# Beluntas (Pluchea indica) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/beluntas **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-28 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Southeast Asian **Also Known As:** Pluchea indica, Pluchea indica L. Less., Indian fleabane, Marsh fleabane, Beluntas leaf, Siam weed, Indian camphorweed ## Overview Beluntas (Pluchea indica) contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds that inhibit inflammatory mediators like [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s through cyclooxygenase pathway modulation. Animal studies demonstrate cholesterol-lowering effects at 400-600 mg/kg daily doses. ## Health Benefits • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through inhibition of inflammatory mediators including prostaglandins, though evidence is limited to preclinical studies • Potential cholesterol-lowering properties demonstrated in animal models at 400-600 mg/kg daily • Traditional use for digestive disorders and appetite enhancement, though clinical evidence is lacking • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) attributed to flavonoids and chlorogenic acid content, based on in vitro studies • Possible anticancer effects through apoptosis induction via Bax/Bcl-2 regulation, demonstrated only in cell culture studies ## Mechanism of Action Beluntas flavonoids and phenolic compounds inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) synthesis and inflammatory cascade activation. The cholesterol-lowering effects appear to involve HMG-CoA reductase pathway modulation. Digestive benefits may involve gastric acid regulation and smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep) through cholinergic pathways. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence is limited to preclinical animal studies and traditional use documentation. Animal models showed significant cholesterol reduction at 400-600 mg/kg daily over 4-8 week periods. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in vitro through prostaglandin inhibition assays. No human clinical trials have been published to validate traditional digestive and metabolic claims. ## Nutritional Profile Beluntas (Pluchea indica) leaves contain moderate protein content of approximately 8-12g per 100g dry weight, with carbohydrates around 40-50g per 100g dry weight and low fat content of 2-4g per 100g dry weight. Dietary fiber is estimated at 15-20g per 100g dry weight, contributing to its traditional use in digestive support. Moisture content in fresh leaves is approximately 70-80%. Key micronutrients include calcium (200-400mg per 100g dry weight), iron (approximately 15-25mg per 100g dry weight), and phosphorus (around 100-150mg per 100g dry weight), though precise validated values remain limited in peer-reviewed literature. Vitamin C is present in fresh leaves at approximately 20-40mg per 100g fresh weight, though heat-sensitive and degraded during cooking. Bioactive compounds are the most documented fraction: flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives are primary [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) constituents, with total flavonoid content reported at approximately 15-30mg quercetin equivalents per gram dry extract in preliminary studies. Essential oils contain cineole, camphor, and limonene, contributing to aromatic properties and potential [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity. Alkaloids and tannins are present in small quantities, with tannin content approximately 2-5% dry weight. Chlorogenic acid and other phenolic acids have been identified as contributing phenolics. Bioavailability notes: fat-soluble bioactives such as flavonoid aglycones may benefit from consumption with dietary fat; traditional preparations often involve brief blanching which may reduce water-soluble vitamins but concentrate certain heat-stable phenolics. ## Dosage & Preparation Animal studies used 400-600 mg/kg daily for cholesterol effects, but human dosing cannot be extrapolated from this data. Available forms include infusions, capsules, and tea, though specific clinically studied human dosage ranges are not documented in the available literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data is limited due to lack of human studies. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but specific side effects are undocumented. Potential interactions with cholesterol medications and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) drugs due to similar pathways. Pregnancy and lactation safety unknown due to insufficient research. Consult healthcare providers before use, especially with existing medications. ## Scientific Research The available literature consists primarily of preclinical studies including animal models (rats fed high-fat diets) and in vitro cell culture studies (GBM8401, HeLa, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells), with no specific human clinical trials or PMIDs provided. The research explicitly notes that 'preclinical studies have demonstrated the pharmacological effects of P. indica extracts; however, limited data are' available, indicating a significant gap between traditional use and clinical validation. ## Historical & Cultural Context Beluntas has been used for centuries across Thailand, Malaysia, and India's Ayurvedic medicine system for conditions ranging from diabetes and hypertension to rheumatism and digestive disorders. Traditional applications include treating body odor, fever, irregular menstruation, and various [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) conditions, with different plant parts (leaves and roots) used for distinct therapeutic purposes. ## Synergistic Combinations Turmeric, Ginger, Green tea, Ashwagandha, Boswellia ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the active dose of beluntas for cholesterol? Animal studies used 400-600 mg/kg daily, but human equivalent doses haven't been established. Traditional preparations vary widely in concentration and standardization. ### Can beluntas replace cholesterol medications? No, beluntas should not replace prescribed medications. Evidence is limited to animal studies, and human efficacy remains unproven for cholesterol management. ### How long does beluntas take to show effects? Animal studies showed cholesterol improvements after 4-8 weeks of daily use. Human timeframes are unknown due to lack of clinical trials. ### What are beluntas side effects? Specific side effects are undocumented due to limited research. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but individual reactions may vary significantly. ### Is beluntas safe with blood pressure medications? Unknown interaction potential exists due to lack of studies. Consult healthcare providers before combining with any medications, especially cardiovascular drugs. ### What does clinical research show about beluntas for inflammation? Beluntas demonstrates anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical studies through inhibition of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators, though human clinical trials are limited or absent. Current evidence is primarily based on laboratory and animal models, meaning efficacy in humans remains unproven. More rigorous clinical research is needed before definitive claims can be made about its anti-inflammatory effects in people. ### Is beluntas safe for children or during pregnancy? There is insufficient safety data on beluntas use in children or pregnant women, making it prudent to avoid supplementation in these populations without medical guidance. Traditional use does not establish modern safety standards required for vulnerable groups. Consult a healthcare provider before giving beluntas to children or using it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. ### What is the difference between beluntas leaf extract and whole plant preparations? Most traditional and commercial preparations of beluntas utilize the whole plant or leaf material, but standardized extract forms may concentrate active flavonoids and other compounds differently. Bioavailability and efficacy may vary between whole plant decoctions and concentrated extracts, though direct comparative studies are unavailable. The lack of standardization in beluntas supplements means potency can vary significantly between products. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*