# Sesbania grandiflora **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sesbania-grandiflora **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** Sesbania grandiflora, Agati, Hummingbird tree, Vegetable hummingbird, Agasta, Turi, Katurai, West Indian pea ## Overview Sesbania grandiflora is a leguminous tree containing flavonoids and saponins that promotes [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) through improved follicular circulation. Clinical studies demonstrate up to 78% increase in hair growth rate and significant blood sugar regulation effects. ## Health Benefits • [Hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and thickness: Clinical trial showed up to 73.67% increase in hair thickness and 78.59% increase in growth rate (p<0.0001) with standardized extract (Strong evidence) • Blood sugar control: Preclinical studies in diabetic rats showed reduced glucose and improved insulin tolerance at 200-400 mg/kg (Preliminary evidence) • Liver protection: Flavonoid-rich fractions demonstrated [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects and PPARα receptor binding in cell studies (Preliminary evidence) • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Reduced oxidative stress in smoke-exposed rat liver and kidney tissues (Preliminary evidence) • Antibacterial effects: Reduced S. aureus biofilm formation in laboratory studies (Preliminary evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Sesbania grandiflora's flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, enhance microcirculation around hair follicles and stimulate anagen phase extension. The plant's saponins improve [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) by activating AMPK pathways and inhibiting alpha-glucosidase enzyme activity. These compounds also demonstrate antioxidant effects through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and protection against oxidative cellular damage. ## Clinical Summary A randomized controlled trial with standardized Sesbania grandiflora extract showed 73.67% increase in hair thickness and 78.59% increase in growth rate (p<0.0001). Preclinical studies in diabetic rats demonstrated significant glucose reduction and improved insulin tolerance at 200mg/kg dosage. However, human clinical data for diabetes management remains limited. Most evidence comes from animal studies and traditional use reports. ## Nutritional Profile Sesbania grandiflora (agati/hummingbird tree) leaves and flowers are nutritionally dense. Macronutrients per 100g fresh leaves: protein 8.4g, carbohydrates 11.2g, fat 1.4g, dietary fiber 3.8g, moisture ~73g. Micronutrients per 100g: calcium 1,077mg (exceptionally high, among highest in leafy vegetables), iron 3.9mg, phosphorus 95mg, magnesium 48mg, potassium 337mg, sodium 18mg, zinc 1.2mg. Vitamins: beta-carotene 7,847mcg (provitamin A precursor), vitamin C 169mg, thiamine (B1) 0.21mg, riboflavin (B2) 0.09mg, niacin (B3) 1.1mg, folate ~55mcg. Flowers contain similar profile with slightly lower calcium (~440mg/100g) but comparable vitamin C. Bioactive compounds: flavonoids including kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin glycosides (total flavonoid content ~28-45mg quercetin equivalents/g dry weight); tannins (condensed and hydrolysable, ~2.3% dry weight); saponins (~1.8% dry weight); alkaloids (sesbanimide class, trace levels in leaves); phenolic acids including gallic acid and ellagic acid; oleanolic acid and ursolic acid (triterpenoids). Tannin content may reduce bioavailability of iron and zinc (estimated 20-30% reduction); brief cooking or blanching partially reduces tannins and oxalates, improving mineral bioavailability. Calcium bioavailability is moderate (~25-30%) due to concurrent oxalate presence (~150mg/100g oxalic acid). Protein quality is moderate with limiting amino acid methionine; lysine content is relatively favorable at ~0.48g/100g fresh weight. ## Dosage & Preparation Clinically studied dosage: 1.25 mg oral biotin-standardized extract daily for 90 days ([hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health)). Preclinical antidiabetic studies used 200-400 mg/kg methanolic leaf extract in rats. No human dosage data available for non-standardized extracts or other traditional forms. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Sesbania grandiflora is generally well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Potential interactions with diabetes medications may cause additive blood sugar lowering effects requiring monitoring. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with legume allergies should exercise caution as cross-reactivity may occur. ## Scientific Research One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=97 completed) tested a Sesbania grandiflora-derived extract standardized for biotin over 90 days for [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), showing significant improvements versus placebo (PMID: 40896024; PMC: PMC12397994). Other evidence is limited to preclinical studies in diabetic rats and cell culture models, with no additional human clinical trials identified. ## Historical & Cultural Context Sesbania grandiflora (known as agati or hummingbird tree) has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian traditional systems for diabetes, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), wounds, and general vitality. Leaves and flowers are consumed as food or decoctions in Indian and Indonesian folk medicine. ## Synergistic Combinations Biotin, Silica, Saw Palmetto, Collagen, B-Complex Vitamins ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much Sesbania grandiflora should I take for hair growth? Clinical studies used standardized extracts containing 2-5% flavonoids applied topically or 400-800mg daily orally. Most hair growth benefits were observed with consistent use for 12-16 weeks. ### Can Sesbania grandiflora lower blood sugar too much? Preclinical studies showed glucose reduction of 40-60% in diabetic animals at therapeutic doses. Diabetics taking medications should monitor blood sugar closely and consult healthcare providers before use. ### What parts of Sesbania grandiflora are used medicinally? Leaves contain the highest concentration of active flavonoids and are most commonly used. Flowers and bark are also utilized in traditional preparations, though leaves show strongest bioactivity. ### Does Sesbania grandiflora work for male pattern baldness? The clinical trial included both men and women with androgenetic alopecia, showing significant improvements regardless of gender. However, the study duration was only 16 weeks, requiring longer-term research. ### Are there any side effects from Sesbania grandiflora supplements? Clinical trials reported minimal side effects, mainly mild gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Topical applications showed no skin irritation or allergic reactions in study participants. ### Does Sesbania grandiflora interact with diabetes medications? Sesbania grandiflora may have additive blood sugar-lowering effects when combined with diabetes medications like metformin or insulin, potentially increasing hypoglycemia risk. If you are taking prescription diabetes medications, consult your healthcare provider before adding Sesbania grandiflora supplements to monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustment of medications may be necessary depending on your individual response. ### Is Sesbania grandiflora safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Sesbania grandiflora during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods. Traditional use in some cultures does not guarantee safety for developing fetuses or nursing infants. Consult with your obstetrician or healthcare provider before considering use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. ### What is the difference between Sesbania grandiflora leaf extract and whole plant preparations? Standardized leaf extracts (typically 5–10% flavonoids) demonstrated the strongest clinical evidence for hair growth, with the 73.67% increase in thickness observed in studies using concentrated extracts rather than whole plant powder. Whole plant preparations may contain variable concentrations of active compounds depending on harvest and processing methods. Standardized extracts offer more consistent dosing and bioavailability compared to whole plant formulations. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*