Indications
Scoparia dulcis (sweet broomweed, known in Bangla as Bon Dhonia or Chinigura) is a small weed found across tropical regions, used in folk, Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine. It is traditionally used to help lower blood sugar in diabetes, and also for stomach upset, diarrhoea, fever, cough and minor skin problems. It is sometimes included in herbal combination products for blood sugar support. Evidence comes mostly from laboratory and animal studies, and its effects in people are not proven.
How It Works
The plant contains compounds such as scoparic acid, scopadulcic acid, flavonoids and other terpenes. In animal studies, extracts lowered blood sugar, possibly by helping the pancreas release insulin, and showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and mild pain relieving effects. Whether the same effects occur in people at usual doses is not known.
Dosage and Administration
Take as directed on the label or by a registered practitioner. Herbal combination products are usually taken once or twice a day with meals. People with diabetes should check their blood sugar regularly while using it.
Interactions
- Medicines for diabetes such as Metformin, Gliclazide, Glimepiride or Insulin: blood sugar may fall too low.
- Other herbs that lower blood sugar, such as Bitter Melon or Fenugreek: added effect.
- Medicines for high blood pressure: some reports suggest it may lower blood pressure.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or trying to become pregnant.
- Breastfeeding.
- Children.
- Low blood sugar.
- Allergy to the plant.
Side Effects
Side effects in people are not well documented. Possible effects include stomach upset, nausea and low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion), especially with diabetes medicines.
Get urgent medical help if you have signs of very low blood sugar that do not improve after taking sugar, confusion, fainting or a seizure, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy. In traditional medicine the plant has been used to cause abortion, and its safety is unknown. Avoid it while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Do not stop or reduce prescribed diabetes medicines without your doctor’s advice.
- Stop use at least two weeks before planned surgery, as it may affect blood sugar control.
- Persistent diarrhoea, fever or cough needs medical assessment.
- Use only registered products from a reliable source.
Overdose
There is little information on overdose. Large amounts may cause low blood sugar and stomach upset. If someone has low blood sugar, give sugar, juice or a sweet drink if they can swallow, and seek medical help. Take the pack with you to the hospital.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal ingredient traditionally used for blood sugar support.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.