Solanum procumbens (Cà Gai Leo) commonly known as Cà Gai Leo or Cà Gai Dây, is a valuable medicinal plant in traditional medicine, widely distributed in Vietnam and other Asian countries, particularly China and Vietnam. Today, let’s explore the 11 amazing health benefits of Solanum procumbens.
DESCRIPTION
Solanum procumbens belongs to the Solanaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and China. It is a perennial climbing shrub, growing to a length of 60 – 100 cm. The leaves are green, alternate, with soft white hairs on the underside and spines on the upper surface. The plant flowers from April to September and bears fruit from September to December. The berries are glossy red, spherical, and 7 – 9 mm in diameter. Seeds are light yellow, disc-shaped, and measure 3 x 2 mm.
Solanum procumbens has a slightly spicy taste and moist properties, known for its liver-detoxifying benefits. Modern medical research has confirmed that it contains active compounds that help protect and enhance liver function, making it a popular ingredient in functional foods, herbal teas, and liver detox supplements.
11 INCREDIBLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOLANUM PROCUMBENS
1. Treating Whooping Cough and Asthma
Solanum procumbens is a natural remedy commonly used to support liver diseases and to treat whooping cough due to its alkaloid, starch, and flavonoid content, which provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that extracts from the plant help stabilize mast cells, which play a crucial role in asthma-related bronchial constriction.
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 10g Solanum procumbens, 10g Asparagus racemosus, 10g Ophiopogon japonicus.
- Use: Boil and drink daily, dividing into three doses per day.
2. Supporting Viral Hepatitis Treatment
Solanum procumbens aids in treating viral hepatitis, especially Hepatitis B, due to its glycoalcaloid compounds that boost the immune system and alleviate symptoms. Clinical trials have shown significant improvement in symptoms and a reduction in viral load after using the plant for 2 to 3 months.
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 30g Solanum procumbens, 10g Catharanthus roseus, 10g Phyllanthus urinaria.
- Use: Roast until slightly fragrant and boil for daily consumption.
3. Slowing Cirrhosis Progression
This plant helps slow down the progression of early-stage cirrhosis, as demonstrated by research from the Central Institute of Medicinal Materials.
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 35g root or stem of Solanum procumbens.
- Use: Boil with 1 liter of water, divide into three doses of 300ml each.
4. Liver Detoxification and Enzyme Reduction
Solanum procumbens can limit liver cell damage and reduce liver enzymes, protecting the liver from toxins and mitigating liver damage symptoms.
5. Treating Rheumatism
The plant effectively treats rheumatism, toothaches, and joint pain due to its main chemical components, including alkaloids, starch, and flavonoids found in the roots and stems.
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 10g Solanum procumbens, 10g Tinospora cordifolia, 10g Smilax glabra, 10g Sargentodoxa cuneata, 10g Piper lolot.
- Use: Roast until fragrant and boil for daily consumption for 10-30 days.
6. Treating Allergies
Solanum procumbens extracts inhibit mast cell degradation, protect the immune system against bacteria and parasites, and regulate the release of interleukins in response to infections and immune responses, making it effective in controlling allergies and other inflammations.
7. Treating Snake Bites
The plant has been widely used in folk medicine to treat snake bites, helping to reduce pain and expel toxins.
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 16 – 20g root or stem of Solanum procumbens.
- Use: Boil and drink daily.
8. Treating Flu
Solanum procumbens helps treat flu, reduce inflammation, and enhance the immune system due to its main active ingredients, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
9. Antioxidant and Cancer Inhibition
Extracts from Solanum procumbens have antioxidant effects and reduce oxidative damage in the liver. Research has shown that these extracts can inhibit the growth of virus-induced cancer cells, such as liver and cervical cancer cells.
10. Alcohol Detoxification
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 50g dried Solanum procumbens.
- Use: Steep in boiling water and drink to sober up.
11. Treating Cough from Sore Throat
Recipe:
- Ingredients: 15g root or stem and leaves of Solanum procumbens, 30g lemon leaves.
- Use: Boil and drink twice daily for 5-7 days, while still warm.
Solanum procumbens is considered a relatively safe medicinal plant with many beneficial effects. However, long-term use in high doses may cause toxicity. It is advisable to consult with traditional medicine practitioners or doctors to use Solanum procumbens effectively and safely.
For general health, a suitable daily dose is 20 – 30g, while for those undergoing treatment, the appropriate dose is 100g per day, combined with other medications as prescribed by a doctor.
FOUR GROUPS WHO SHOULD AVOID SOLANUM PROCUMBENS
- Pregnant Women Pregnant women should avoid using Solanum procumbens as it may hinder fetal development.
- People with Kidney Disease The detoxifying properties of Solanum procumbens can overload the kidneys’ filtering function, making it unsuitable for those with kidney issues.
- Those Following Specific Treatment Regimens Patients on specific treatment regimens (e.g., for tuberculosis, cancer) should not use Solanum procumbens without medical guidance, as it may interact with other medications.
- People with Chronic Diseases Those with chronic diseases such as hypertension or heart conditions should consult with a doctor before using Solanum procumbens, discontinuing use if adverse symptoms appear.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS
Solanum procumbens has a slightly spicy taste and aromatic properties that do not irritate the stomach lining and can even alleviate stomach discomfort. People with stomach ulcers can use it normally, preferably after meals.
It does not lower blood pressure, so it can be used by those with either high or low blood pressure, though it should not be taken on an empty stomach by those with low blood pressure.
Users should limit their intake to 20 – 30g daily for nutritional supplementation.
PRODUCTS FROM SOLANUM PROCUMBENS (CAGAI LEO)