Originally from West Africa and South America, The Desmodium adscendens is a medicinal plant with multiple uses.
In Europe, it is mainly used to promote good liver function, thus acting as a drainer and protector, especially when the liver is affected by medication or chemotherapy.
It also has antispasmodic, antihistamine, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neurological properties.
These effects are explained by the varied composition of desmodium extracts, notably presenting saponosides with purifying and diuretic properties, and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, and antioxidant properties. These components are primarily found in the leaves.
Research has recently focused on the various traditional and pharmacological uses of desmodium, as well as its potential toxicity, through this study published in 2022 on Food Frontiers.
Is desmodium toxic?
As demonstrated in this first study and this second study conducted in 2017, low dosages of desmodium (1–100 mg/kg) were used without risk in animals. Even with a dose of 300 mg/kg, no significant adverse effects were observed.
On the other hand, a first in vivo example of acute toxicity was observed in 1996 after intraperitoneal administration of desmodium extract in mice.
25% of mice receiving 300 mg/kg of plant extract showed abdominal contractions and a significant drop in body temperature compared to untreated animals.
While a dose of 1,000 mg/kg was associated with more severe neurological symptoms, such as reduced spontaneous motor activity and exploratory behavior.
However, the lethal dose in mice was estimated beyond 3,000 mg/kg. Thus, there are toxicity risks, but only beyond certain dosages.
Are there any side effects at therapeutic doses?
Most studies have not shown frequent side effects of desmodium when used at therapeutic doses.
Rare and mild side effects have, however, been noted, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In such cases, it would be better to stop the cure and consult your healthcare professional.
Are there any drug interactions?
This in vitro study showed that desmodium could induce the production of cytochrome P450, a liver enzyme playing a major role in the elimination of numerous drug molecules.
This plant would thus act as an enzymatic inducer. It can therefore theoretically interact with certain drugs such as thiopental, zoxazolamine, or certain anticoagulants.
However, in practice, no specific interaction between desmodium and a medication has been reported in scientific publications. The risk is therefore minimal.
As a precautionary principle, I therefore recommend avoiding taking desmodium at the same time as your medications. It is better to space out the intake by an hour or take them at two different times of the day.
What are the contraindications?
No contraindications have been demonstrated so far. This plant is, however, not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to the lack of data and experimental evidence.
I advise you in any case to consult your doctor before starting a desmodium regimen, especially if you have other ongoing treatments or in the case of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What are the recommended doses?
I recommend a dose between 500 and 2000 mg of desmodium per day for 3 to 6 weeks.
The marketed extracts are mainly available in capsule or ampoule form. Prefer standardized extracts in saponosides to guarantee a level of active ingredients and therefore optimal effectiveness.
Sources and scientific studies
Maria Giulia Manzione, Jesús Herrera-Bravo, Javad Sharifi-Rad, Dorota Kregiel, Mustafa Sevindik, Emre Sevindik, Zeliha Salamoglu, Wissam Zam, Sara Vitalini, Christophe Hano, 2022. Desmodium adscendens (Sw.) DC.: A magnificent plant with biological and pharmacological properties.
Amoateng, P., Adjei, S., Osei-Safo, D., Kukuia, K. K. E., Karikari, T. K., & Nyarko, A. K., 2017. An ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens exhibits antipsychotic-like activity in mice. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology.
Osbourne Quaye, Precious Cramer, Mark Ofosuhene, Laud K. N. Okine, and Alexander K. Nyarko, 2017. Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies of Aqueous Extract of Desmodium adscendens (Sw) DC.
N’Gouemo, P., Baldy-Moulinier, M., & Nguemby-Bina, C., 1996. Effects of an ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens on central nervous system in rodents. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
