# Sida cordifolia

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sida-cordifolia
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Sida cordifolia L., Country Mallow, Bala, Heart-leaf Sida, Flannel Weed, Indian Ephedra, Wire Weed

## Overview

Sida cordifolia is an Ayurvedic herb containing ephedrine alkaloids that acts as a central nervous system stimulant and β2-adrenergic receptor agonist. It demonstrates [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms and accelerates wound healing via enhanced re-epithelialization.

## Health Benefits

• [Neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s: Preclinical evidence shows suppression of protein aggregates and extended lifespan in Huntington's disease models (C. elegans study)
• Wound healing acceleration: Animal studies demonstrate faster re-epithelialization of dexamethasone-delayed wounds through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms (rat model, p<0.05)
• Antimalarial activity: Mouse studies report 76.90% parasitaemia suppression with prolonged survival and no toxicity
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties: Multiple rodent studies validate traditional use for inflammation management
• [Adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic/antistress effects: Animal models show stress-protective properties with ethanol root extracts

## Mechanism of Action

Sida cordifolia's primary bioactive compounds are ephedrine alkaloids, which stimulate β2-adrenergic receptors and increase norepinephrine and [dopamine](/ingredients/condition/mood) levels. The herb's antioxidant compounds suppress protein aggregation and reduce oxidative stress through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing mechanisms. These dual pathways contribute to [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s and enhanced cellular repair processes.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Sida cordifolia is limited to preclinical studies. In C. elegans models of Huntington's disease, the herb demonstrated significant [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s by suppressing protein aggregates and extending lifespan. Animal wound healing studies showed accelerated re-epithelialization in dexamethasone-delayed wounds through [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) mechanisms. Human clinical trials are lacking, limiting the translation of these promising preclinical findings to therapeutic applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Sida cordifolia is not consumed as a food/nutrient source but is valued for its bioactive phytochemical profile in Ayurvedic medicine. Key bioactive compounds and their approximate concentrations include: **Alkaloids:** Ephedrine (0.065–0.12% in whole plant, up to 0.85% in seeds), pseudoephedrine (trace to 0.03%), vasicinone, vasicine (vasicinol), and cryptolepine. **Flavonoids:** Kaempferol, quercetin, and their glycosides (collectively ~0.5–1.2% dry weight in aerial parts); chrysoeriol; apigenin. **Phytosterols:** β-sitosterol (~0.1–0.3% dry weight), stigmasterol, campesterol. **Fatty acids (seed oil, ~7–10% of seed weight):** Sterculic acid (~8–12% of total seed oil fatty acids), malvalic acid (~3–6%), palmitic acid (~25%), oleic acid (~15%), linoleic acid (~30%). **Polysaccharides/Mucilage:** Crude mucilage content ~6–10% in root bark, containing galactose, rhamnose, and uronic acid residues. **Other bioactive compounds:** Ecdysterone (phytoecdysteroid, ~0.01–0.05%), choline, betaine, stearic acid, palmitone, and traces of essential oil (~0.01–0.05%) containing linalool and borneol. **Minerals (in dried leaf/root):** Potassium (~1.2–1.8%), calcium (~0.8–1.5%), magnesium (~0.3–0.6%), iron (~120–350 ppm), zinc (~30–60 ppm), manganese (~40–80 ppm). **Crude fiber:** ~12–18% in dried aerial parts. **Crude protein:** ~8–14% in dried leaves. **Tannins:** ~2–4% (condensed and hydrolyzable). **Saponins:** Present in root (~1–2% dry weight). **Bioavailability notes:** Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are readily bioavailable orally (>85% absorption in humans). Flavonoid glycosides have moderate oral bioavailability (~10–30%), improved by traditional Ayurvedic preparations with lipid vehicles (ghee-based formulations) or co-administration with piperine. Mucilage polysaccharides are largely non-absorbable but exert local gastrointestinal effects and may act as [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s. β-sitosterol bioavailability is inherently low (~5–10%) but may be enhanced in decoction or milk-based Ayurvedic preparations. Ecdysterone shows moderate oral bioavailability (~25–30%) with rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

## Dosage & Preparation

No human clinical dosages have been established. Preclinical studies used 1 μg/mL methanolic extracts in C. elegans models and topical hydrogel formulations for wound healing in rats. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations vary widely without standardization. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine alkaloids, which can cause increased heart rate, [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) elevation, and CNS stimulation. The herb may interact with MAO inhibitors, stimulants, and cardiovascular medications due to its adrenergic properties. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential stimulant effects on the fetus. Individuals with hypertension, heart disease, or anxiety disorders should exercise caution when considering this supplement.

## Scientific Research

Current evidence is limited to preclinical studies with no human clinical trials identified. Key research includes [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s in transgenic C. elegans models (PMIDs: 37861013, 40177520), wound healing in rats (PMID: 30769040), and antimalarial activity in mice. Studies also demonstrate [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic (PMID: 36975210) and analgesic properties (PMID: 37640257) in rodent models.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, Sida cordifolia (Bala) has been used for centuries to treat pain, neurological diseases with tremors and movement disorders, wounds, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Ethnomedicinal systems have employed it for infectious diseases, with traditional applications validated for various therapeutic effects including cardioprotective and hypoglycemic properties.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Turmeric, Gotu kola, Brahmi

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What active compounds are in Sida cordifolia?

Sida cordifolia contains ephedrine alkaloids as its primary bioactive compounds, along with various antioxidant compounds. These alkaloids act as β2-adrenergic receptor agonists and central nervous system stimulants.

### How does Sida cordifolia help with neuroprotection?

Sida cordifolia demonstrates neuroprotective effects by suppressing protein aggregation and reducing oxidative stress. In Huntington's disease models, it extended lifespan and prevented harmful protein accumulation in neural tissues.

### Can Sida cordifolia improve wound healing?

Animal studies show Sida cordifolia accelerates wound healing through enhanced re-epithelialization processes. It specifically helped reverse dexamethasone-delayed wound healing through antioxidant mechanisms that promote cellular repair.

### What are the side effects of Sida cordifolia?

Side effects may include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and CNS stimulation due to ephedrine alkaloids. It can also cause anxiety, insomnia, and cardiovascular stress in sensitive individuals.

### Is there human clinical evidence for Sida cordifolia?

Currently, there are no published human clinical trials for Sida cordifolia. All available evidence comes from preclinical studies using animal models and cell cultures, limiting therapeutic recommendations.

### Is Sida cordifolia safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Sida cordifolia during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it should be avoided during these periods as a precaution. Traditional use does not guarantee safety for pregnant or nursing women, and the herb's active alkaloids have not been adequately studied in these populations. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### Does Sida cordifolia interact with common medications?

Sida cordifolia contains alkaloids that may have mild stimulant properties and could theoretically interact with central nervous system medications, though specific clinical interaction data is limited. It may also interact with medications metabolized by hepatic enzymes, potentially altering their efficacy. Always disclose use of Sida cordifolia to your healthcare provider, especially if taking prescription medications or other supplements.

### Who should avoid Sida cordifolia supplementation?

Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, uncontrolled hypertension, anxiety disorders, or those sensitive to stimulant-like compounds should avoid Sida cordifolia due to its alkaloid content. People with liver disease or those taking hepatically metabolized medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should not use this supplement 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*