Gen info
- Heliotropium is a genus of flowering plants traditionally included in the family Boraginaceae s.il., but placed in the family Heliotropiaceae within the Boraginales order, by the Boraginales Working Group. There are about 325 species in the cosmopolitan genus, which are commonly known as heliotropes. They are highly toxic to dogs and cats, as well as to humans. (56)
- Etymology: The genus name Heliotropium derives from the Greek word helios for "sun" and trepein  meaning "to turn",  referring to the old idea that the inflorescences of these plants turned their row of flowers to the sun.
- In classical myth from Ovid's Metamorphoses,the water nymph Clytie, in love with the sun god Helios   but scorned by him, causing her to waste away, transformed into the heliotrope, whose flowers always faced the sun. (56)
- Toxicity: Heliotropes are popular garden plants; some are weeds; many are hepatotoxic if eaten, due to abundance of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Although unplalatable and ignored by most animals, horses, swine, and cattle have been poisoned due to contamination of hay. (56)

Botany
• Trompang elepante is an annual, erect, branched, hirsute plant, 15 to 50 centimeters high. Leaves are opposite or alternate, ovate to oblong-ovate, somewhat hairy, acute or acuminate, base decurrent along the petiole, 3 to 8 centimeters long. Flowers are small, and borne on one side of curved, terminal, or leaf-opposed spikes which are 3 to 8 centimeters long. Calyx is green. Corolla is pale lavender to nearly white, funnel-shaped, and about 5 millimeters long, with a slender and cylindric tube and the limb 3 to 3.5 millimeters in diameter. Stamens are 5, inserted on the corolla tube. Ovary completely or imperfectly 4-celled, 4 ovules, style terminal or leaf opposed, 3 to 10 centimeters long, flowers all in one side, the lower ones opening first. Fruit id 4 to 5 millimeters long, composed of 2, ovoid, beaked nutlets.

• Growth form: Annual herb with erect growth form. Foliage: Leaves are egg-shaped to oblong (3-9 cm long, 2-4 cm wide) with a wavy leaf margin. Leaf surface is covered in short hairs which may be quite stiff. The leaf blade extends down the length of the petiole. Leaf arrangement is alternate (one leaf per node on alternating sides of the stem) or subopposite (leaves are nearly paired but slightly set apart). Flowers: Small flowers (3-4 mm wide) are light purple or white with a yellow center. They are salverform, having a narrow tube with lobes forming a plate-like shape that is perpendicular to the tube. The narrow inflorescence resembles a string of beads with a distinct curl at the tip. Only a small number of flowers open slightly below the tip of the inflorescence. Fruit: Dry, indehiscent fruits are known as nutlets. They are egg-shaped and beaked (4-5 mm long). (Flora & Fauna Web)

Parts used
· Entire plant.
· May be collected throughout the year.
· Rinse, use fresh.

Constituents
- Stems and leaves contain tannin and an alkaloidal principle.
- Study isolated a major alkaloid, heliotrine, from the seed of Heliotropium indicum. (8)
- Phytochemical screening yielded phytosterols, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds.
- Phytochemical screening of various extracts of aerial parts yielded alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, and flavonoids.
- Study of n-butanol fraction yielded two compounds viz., pestalamide B (1) and glycinamide, N-(1-oxooctadecyl)glycyl-L-alanylglycyl-L-histidyl (2). (see study below) (34)
- An ethanol leaf extract yielded alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic compounds and tannins, saponins, proteins and amino acids, and flavonoids.. (see study below) (35)
- Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract of whole plant yielded steroids, alkaloids, triterpenes, saponins and tannins. (see study below) (39)
- GC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract of leaves yielded squalene (23.84), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (20.14) and phytol (14.38). (46)

Properties
· No taste, cooling effect, insecticide-antidermatosis.
· Leaves are emollient and diuretic.
· Drug causes contraction of muscular fibers, mucous membranes and other tissues.
· Studies have suggest antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, diuretic, wound healing, repellent, gastroprotective, immunostimulant, abortifacient and antiimplantation, antibiotic resistance-modifying, hepatoprotective properties.

Toxicity concern
- Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) is found virtually in all plants in the Boraginaceae family. PAs have been shown to cause toxic reactions in humans, primarily veno-occlusive disease, when taken as herbal medicine or with food. It has also believed to cause liver damage. (9)

Uses
Edibility
· Although there are occasional reports of use of leaves as vegetable, the plant is generally not considered edible because of the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. (see toxicity concern above)
Folkloric
· In the Philippines, decoction of dried roots used as emmenagogue.
· Few seeds, masticated and eaten, said to be a good stomachic.
· Skin pruritus, scabies: use pounded fresh material (quantity sufficient combine with kerosene applied over the afflicted area.)
· Concentrated decoction may also be used as external wash over afflicted area.
· Decoction of leaves used for washing cuts and sores; also used for the treatment of cholera.
· Decoction of leaves used as pectoral and antiscabious.
· Poultice of pounded leaves or bruised leaves applied to wounds and boils; also, inflamed joints.
· Juice of leaves used for facial acne, gum-boils, sores and wounds.
· Sap of leaves, mixed with salt, used for clearing vision.
· Plant used for ear and skin infections.
· Leaves used for poulticing herpes and rheumatism.
· Decoction of leaves and flowers used as gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis.
· Flowers in small doses are emmenagogue; in large doses, abortive.
· In Mexico, decoction of roots or any plant part used for asthma.
· In Liberia, considered and used as "erysipelas" plant.
· In India, juice of leaves used for treating sores and insect bites.
· Leaf juice given to infants for cough.
· In Costa Rica, leaves are crushed and used as resolvent for abscesses and furuncles.
· In Indo-China, decoction of leaves used for urticaria.
· In Nigeria, used for fevers and ulcers.
· Sino-Annamites used the plant for beri-beri.
· In West Africa, used for vomiting, amenorrhea, high blood pressure; sap applied to gumboils, clean up ulcers and for eye infections.
· In Jamaica, plant decoction used for treatment of fever, sore throat, and venereal diseases.
· In Ghana used to treat systemic and ocular ocular disorders.
· In Sierra Leone , decoction of leaves used for washing new-born babies.
· In Senegal, leaf powder used for dermatitis, eczema, impetigo in children.
· In Indonesia, leaf decoction is used for thrush; poultices used for herpes and rheumatism.
· In Thailand, traditionally used for wound healing.
· In Taiwan, a folk remedy for sore throat and lung diseases.
· In India and Bangladesh, used for treatment of diabetes.
· In Benin, used to treat splenomegaly, hypertension, fever, leucorrhea, candidiasis, dementia, colic, eczema, impetigo, and malaria. (53)
· In Nigeria, leaf juice mixed with castor oil applied locally for treatment of gonorrhea. In Myanmar, decoction of whole plant is used for gonorrhea. Leaf juice used for stings and boils of scorpion and insect bite. Boiled juice with castor oil used to treat mad dog bite infection. In Thailand, dried and powdered inflorescences mixed with milk or water is used for 3 days beginning the fourth day of menses for permanent sterilization in females. In African countries, reported use for treatment of malaria, renal failure, urinary tract infections.

Studies
• Gastroprotective / Leaves: Study of the aqueous extracts of dried leaves of Heliotropium indicum showed dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. (1) Phytochemical analysis yielded alkaloid, saponins and tannins. A gastroprotective function is through its ability to mobilize endogenous prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa, and may be in part due to tannins and saponin constituents. (11)
• Wound Healing: Study of 10% topical application increased the percentage of wound contraction, increased tensile strength and decreased time of healing from rapid epithelization and collagenization. (•)
Ethanolic extract of HI showed to have better wound healing activity than P zeylanicum and A indica. (5) Study evaluated the wound healing rate of 100% Trompang Elepante extract applied topically on incision-induced wounds in albino mice. Results showed significant decrease in wound length in seven days. (59)
• Wound Healing / Leaves: Study evaluated various leaf extracts for wound healing activity in rats using excision, incision, and dead space wound models. Results showed significant promotion of wound healing with methanol and aqueous extracts. In the wound infection model (Staph aureus and P. aeruginosa), the methanol extract showed significant healing activity compared to standard nitrofurazone. In the dead space wound model, there was significant increase in granulation tissue weight, increased hydroxyproline content, and increased activity of SOD and catalase level in extract treated animals. (13)
• Anti-Tumor: Isolated oxide of alkaloid indicine from HI showed significant anti-tumor activity in carcinosarcoma, leukemia, and melanoma tumor systems.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Study of H indicum produced significant anti-inflammatory effect in both acute and subacute models of inflammation, with activities comparable to acetylsalicylic acid and phenylbutazone respectively.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Petroleum and ethanol extracts exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory activity compared with ketorolac trimethamine as standard.
• Anti-Tuberculosis: Study of the volatile oil from the aerial parts of HI showed significant antituberculosis activity against M tuberculosis. The major constituents were phytol, e-dodecanol, and ß-linalool. (4)
• Anti-Tumor / Indicine N-Oxide: Extract study yielded an active principle, an N-oxide of the alkaloid indicine, which showed significant activity in several experimental tumor systems. (6)
• Anti-Proliferative: One of nine Thai medicinal plants studied on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line; all extracts showed IC50 in the potential range for activity against cancer cells. (7)
• Heliotrine / Alkaloid / Seed: A 1982 study reported on the isolation of a major alkaloid from the seeds of Heliotropium indicum. It was found to possess ganglion blocking activity. (8)
• Immunostimulant Effect: Dried leaves extract significantly increased in vitro phagocytic index and lymphyocyte viability in all assays, increase in antibody titer and delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice. Results conclude a dose-dependent immunostimulant effect, probably due to the alkaloid content or combination of other components. (10)
• Repellent Effect: In a search for insecticides and antifeedants of plant origin against Utetheisa pulchella, H indicum killed 56% of the young larvae but did not affect fifth- and sixth-instar larvae. (12)
• Antimicrobial / Phytochemical Screening: Antimicrobial screening of various extracts of aerial parts showed significant zones of inhibition against 70% of the test organisms. Extracts yielded alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, and flavonoids while phlobotannins, steroids, coumarin, and cardiac glycosides were absent in all the crude extracts. (15) Aqueous and chloroform extracts were screened for antibacterial activity against seven bacterial and five fungal organisms. The aqueous extract showed more significant activity than the chloroform extract. Maximum zone of inhibition was seen with E. coli among the bacteria, and Ganoderma lucida among the fungal strains. (36)
• Analgesic / Stem: Study of hydroalcoholic extract of the stem of H. indicum in a hot plate model showed significant analgesic effect compared to the standard drug Diclofenac. (16)
• Antimicrobial: Study evaluated an alcoholic extract of H. indicum for antimicrobial activity against four strains each of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, and three strains of fungi and two yeast. Results showed dose-dependent antimicrobial activity to all the test organisms. (20)
• Immune Function Activity / Leaves: Study evaluated the immunostimulatory activity of H. indicum in in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Dried leaves significantly increased the in vitro phagocytic index and lymphocyte viability in all assays. It also showed an increase in antibody titer, carbon clearance, and delayed type hypersensitivity in mice. In conclusion, H. indicum showed dose-dependent immunostimulant effect, which may be attributed to the alkaloid content or combination of components. (21)
• Antibacterial / Antioxidant / Cytotoxic: Study evaluated the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of H. indicum. A methanolic extract showed good antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and mild to moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis and B. megaterium. Extract showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 of 58.30 µg/ml compared to ascorbic acid with 45.74 µg/ml. On brine shrimp lethality bioassay, it showed significant cytotoxic activity with LC50 of 6.607 µg/ml compared to vincristine sulfate with 6.026 µg/ml. (23)
• Antifertility / Abortifacient: Study evaluated n-hexane fractions of ethanol extract of H. indicum for antifertility activity in rats using anti-implantation and abortifacient models. Results showed promising abortifacient activity and moderate effects on implantation and sperm motility. (24) (25)
• Anthelmintic: Study evaluated the anthelmintic potential of H. indicum, Senna fistula, and Spigella anthemia using nematodes larvae from sheep and adult earthworms. Results showed anthelmintic activity: H. indicum > S. fistula > S. anthelmia. Acetone and ethanol extracts showed the most effective activity. Results validate the use of the plants as worm expellers by the Yorubas tribe of South West Nigeria. (26)
• Anti-Diarrheal Effect / Leaves: Study evaluated the anti-diarrheal activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of H. indicum and W. indica using charcoal meal test and castor oil induced diarrhea model in rats. Both plants showed significant decrease (p<0.05) in propulsion of charcoal meal test through the GIT. (27)
• Oral and Ocular Safety Profile: Study evaluated the safety profile of sub-chronic oral and ocular use in rodents to provide a predictive basis for human usage. Results showed the extract to be safe for topical ocular application; however, medium term oral use induced subtle kidney, liver, and spleen toxicities. (28)
• Analgesic Activity / Safety Assessment: Study evaluated the analgesic and safety assessment of H. indicum using formalin-induced pain model in mice. Morphine and diclofenac sodium were used as reference opioid and NSAID. Results showed analgesic activity and was well tolerated in acute toxicity studies. However, it can have cumulative toxic effects and prolonged and continuous use is not advised. (29)
• Antianaphylactic / Antihistaminic / Leaves: Study evaluated an alcoholic extract of H. indicum leaves for antianaphylactic activity in rats using active anaphylaxis model. Antihistaminic activity in guinea pigs was studied using histamine-induced bronchospasm. Results showed both antianaphylactic and antihistaminic activity attributed to mast cell stabilizing potential, suppression of IgE, and inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators. (30)
• Diuretic / Leaves: Study evaluated the diuretic activity of chloroform and ethanol extract of leaves. The extracts showed significant diuretic activity as evidenced by increase in total urine volume and urine concentration of Na, K, and Cl. Furosemide was used as standard. (31)
• Cytotoxic Effect / HeLa Cell Line / Stem and Leaf: Study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic effect of H. indicum against human cancer cell line (HeLa). Results showed the methanolic extracts of stem and leaf showed good amount of anticancer activity. The IC50 for both extracts showed to be 200 µg/ml with the stem extract showing excellent activity up to 64.5% at 200 µg. followed by the leaf extract at 49.6% at 200 µg/ml. (32)
• Anti-Cataract Potential / Myth or Reality: Study aimed to verify the anti-cataract properties of aqueous whole plant extract of H. indicum. Results showed the extract, at all doses, significantly alleviated selenite-induced cataracts (p≥ 0.001). The extract exhibited activity relevant for scavenging free radicals and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Results showed significant inhibition of cataract development in rats via multiple mechanisms. (33)
• Wound Healing Compounds: Study evaluated the wound healing effect of n-butanol fraction in H292-cells. The wound healing effect was attributed to two compounds isolated viz., pestalamide B (1) and glycinamide, N-(1-oxooctadecyl)glycyl-L-alanylglycyl-L-histidyl (2). The wound healing effect compared with the control (p<0.05). (34)
• Antipyretic / Leaves: Study evaluated an ethanolic leaf extract of H. indicum for antipyretic activity in rats using Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, the extract significantly reduced the temperature of pyretic rats. The presence of flavonoids may contribute to the antipyretic activity in addition to an analgesic effect. (see constituents above) (35)
• Receptor Activity on Smooth Muscle: Study sought to find the receptors that possible mediate activity of H. indicum to explain the mechanisms of its reported traditional uses. Using isolated guinea-pig ileum, rat jejunum, rat uterus, and rat anococcygeus preparations, the extract caused dose dependent contractions similar to acetylcholine, methylcholine, carbamylcholine, nicotine, histamine and oxytocin on the smooth muscle preparations. Results suggested adrenoreceptor activity and inhibition of synthesis and/or effect of products of COS such as prostaglandin. The receptor activity explains some of its traditional medicinal uses such as relieving abdominal pain, treating hypertension, impotence and sexual weakness. (37)
• Antioxidant / Leaves: Study evaluated aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of H. indicum for in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extracts showed free radical scavenging activity that may be attributed to contents of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, tannins, and saponins. (38)
• Antidiabetic: Study evaluated the antihyperglycemic activity of aqueous extract of whole plant powder in STZ induced diabetic rats. An alkaloid rich fraction at dose of 750 mg/kbw produced a significant (60%) falls in fasting blood glucose of diabetic rats, with no effect in normal rats. The blood glucose lowering effect was higher than oral hypoglycemic agent, glibenclamide (20 mg/kbw). (see constituents above) (39) Study evaluated the ameliorative effect of aqueous leaf extract of H. indicum in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. Results showed attenuation of selected toxicological parameters supported by histological assessment of the liver and kidney of test animals. (42)
• Anticancer / Anti-Inflammatory / Antioxidant: Study evaluated water and ethanol extracts of H. indicum for cytotoxicity against two types of lung cancer cell lines (A549 and NCI-H226), anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity. The ethanol extract showed cytotoxic activity against NCI-H226 whereas the water extract showed no cytotoxic effect. On anti-inflammatory testing, EE showed most potent inhibitory activity on NO production. For antioxidant activity, the EE showed high antioxidant activity with EC50 28.91 ± 4.26 µg/ml, while the water extract showed no activity (EC50>100 µg/ml). (40)
• Neuroprotective / Transient Global Ischemia: Study evaluated the protective effects of ethanolic extract of whole plant on cerebral ishcemia/reperfusion brain damage in rats induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Pretreatment with HI extract significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, increased total thiol content, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activity in brain homogenates. Results showed the plant could significantly reduce infarct size, rescue neural dysfunction, and prevent death of neuron cells from cerebral I/R injury. (41)
• A 5-Month Toxicity Study / Leaves: Study evaluated the safety of leaves of H. indicum after a 5-month oral administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. LD50 was 9.78 g/kbw for Swiss mice. Prolonged administration of the crude leaf extract is considered safe and nontoxic at doses studied. However, there is a possible negative effect on the testes at higher dose of the extract. (43)
• Anthelmintic / Leaves: Study evaluated the anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extract of leaves of H. indicum against Indian adult earthworm Pheretima posthuma. Results showed dose-dependent paralysis. The methanol extract was more effective than the aqueous extract. (44)
• Antileishmanial / Cytotoxic / Leaves: Study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic activity of Heliotropium indicum and Cordia dentata leaf fractions on human promonocytic cell line U937 and leishmanicidal activity against intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania (V) panamensis. Results showed HI fractions were more cytotoxic than C. dentata against U937 cell line. Results showed the plant species are rich potential source of molecules useful for treatment of cancer and parasitic diseases. (45)
• Gastroprotective / Indomethacin Induced Ulcers / Leaves: Study evaluated a non-polar (n-hexane) fraction of dried leaves of H. indicum showed dose-dependent gross morphological and histo-gastroprotective effects against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerations in rats. Activity of mucosap protection induced by non-prostanoid compounds may be mediated through mobilization of endogenous prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa. (47)
• Mitochondrial-Mediated Apoptosis: In a study of various solvent fractions of methanol extract of H. indicum, the chloroform fraction showed highest potency in causing induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in normal liver cells. Results suggest the fraction could be useful for studies for drug development for up-regulation of apoptosis in diseases. (48)
• Anti-Glaucoma: Study evaluated the anti-glaucoma potential of an aqueous whole plant extract in experimentally induced glaucoma in rabbits. Pretreatment with extract significantly reduced intraocular pressure (p<0.05-0.001) in acute and chronic glaucoma, preserved glutathione level and glutamate concentration, along with histological evidence of decreased inflammatory infiltration. Results showed ocular hypotensive, antioxidant, and possible neuroprotective effects. (49)
• Membrane Stabilizing Activity / Anti-Inflammatory / Roots and Leaves: Study evaluated various organic soluble extracts of roots and leaves for cell membrane stabilizing activity. A chloroform soluble fraction of roots showed 31.59% and 64.7% inhibition whereas an n-hexane fraction of leaves showed 29.27% and 56.9% inhibition of hemolysis of RBC induced by heat and hypotonic solution, respectively. (50)
• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids / Antioxidant / Roots: Study isolated a new pyrrolizidine alkaloid, helindicine (1), together with a known lycopsamine (2) from the roots of H. indicum. Compounds 1 and 2 showed moderate antioxidant activity. by DPPH radical scavenging assay. (51)
• Antidiabetic / Glucose and Lipid Lowering / Leaves: Study evaluated the antidiabetic potentials of H. indicum aqueous leaf extract in alloxan induced hyperglycemic rats. An aqueous leaf extract showed both antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activities, suggested clinical potential in the management of diabetes and associated secondary complications. (52)
• Insecticidal / Leaves: The cowpea beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus) is a major pest of stored cowpea, militating food security in developing countries. Study evaluated various powders of H. indicum and Lawsonia inermis leaves for insecticidal properties against C. maculatus. Results showed both plants exhibited activity against the pest and offers potential for the development of environmentally friendly phyto-insecticides. (54)
• Antitussive / Leaves: Study evaluated the antitussive activity of H. indicum leaf extract. The plant contains an alkaloidal principle, specifically heliotrine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid that inhibits the cough reflex by inhibition of acetylcholine to bind at M3 receptors, consequently suppressing smooth muscle contraction. In a study of healthy guinea pigs, the H. indicum leaf extract showed inhibition of cough induced by citric acid. (also read: 8, 9 ) (55)
• Antibiotic Resistance-Modifying: Study evaluated the phytochemicals, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiotic resistance-modifying effect of H. indicum estract. Phytochemical screening yielded tannin, oxalate, phytate, terpenoids, trypsin inhibitors, phenol, carotenoids, carotene, xanthophyll, flavonoid, saponin, and alkaloids. Acetone extracts by paper disc and open well method showed highest antimicrobial activity against different pathogens. Fractional inhibitory concentration showed synergistic effect with acetone and ethanol extracts, while aqueous extract only showed additive effect. Antioxidant activity was concentration dependent. Results showed the extract can be used as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibiotic resistance modifying agent. (57)
• Biological Activities / Anti-Inflammatory: An ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) showed highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50: 4.3 µg/ml). The EAFand CHF (chloroform fraction) also exhibited highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (51.69 µg/ml). EAF showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, inhibiting heat-induced hemolysis (71.90%), hypotonicity-induced hemolysis (67.18%), and AAPH-induced hemolysis (72.52%) at 400 µg/ml. Both EAF and CHF exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, indicating potential for development of therapeutic agents for treatment of inflammation. (58)
• Fatty Acids / Antibacterial / Whole Plant: Study evaluated air-dried and pulverized whole plant for antibacterial activity using agar diffusion and antifungal activity using ditch plate method. Phytochemical screening yielded phenols, saponins, terpenoids, and cardiac glycosides. Presence of palmitate and linoleic acid was revealed. Crude plant extract showed moderate to strong antibacterial activity with ZOIs ranging from 12 to 25 mm. Results support the traditional use of the plant for treatment of skin rashes and boils. (60)
• Antioxidative / Anti-Inflammatory / Hepatoprotective: Study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-infllammatory, and toxicological effects of various concentrations (500, 1000, 1500, 2000, and 3000 mg/kg of H. indicum (HI) ethanol extract on male Wistar rats. HI decreased ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin levels, especially at doses of 1,500 mg/kbw. There was also significant reduction of inflammatory cytokines expression, increased levels of antioxidants (GSH, CAT, GST, SOD, GPx).  Antioxidant potentials were complemented by reduction of inflammatory cytokine expression, including TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, NO, and LPO. Results showed at doses between 1500 and 3000 mg/kg, HI has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and can counteract lipid peroxidation, and can be said to be hepatoprotective at these levels. (61)
• Antidiarrheal / Oral Formulation of Leaves: Study evaluated the safety and antidiarrheal potential of H. indicum methanol leaf extract (HIMLE) and formulation of stable suspensions. Acute toxicity study by OECD-423 guidelines revealed a lethal dose (LD50) greater than 3,000 mg/kbw. Phytochemical screening revealed flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids.  Antidiarrheal effect were evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea in Wistar rats.  Results showed dose-dependent reduction in intestinal transit and frequency of watery stool, with promising results comparable to Loperamide. Results suggest the HIMLE possess significant antidiarrheal activity with the formulated suspensions effective in controlling diarrhea in Wistar rats.  (62)
• Insecticidal / Leaves: Study screened leaf extracts for insecticidal activity on weevils of rice, sorghum, maize, and cowpea at different extract concentrations of 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 g/ml and exposure time of 24-96 h. A toxicological analysis was done using Wistar rats. Results of effects of leaf extracts in postharvest control of strored grain weevils showed significant potential in controlling weevil infestations in rice, sorghum, maize and beans. The methanol extract showed highest efficacy with 96.67% mortality at concentration of 0.08 g/ml within 96 h post-exposure. Toxicological evaluation indicated mild toxicity for the hexane extract. The potency of HI extracts may be due to presence of toxic substances that disrupt the respiratory activities of weevils, leading to asphyxiation and death. Results suggest the methanolic leaf extract, particularly its isolated compound, is a promising natural insecticide for managing postharvest grain pests with minimal toxicity. (63)

Availability
- Wild-crafted. 
- Herbal products (powders, extracts, tinctures, lotions) in the cybermarket. (idH) (Etsy)