cells. Further studies are needed before culprit saponins can be cited for reported genotoxicity. (6)
Anticancer Activity / Nutritional Value / Seeds: Methanol and n-hexane extracts showed differential growth inhibitory responses in carcinoma cell lines (Calu3 IC50 29.7 and 79.8 µg/ml; Caco-2 IC50 609.7 and 74.6 µg/ml, respectively). The extracts induced significant apoptosis in the cancer cells (p<0.05) at 100 µg/mL. The amount of protein, carbohydrate, fat, ash, moisture, sugar profile and fatty acids support the nutritional value of the seeds. (7)
Anthelmintic Activity: Extract of seeds was evaluated for in-vivo anthelminthic activity in albino mice infested with Hymenolepsis nana worms. Results showed the seed extract to be active in both single and multiple doses, although more effective in multiple doses. (8)
Molluscicidal / Cercariacidal / Fruits: Study evaluated aqueous and ethyl acetate crude extracts of fruits for cercariacidal activity and molluscicidal effect against schistosome snail intermediate hosts. Results showed molluscicidal activity against B. pfeifferi snails and cercariacidal activity against S. mansoni. (11)
Wound Healing / Antibacterial: Study evaluated the wound healing potential and antibacterial activity of chloroform extract from GL. Results showed a wound healing effect evidenced by a high tensile strength and antibacterial activity. Wound healing activity was attributed to flavanoids and glycosides.   (12)
Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis: Study presents an eco-friendly method of plant-mediated gold nanoparticle formation using extracts of G. lotoides as reducing agent. (14)
Haemostatic Activity: Study evaluated succulent leaf extracts of six medicinal plants for haemostatic activity in fresh punch wounds in a rabbit model. Glinus lotoides induced haemostasis in 35.00 ± 2.29 seconds compared to automatic haemostasis of 120.00 sec ±2.91 seconds. (18)
Antidiabetic Activity / Seed: In Ethiopia, it is used for the treatment of diabetes. Study evaluated in the vitro diabetic effect of G. lotoides seeds using carbohydrate and lipid metabolizing enzymes inhibition assay in normoglycemic, oral glucose-loaded and Streptozotocin (150 mg/kg)-nicotinamide (65 mg/kg)-elicited type 2 diabetic rats. Extract LD50 was greater than 2 g/kg. Seed extract significantly lowered blood glucose in normoglycemmic rats (p<0.05-0.001). Highest dose showed 41.1% reduction in blood glucose level of glucose-loaded rats (p<0.001). All doses significantly ameliorated glucose levels after 4 weeks of therapy (p<0.05-0.001). Results showed safety and glucolipotoxicity inhibition potential of the seed extract, suggesting potential as a viable anti-diabetic lead for subsequent studies.. (19)
Antidepressant / Modulation of Antioxidant and Inflammatory Biomarkers in a Depression Model: Study evaluated the protective role of G. lotoides ethanolic extract in a depression model through modulation of oxidant/antioxidant enzyme system and inflammatory status. Behavioral analysis was evaluated using open field, tail suspension, forced swim, sucrose preference test. Phytochemical studies confirmed presence of phenols and flavonoids and HPLC showed presence of gallic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic and caffeic acid. Total oxidant was significantly decreased, while total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased. The extract diminished MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α and IL-6. Results showed significant antidepressant activity via modulation of oxidative and biochemical parameters. (20)
Anti-Ulcerogenic Activity: Study evaluated a methanolic extract of Glinus lotoides for anti-ulcerogenic activity in four different models viz. aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rat,  HCl-ethanol induced ulcer in mice, water immersion stress induced ulcer in rats, and histamine-induced gastric acid secretion in rat's stomach. Results showed markedly decreased incidence of aspirin-induced ulcer. The extract antagonized histamine effect and blocked the stimulant effect of HCl on guinea pig atrium. It reduced water induced immersion ulcer by 49.16%. Study confirmed the antiulcerogenic activity of the extracts. (21)
Antiproliferative Hopane and Oleanane Glycosides Against Cancer Cell Lines / Roots: Study of roots isolated three new hopane saponins, lotoidosides A-C (1-3), and four new oleanane saponins, lotoidosides D-G (4-7).   Using murine and human culture cell lines J774.A1, HEK-293, and WEHI-164, compounds 1 and 3-7 showed significant cytotoxicity against the three cancer cell lines with IC50s ranging from -0.018 to 0.62 µM, while compound 2 would weak activity against HEK-293.  (22)
Antidiabetic Activity / Leaves: Study evaluated the hypoglycemic effects of leaves from Glinus lotoides in streptozotocin-induced Wistar diabetic rats. Defatted leaves were administered orally in doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 28 days. Acute toxicity study with dose of 5000 mg/kbw resulted in no mortality after 7 days of treatment. Results showed the hydroalcoholic extract of GL leaves exhibited significant antihyperglycemic effect in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Reduction in HbA1c demonstrated the extract's capacity to regulate diabetes. The extract improved levels of antioxidant and metabolizing enzymes, liver glycogen HbA1C and regeneration of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. (24)

Availability
Wild-crafted.

© Godofredo U. Stuart Jr., M.D. / StuartXchange

Updated May 2023 / July 2018 / September 2016

PHOTOS / ILLUSTRATIONS
IMAGE SOURCES: Glinus lotoides / 2 images / Leaves / Flowers / The Flora of our Environment / Copyright © / Non-commercial use / FloraCatalana.net
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Photograph: Glinus lotoides / Dinesh Valke  / CC  BY-SA 2.0 Generic  / Wikimedia Commons

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
The structure of mollugogenol-f, a new triterpenoid sapogenin from Mollugo hirt / Manash Kumar Choudhury, Parul Chakrabarti / Phytochemistry, Volume 18, Issue 8, 1979, Pages 1363-1365 / doi:10.1016/0031-9422(79)83023-X
(2)
Toxicological Study of Glinus lotoides and Hagenia abyssinica: Traditionally used Taenicidal Herbs in Ethiopia / Jemal Demma Kimmo / Thesis / July 2005
(3)
Toxicological study on Glinus lotoides: A traditionally used taenicidal herb in Ethiopia / Jemal Demmaa, Tsige Gebre-Mariamb, Kaleab Asresc, Wondwossen Ergetied, Ephrem Engidaworka / Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007; 111(3): pp 451–457 / DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.12.017 / PMID: 17210235
(4)
Glinus lotoides L. (accepted name) / Chinese names / Catalogue of Life, China
(5)
Accelerated Stability Studies of Glinus lotoides Tablets
/ Y Tesfa, K Asres, T Gebre-Mariam / Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Journal Vol. 25 (1) 2007: pp. 43-50
(6)
An in vitro Study on the DNA Damaging Effects of Phytochemicals Partially Isolated from an Extract of Glinus lotoides / Jemal Demma, Hesham El-Seedi, Ephrem Engidawork, Teshome Leta Aboye, Ulf Göransson, Björn Hellman / Phytotherapy Research, 2013; 27(4): pp 507–514 / DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4744
(7)
Anticancer activity and nutritional value of extracts of the seed of Glinus lotoides. / Mengesha AE, Youan BB./ J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2010; 56(5): pp 311-318 /
DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.56.311
(8)
In vivo Anthelminthic activity of the extract of the seeds of GLINUS LOTOIDES in Albino Mice infested with Hymenolepis Nana Worms. / Abebe Endale; Moges Kassa; Tsige Gebre-Mariam / Ethiop Pharm. J, Vol 16,
pp 34-41.
(9)
Lotus Sweetjuice / Common names / Flowers of India
(10)
Glinus lotoides L. / Synonyms / KEW: Plants of the World Online
(11)
Laboratory assessment of molluscicidal and cercariacidal effects of Glinus lotoides fruits / Gebrehiwot Kiros, Berhanu Erko, Mirutse Giday, Yalemtsehay Mekonnen / BMC Research Notes, April 2014, 7:220
(12)
WOUND HEALING AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE CHLOROFORM EXTRACT OF GLINUS LOTOIDES LINN. IN ALBINO RATS / http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.405.8666
(13)
Glinus lotoides (Ciru-Ceruppadai): An overview / S. Bhavani /
Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2015, 7(8):676-682
(14)
Facile fabrication of gold nanoparticles using Glinus lotoides extract / Aneesa E.H, Lalitha P and Jannathul Firdhouse M / International Journal of Applied Sciences and Innovation , Vol. 2016, no. 1, pp. 24-33
(15)
Hopane-Type Saponins from the Seeds of Glinus lotoides / Abebe Endale, Victor Wray, Renato Murillo, Peter C. Schmidt, and Irmgard Merfort * / J. Nat. Prod., 2005, 68 (3), pp 443–446
/ DOI: 10.1021/np049587b
(16)
Nutritive contents of two plant species growing in western Rajasthan / Baga Ram , Navdeep S. Bains / Indian J.Pharm.Biol.Res. 2014; 2(3):1-2
(17)
ETHNOMEDICINAL USES OF HERBS FROM NORTHERN PART OF NARA DESERT, PAKISTAN / RAHMATULLAH QURESHI*, G. RAZA BHATTI AND RABIA ASMA MEMON / Pak. J. Bot., 42(2): 839-851, 2010.
(18)
COMPARATIVE HAEMOSTATIC EFFICACY OF SUCCULENT LEAF EXTRACTS AND LATEX OF SOME WOUND HEALING PLANTS ON FRESH WOUND OF RABBIT / Shibabrata Pattanayak, Tapan Kumar Mandal, Pratip Kumar Debnath, Anup Kr. Das, Susanta Kumar Bandyopadhyay / Exploratory Animal and Medical Research, 2012; 5(1): pp 20-26
(19)
Glinus lotoides linn. Seed extract as antidiabetic agent: In vitro and in vivo anti-glucolipotoxicity efficacy in Type-II diabetes mellitus / Woretaw Sisay, Yared Andargie, Mulugeta Molla, Getaye Tessema,  Pradeep Singh / Metabol Open, 2022; 14:  100189 / DOI: 10.1016/j.metop.2022.100189 / PMID: 35637658
(20)
Glinus lotoides ethanolic extract alleviates LPS-induced anxiety and depression-like behavior by modulating antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers in rats / Ambreen Mehmood Awan, Wafa Majeed, Hafiza Arooj Kanwal, Sobia Fiaz et al / Asiasn Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2022; 12(2): pp 78-86 / DOI: 10.4103/2221-1691-335696
(21)
Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the crude methanolic extract of Glinus lotoides / Amna Elhassan Hamad Mohammed, Sania A I Shaddad, Osama Yousuf Mohammed / J Pharm Biomed Sci., 2015; 5(Suppl2): pp 6-14
(22)
Antiproliferative Hopane and Oleanane Glycosides from the Roots of Glinus lotoides /  Arafa I Hamed, Sonia Piacente, Giuseppina Autore, Setgania Marzocco, Cosimo Pizza,  Wieslaw Oleszek / Planta Med 2005; 71(6): pp 554-560
(23)
Glinus lotoides / Wikipedia
(24)
Antihyperglycemic Activity Of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract Of Glinus Lotoides (Ser.) Leaves In Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats / Ragisha Francis, Jayesh Dwivedi / Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 2022; 13(SpecIss 10) / DOI: 10.47750/pnr.2022.13.S10.461

DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)

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