# Cissampelos pareira

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cissampelos-pareira
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Cissampelos pareira L., Velvetleaf, Abuta, Laghupatha, Patha, False Pareira Brava, Indian Moonseed

## Overview

Cissampelos pareira is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant containing alkaloids like hayatinine and hayatine that demonstrate [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and analgesic properties. The plant's ethanolic extract works by inhibiting inflammatory mediators and pain pathways in preclinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: 50% ethanolic extract (200-400 mg/kg) demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute, subacute, and chronic rat models (PMID: 17097249) - evidence from animal studies only
• Pain relief: Ethanol extract showed 42.2-43.4% inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice at 250-500 mg/kg doses (PMID: 15050042) - preliminary animal evidence
• [Antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: In vitro studies showed 98% inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication with whole extract, while isolated alkaloids exhibited 40-80% inhibition (PMID: 35459166) - in vitro evidence only
• Anticancer potential: Methanol extract demonstrated IC₅₀ of 95.5 μg/ml against Dalton's lymphoma ascites cells and increased lifespan by 54-72% in treated mice (PMID: 33485976) - preclinical evidence
• Anxiolytic effects: 70% hydroethanolic leaf extract (100-400 mg/kg) showed anxiolytic activity in murine models, though less potent than diazepam (PMID: 18280070) - animal model evidence

## Mechanism of Action

Cissampelos pareira's alkaloids, particularly hayatinine and hayatine, appear to modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators. The ethanolic extract demonstrates analgesic effects through inhibition of acetic acid-induced pain responses, suggesting interaction with nociceptive pathways. The anti-inflammatory activity likely involves suppression of acute and chronic inflammatory cascades.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Cissampelos pareira comes exclusively from animal studies with no human clinical trials available. In rat models, 50% ethanolic extract at 200-400 mg/kg showed significant [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity across acute, subacute, and chronic inflammation models. The same extract demonstrated 42.2-43.4% inhibition of acetic acid-induced pain responses in animal studies. Human efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing remain unestablished due to lack of clinical research.

## Nutritional Profile

Cissampelos pareira (Patha in Ayurveda) is a medicinal plant not consumed as a food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling (calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber) is not applicable. Its pharmacological relevance derives from its bioactive alkaloid and phytochemical content. Key compounds include: **Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids** — hayatine (major alkaloid, ~0.2-0.5% dry weight of root), hayatinine, d-quercitol, pareirine (cissampeline), and cyclanoline; **Protoberberine alkaloids** — berberine (trace to low concentrations in root bark); **Triterpenoids and sterols** — β-sitosterol, stigmasterol; **Flavonoids** — quercetin, quercitrin, and rutin (leaves contain higher flavonoid content, estimated total flavonoids ~1.5-3.0 mg quercetin equivalents/g dry extract); **Tannins and phenolics** — total phenolic content approximately 25-45 mg gallic acid equivalents/g in 50% ethanolic root extract; **Saponins** — present in root and leaf tissues. The root is the primary part used in Ayurveda, rich in alkaloids (total alkaloid content approximately 0.5-1.2% dry weight). Mineral content of dried leaf/root includes calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc in trace quantities, though precise values vary widely by geographic origin and are not standardized. No significant vitamin content has been documented. **Bioavailability notes:** Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as hayatine have moderate oral bioavailability in animal models due to hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extractions yield higher concentrations of bioactive alkaloids compared to aqueous decoctions. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations (kashaya/decoction or churna/powder) likely deliver lower alkaloid concentrations than standardized ethanolic extracts used in pharmacological studies.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used: 250-500 mg/kg ethanol extract for pain/fever; 200-400 mg/kg 50% ethanolic extract for [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation); 100-400 mg/kg 70% hydroethanolic extract for anxiety. No standardized human doses have been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Cissampelos pareira in humans is extremely limited due to absence of clinical studies. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but specific side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications have not been systematically evaluated. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown and should be avoided without medical supervision. Individuals taking [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) medications or pain relievers should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential additive effects.

## Scientific Research

All available evidence for Cissampelos pareira is limited to preclinical and animal studies; no human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been published. Key studies include anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in Vero cell cultures (PMID: 35459166), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in rat models (PMID: 17097249), and anticancer activity in mice (PMID: 33485976).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Known as 'Laghupatha' in Sanskrit, Cissampelos pareira has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a cooling, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) agent for treating pain, fever, inflammation, and diarrhea. The Dai people of southern Yunnan, China, have traditionally used the plant for managing diabetes.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric ([anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)), Boswellia serrata (joint health), Ginger (digestive support), Ashwagandha ([adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic support), Black pepper (bioavailability enhancement)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Cissampelos pareira?

The primary bioactive compounds are alkaloids including hayatinine and hayatine. These alkaloids are responsible for the plant's anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties demonstrated in animal studies.

### What dosage of Cissampelos pareira was used in studies?

Animal studies used 200-400 mg/kg of 50% ethanolic extract, showing significant anti-inflammatory effects. However, no human studies exist to establish safe and effective dosages for people.

### Is Cissampelos pareira safe for daily use?

Safety for daily human use is unknown due to lack of clinical trials. While traditionally used in Ayurveda, systematic safety evaluation including long-term effects and drug interactions has not been conducted.

### How effective is Cissampelos pareira for pain relief?

In animal models, the extract showed 42.2-43.4% inhibition of acetic acid-induced pain. However, human pain relief efficacy remains unproven as no clinical studies have been conducted in people.

### Can Cissampelos pareira interact with medications?

Potential interactions are unknown due to lack of research, but theoretical concerns exist with anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medications. Consultation with healthcare providers is recommended before combining with any medications.

### What does current research show about Cissampelos pareira's effectiveness compared to clinical evidence?

Most evidence for Cissampelos pareira comes from animal studies rather than human clinical trials, with anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in rat models and pain-relief activity shown in mice at doses of 200-500 mg/kg. While these preliminary findings are promising, the lack of robust human studies means efficacy in people remains unclear. More clinical research is needed to establish whether animal study results translate to meaningful benefits in humans.

### Who should consider avoiding Cissampelos pareira supplementation?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Cissampelos pareira due to insufficient safety data in these populations, and the herb's traditional use as a contraceptive suggests potential reproductive effects. Individuals with liver or kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before use. Those taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications should exercise caution, as the plant's bioactive compounds may affect bleeding risk.

### What forms of Cissampelos pareira are available, and which is most commonly studied?

Cissampelos pareira is primarily available as dried herb powder, ethanolic extracts, and traditional decoctions. Most scientific research has focused on 50% ethanolic extracts and ethanol-based preparations, which concentrated the active compounds responsible for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models. Standardized extracts are less commonly available commercially compared to raw plant material.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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