# Dronapushpi (Leucas cephalotes)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dronapushpi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Leucas cephalotes, White Dead Nettle, Guma, Thumbai, Dronapushpika, Leucas, Indian Wild Mint, Panchang

## Overview

Dronapushpi (Leucas cephalotes) is an Ayurvedic herb whose bioactive flavonoids, including luteolin and apigenin, exert antioxidant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by scavenging [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators. Its anti-filarial activity has been demonstrated in vitro against Setaria cervi adult worms and microfilaria, positioning it as a candidate for further parasitic disease research.

## Health Benefits

• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated through DPPH scavenging in preclinical studies (animal/in vitro evidence only)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects attributed to flavonoid content (preliminary evidence from animal models)
• Anti-filarial properties shown against adult worms and microfilaria in laboratory studies (no human trials)
• Traditional [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and antidiabetic applications supported by in vitro research only
• [Hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) potential observed in animal models (no clinical validation)

## Mechanism of Action

Flavonoids in Leucas cephalotes, particularly luteolin and apigenin, inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, reducing synthesis of [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and leukotrienes responsible for the inflammatory cascade. Antioxidant activity is mediated through direct hydrogen atom donation to DPPH and other [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), as well as upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase in preclinical models. Anti-filarial effects are hypothesized to involve disruption of neuromuscular function in nematodes, though the precise receptor targets remain under investigation.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Dronapushpi is limited entirely to in vitro cell-based assays and animal model studies; no human clinical trials have been published as of the available literature. DPPH radical scavenging studies demonstrated concentration-dependent [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), with IC50 values reported in the range of 40–80 µg/mL in ethanolic leaf extracts across multiple laboratory experiments. Anti-filarial studies conducted against Setaria cervi showed motility inhibition and worm death at extract concentrations between 1–4 mg/mL, comparable to reference anthelmintics in controlled laboratory conditions. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and no efficacy or safety conclusions can be extrapolated to human therapeutic use without controlled clinical trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Dronapushpi (Leucas cephalotes) is not typically consumed as a food for macronutrient value but is utilized as a medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Its nutritional and phytochemical profile is characterized primarily by bioactive compounds rather than caloric or macronutrient content. Key constituents include: **Flavonoids:** Apigenin, luteolin, and their glycosides (estimated 1.5–3.5% w/w of dried aerial parts), which are responsible for much of the reported [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. **Terpenoids/Sterols:** β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid have been identified in the whole plant extract; concentrations vary by plant part but are typically in the range of 0.2–0.8% w/w in dried leaf material. **Alkaloids:** Minor alkaloid content (~0.1–0.4% w/w) detected in ethanolic extracts of leaves and stems; specific alkaloid identities are not fully characterized. **Phenolic acids:** Gallic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid detected via HPLC in methanolic extracts, contributing to total phenolic content of approximately 25–45 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dried extract. **Essential oil:** Aerial parts yield 0.2–0.5% (v/w) essential oil containing α-thujone, caryophyllene, germacrene-D, and β-pinene as major volatile constituents. **Tannins:** Present at approximately 2–5% w/w in dried leaf tissue, contributing to astringent and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. **Saponins:** Moderate saponin content identified in root and aerial parts. **Minerals (from ash analysis of dried herb):** Iron (Fe) ~8–15 mg/100 g, calcium (Ca) ~200–350 mg/100 g, potassium (K) ~150–300 mg/100 g, magnesium (Mg) ~80–150 mg/100 g, and zinc (Zn) ~2–5 mg/100 g (values approximate, based on limited elemental analyses of wild-harvested specimens). **Crude fiber:** ~12–18% of dry weight in aerial parts. **Crude protein:** ~8–12% of dry weight. **Vitamins:** Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) reported at approximately 15–30 mg/100 g fresh leaf weight in limited analyses; no reliable data on B-vitamins or fat-soluble vitamins. **Leucasin:** A nicotinyl glycoside relatively unique to Leucas species, detected in small quantities; pharmacological significance is under investigation. **Bioavailability notes:** The flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin) are present largely as glycosides, which require intestinal hydrolysis for absorption; oral bioavailability of aglycone forms is generally low (estimated 2–10%) due to rapid phase II [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (glucuronidation/sulfation). Tannin content may further reduce bioavailability of co-administered minerals (particularly iron and calcium) through chelation. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations as svarasa (fresh juice) or kwatha (decoction) may partially address solubility limitations of lipophilic terpenoids. The essential oil components are relatively volatile and may be lost during prolonged boiling. No standardized extract with guaranteed phytochemical concentrations is commercially established; reported values are derived from limited analytical studies and may vary significantly with geographic origin, harvest season, plant part, and extraction method.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to lack of human trials. Traditional Ayurvedic recommendations suggest 3-6 grams per day of powdered whole plant for adults, often as decoction or churna (powder). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal human safety trials exist for Dronapushpi, making it impossible to establish a confirmed adverse effect profile or safe dosage range for supplemental use. Traditional Ayurvedic texts classify it as generally safe at dietary exposure levels, but high-dose concentrated extracts have not been evaluated for hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity in long-term animal studies. Potential interactions with anticoagulants and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) drugs (NSAIDs) are theoretically possible given its COX-inhibiting flavonoid content, though no pharmacokinetic interaction studies have been conducted. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplemental use due to the complete absence of reproductive safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Dronapushpi. All available evidence is limited to preclinical studies including in vitro assays and animal models investigating [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and anti-filarial activities.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, Dronapushpi has been used for centuries to balance Kapha and Vata doshas, treating infections, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), fever, respiratory issues, diabetes, scabies, and filariasis. The herb is characterized by its Katu Rasa (pungent taste), Ushna Virya (hot potency), and has been applied as an anthelmintic, antiseptic, emmenagogue, and diaphoretic.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Tulsi, Guduchi, Turmeric, Triphala

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Dronapushpi used for in Ayurveda?

In classical Ayurvedic medicine, Dronapushpi (Leucas cephalotes) is used as a remedy for fever, cough, skin disorders, and parasitic infections. The whole plant, particularly its leaves, is prepared as decoctions or pastes applied topically or ingested, relying on its bitter and pungent taste properties described in texts like the Charaka Samhita.

### What are the active compounds in Leucas cephalotes?

Phytochemical analyses of Leucas cephalotes have identified flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin as primary bioactive compounds, alongside alkaloids, tannins, and essential oils such as caryophyllene and humulene in the aerial parts. These constituents collectively contribute to its reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities observed in laboratory settings.

### Is there scientific evidence that Dronapushpi has anti-filarial properties?

Yes, in vitro studies have shown that Leucas cephalotes extracts cause significant motility inhibition and death in Setaria cervi adult worms and microfilaria at concentrations of 1–4 mg/mL, which are comparable to outcomes produced by standard antifilarial agents like albendazole in the same experimental conditions. However, these findings are restricted to laboratory models and have not been validated in animal infection studies or human trials.

### What is the antioxidant potency of Dronapushpi compared to standard compounds?

Ethanolic extracts of Leucas cephalotes leaves have reported DPPH radical scavenging IC50 values ranging approximately from 40 to 80 µg/mL depending on extraction method and plant part used, which is notably weaker than the reference standard ascorbic acid (IC50 typically around 5–15 µg/mL) but consistent with moderate antioxidant activity among medicinal herbs. These values suggest meaningful but not exceptional free radical scavenging capacity in vitro.

### Can I take Dronapushpi supplements safely during pregnancy?

No established safety data exists for Dronapushpi supplementation during pregnancy or lactation, and it should be avoided in these populations until clinical safety studies are conducted. Traditional Ayurvedic practice does not universally recommend it for pregnant individuals, and its flavonoid constituents like apigenin have shown uterine-stimulating activity in some preclinical models, raising a theoretical concern about pregnancy complications.

### Does Dronapushpi interact with blood sugar medications or diabetes treatments?

Leucas cephalotes has shown antidiabetic activity in traditional use and preliminary animal studies, which suggests it may have additive effects with diabetes medications. If you are taking medications to lower blood sugar (such as metformin or insulin), consult your healthcare provider before adding Dronapushpi supplements, as concurrent use could potentially lower blood glucose levels too much. Clinical evidence in humans is lacking, so medical supervision is recommended.

### What is the difference between Dronapushpi extract, powder, and fresh plant preparations?

Standardized extracts of Leucas cephalotes may concentrate active compounds like flavonoids more efficiently than whole plant powders, potentially offering more consistent dosing and bioavailability. Dried powder preparations contain the full plant matrix but with variable active compound levels depending on growing conditions and processing. Fresh plant preparations used in traditional Ayurvedic practice have not been compared directly to modern supplement forms in clinical studies, making efficacy comparisons difficult.

### Is Dronapushpi safe for children, and if so, what age group can use it?

There are no clinical safety studies evaluating Dronapushpi use in children, and traditional Ayurvedic dosing recommendations for pediatric populations are not well-documented in modern literature. Given the lack of safety data and the absence of established pediatric dosage guidelines, use in children should only occur under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner familiar with both Ayurvedic medicine and pediatric safety. Parents should not self-administer this herb to children without professional medical guidance.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*