Hygrophila

Botanical

What is it

Hygrophila auriculata (also called Asteracantha longifolia or kokilaksha) is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used as a tonic for liver, kidney, and reproductive health. Seeds, roots, and whole plant extracts appear in supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Traditional liver and urinary support

Mixed Evidence

Used in Ayurveda for liver, kidney, and urinary complaints. Modern controlled clinical trials are not adequate to confirm efficacy.

How it works

Hygrophila contains alkaloids, sterols, flavonoids, and fatty acids. Animal and laboratory studies have explored hepatoprotective, diuretic, hypoglycemic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Specific human clinical evidence is limited, so mechanisms remain mostly preclinical.

Dosage

No standardized dose. Ayurvedic preparations use seed or whole-plant powder at variable amounts; supplement labels do not consistently report standardization.

When and how to take it

No formal timing guidance. Follow label directions.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Seed or whole plant powder

Common Ayurvedic preparation in capsules or churna.

Composition varies by plant part and batch

Standardized extract

Concentrated solvent extracts in capsules.

Standardization markers are not consistently defined

Safety

Limited published safety data. Traditional use suggests reasonable tolerability. As with most herbal extracts, quality and contaminant testing matter.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Use caution with diuretic or antidiabetic medications.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with diuretics and antidiabetic medications based on preclinical work. Discuss with a clinician if either applies.

Frequently asked questions

What is hygrophila used for?⌄

Ayurvedic medicine uses it as a tonic and for urinary and hepatic complaints. Clinical evidence is limited.

Is it safe?⌄

Traditional use suggests acceptable tolerability, but rigorous safety data are sparse. Avoid during pregnancy.

References

Hygrophila on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Hygrophila on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Hygrophila (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.