Alternanthera bettzickiana

Alternanthera bettzickiana

Product Name: Альтернантера беттцовая, Alternanthera bettzickiana, Papageienblatt, Alternantera, Alternanthère de Betz, ألترنانثيرا بيتزيكيانا, ผักเป็ดแดง, Альтернантера, Альтернантера, Альтернантера, Альтернантера, Альтернантера, Alternantera, Alternantera.

Synonyms: альтернантера разноцветная, alternanthera, calico plant, joyweed, parrot leaf, Papageienblatt, Alternantera, hoja de loro, Alternanthère, ألترنانثيرا, ผักเป็ดแดง.

Parts Used: leaves, stems, flowers.

Main Indications for Use of Alternanthera bettzickiana: Iron-deficiency anemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, infectious dermatoses, bacterial wound infections, vitamin C deficiency, dyslipidemia, chronic fatigue, secondary immunodeficiency.

Use of Alternanthera bettzickiana in Mixtures and Complexes: Chronic bronchitis, asthenic syndrome, metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis, nephritis, chronic inflammatory skin diseases, herpes infection, helminthiasis.

Pharmacological Properties of Alternanthera bettzickiana: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, wound-healing, immunomodulatory, anti-anemic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, astringent, vitaminic, general tonic.

Dosage of Pharmacological Forms — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Dry Extract — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Indications (Dry Extract): Iron-deficiency anemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, infectious dermatoses, bacterial wound infections, vitamin C deficiency, dyslipidemia, chronic fatigue, secondary immunodeficiency.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.5–1.0 grams of dry extract 2 times a day after meals, taken with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 1.5 grams of dry extract 2 times a day for severe forms of iron-deficiency anemia, pronounced hypercholesterolemia, chronic infectious dermatoses.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 2 grams of dry extract 2 times a day for no more than 10 days for acute inflammatory processes of the skin and mucous membranes.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.5 grams of dry extract once a day for 30 days, repeat the course 2 times a year for chronic fatigue, secondary immunodeficiency, vitamin C deficiency.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): For children over 12 years old and weighing over 35 kg — 0.25–0.5 grams of dry extract once a day after meals; safety data for younger children are not scientifically recorded.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual intolerance, acute liver diseases in the decompensation stage; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 12 years are not scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Nausea, epigastric pain, diarrhea in case of overdose.

Body Weight Adjustment: For body weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 25%; for body weight over 90 kg, increase by 20%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Ingredients for 100 grams of finished product: Alternanthera bettzickiana leaves — 500 grams of fresh raw material, 70% ethanol — 1 liter (used only for extraction), distilled water — 500 milliliters.

Wash the leaves with running water, chop, pour with a mixture of ethanol and water, keep in a closed glass container for 7 days at room temperature, shaking periodically. Perform filtration, evaporate the resulting extract in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50°C until the ethanol odor is completely removed. Residual ethanol content in the finished product must not exceed 500 ppm. Dry under vacuum to a powder state, grind and sieve.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a sealed container made of dark glass or a multilayer bag, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C, in a dry place, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 2 years. After opening the package, use within 60 days.

Ethanol Extract — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Indications (Ethanol Extract): Hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammatory skin diseases, infectious dermatoses, bacterial wound infections, hepatitis of non-infectious etiology, dyslipidemia.

Standard Dosage (Ethanol Extract): 5–10 milliliters of ethanol extract, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water, 2 times a day after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Ethanol Extract): 15 milliliters of extract 2 times a day for pronounced hypercholesterolemia and acute inflammatory skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Ethanol Extract): 20 milliliters 2 times a day for no more than 7 days for acute infectious-inflammatory lesions of the skin and soft tissues.

Preventive Dosage (Ethanol Extract): 5 milliliters of extract, diluted in water, once a day for 21 days for chronic metabolic disorders, and during seasonal changes to support immunity.

Pediatric Dosage (Ethanol Extract): Not recommended for use in children under 14 years; safety data for this patient category are not scientifically recorded.

Contraindications (Ethanol Extract): Individual intolerance, liver diseases in the decompensation stage, alcoholism, acute pancreatitis; data on contraindication during pregnancy and lactation are not scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Ethanol Extract): Dizziness, nausea, gastric mucosal irritation in case of overdose.

Body Weight Adjustment: For body weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 25%; for body weight over 90 kg, increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Ethanol Extract): Ingredients for 100 milliliters of finished product: Alternanthera bettzickiana leaves — 200 grams, 70% ethanol — 400 milliliters (used only for extraction), distilled water — 100 milliliters.

Wash the leaves, chop, place in a glass container, pour with ethanol, keep for 10 days at a temperature of 20–25°C, shaking daily. Perform filtration, evaporate the extract in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50°C until the ethanol odor completely disappears, if necessary, bring to a volume of 100 milliliters with distilled water. Residual ethanol content must not exceed 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ethanol Extract): Store in dark glass bottles at a temperature of 5–15°C, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 1 year. After opening, use within 30 days.

Decoction — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Indications (Decoction): Iron-deficiency anemia, inflammatory stomach diseases, inflammatory intestinal diseases, bacterial wound infections, infectious dermatoses, vitamin C deficiency, chronic fatigue, secondary immunodeficiency.

Standard Dosage (Decoction): 100 milliliters of decoction 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Decoction): 150 milliliters of decoction 3 times a day for acute inflammatory processes of the stomach and intestines, for bacterial skin infections.

Maximum Dosage (Decoction): 200 milliliters of decoction 3 times a day for no more than 7 days for pronounced inflammatory processes of the gastrointestinal tract and extensive infectious-inflammatory skin lesions.

Preventive Dosage (Decoction): 100 milliliters of decoction once a day for 14 days for chronic fatigue, vitamin C deficiency, secondary immunodeficiency during seasonal changes.

Pediatric Dosage (Decoction): For children over 7 years old and weighing over 25 kg — 50 milliliters of decoction 1–2 times a day; safety data for younger children are not recorded.

Contraindications (Decoction): Individual intolerance; data on contraindication during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 7 years are not scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Decoction): Diarrhea, nausea in case of overdose.

Body Weight Adjustment: For body weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight over 90 kg, increase by 10%.

Preparation method (Decoction): Ingredients for 1000 milliliters of finished decoction: Alternanthera bettzickiana leaves — 100 grams, distilled water — 1200 milliliters.

Wash the leaves, chop, cover with water, bring to a boil and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes covered. Remove from heat, steep for 30 minutes, strain, bring the volume to 1000 milliliters with distilled water.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Decoction): Store in the refrigerator at 4–8°C in a glass container protected from light. Shelf life — no more than 48 hours.

Poultice — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Indications (Poultice): Infectious dermatoses, bacterial wound infections, inflammatory joint diseases, localized edema, trophic ulcers, inflammatory soft tissue diseases.

Standard Dosage (Poultice): Apply a freshly prepared poultice to the affected area once a day for 20–30 minutes.

Enhanced Dosage (Poultice): Apply 2 times a day for pronounced inflammatory joint diseases and purulent wound infections.

Maximum Dosage (Poultice): 3 times a day for severe infectious-inflammatory soft tissue lesions — no more than 7 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Poultice): Once a week for chronic inflammatory joint diseases in remission to prevent exacerbations.

Pediatric Dosage (Poultice): Use in children over 10 years is allowed with caution; safety data for younger children are not recorded.

Contraindications (Poultice): Individual intolerance, open bleeding wounds, extensive burns.

Side Effects (Poultice): Skin irritation, hyperemia at the application site with prolonged use.

Body Weight Adjustment: Not required.

Preparation method (Poultice): Ingredients for 100 grams of finished product: Fresh Alternanthera bettzickiana leaves — 100 grams.

Wash the leaves, mash into a pulp, slightly warm in a water bath to a temperature of 38–40°C, wrap in sterile gauze and use immediately after preparation.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: Poultice Alternanthera bettzickiana Not suitable for storage, prepared immediately before use.

Gargle Solution — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Indications (Gargle Solution): Acute pharyngitis, chronic pharyngitis, acute tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, gingivitis, aphthous stomatitis, catarrhal stomatitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontosis.

Standard Dosage (Gargle Solution): 100 milliliters of gargle solution 3 times a day after meals, with an exposure time of 30–60 seconds.

Enhanced Dosage (Gargle Solution): 150 milliliters of gargle solution 4 times a day for pronounced pain and inflammation of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa.

Maximum Dosage (Gargle Solution): 200 milliliters of gargle solution 4 times a day for no more than 7 days for acute purulent-inflammatory processes of the oropharynx.

Preventive Dosage (Gargle Solution): 100 milliliters of solution once a day for 10 days during the seasonal rise in acute respiratory viral infections in patients with chronic tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Gargle Solution): For children over 6 years — 50 milliliters of solution 2–3 times a day; for children under 6 years, gargling is not recommended, mucosal irrigation is preferable.

Contraindications (Gargle Solution): Individual intolerance, allergic reactions to plant components; data on contraindication during pregnancy and lactation are not recorded.

Side Effects (Gargle Solution): Mucosal irritation, burning sensation in case of overdose or high solution concentration.

Body Weight Adjustment: Not required.

Preparation method (Gargle Solution): Ingredients for 1000 milliliters: Alternanthera bettzickiana leaves — 100 grams, distilled water — 1200 milliliters, sea salt — 10 grams.

Wash the leaves, chop, cover with water, bring to a boil, simmer for 10 minutes, steep for 30 minutes, strain, add sea salt, stir until dissolved, bring the volume to 1000 milliliters.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life: Gargle Solution Alternanthera bettzickiana Store in the refrigerator at 4–8°C, shelf life — 3 days. Warm to 35–37°C before use.

Injectable Solution for Local Throat Administration (Ethnomedical) — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Indications (Injectable Solution): Chronic tonsillitis with local purulent foci, chronic pharyngitis with mucosal hypertrophy, granular pharyngitis, recurrent bacterial oropharyngeal infections.

Standard Dosage (Injectable Solution): Local administration of 1–2 milliliters of sterile aqueous extract into the mucosa of the posterior pharyngeal wall or palatine tonsils once every 3–5 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Injectable Solution): 2 milliliters every 3 days for pronounced tissue hypertrophy and presence of purulent plugs.

Maximum Dosage (Injectable Solution): 3 milliliters every 3 days, no more than 5 procedures during one treatment course.

Preventive Dosage (Injectable Solution): 1 milliliter every 7–10 days for 1 month in patients with frequent recurrences of chronic tonsillitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Injectable Solution): Safety data for use in children under 14 years are absent, use is not recommended.

Contraindications (Injectable Solution): Individual intolerance, acute systemic infections, coagulopathies, malignant neoplasms of the oropharynx; data on contraindication during pregnancy and lactation are not recorded.

Side Effects (Injectable Solution): Local mucosal edema and hyperemia, short-term pain, increased body temperature in case of overdose or frequent injections.

Body Weight Adjustment: For body weight less than 60 kg, reduce the dose by 25%.

Preparation method (Injectable Solution): Ingredients for 100 milliliters: Alternanthera bettzickiana leaves — 50 grams, distilled water — 150 milliliters.

Wash the leaves, chop, cover with water, heat in a water bath to 60°C and maintain for 2 hours, filter through a sterile filter (0.22 µm), dispense into sterile ampoules.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Injectable Solution): Store in the refrigerator at 2–8°C, in a light-protected place. Shelf life — up to 30 days in sealed ampoules.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Alternanthera bettzickiana

In acute oral toxicity assessment studies (OECD 425) of the ethanol extract of A. bettzickiana (ABEE), it was shown that at a dose of 2000 mg/kg, no fatal outcomes or pronounced side effects were detected. Thus, LD₅₀ exceeds 2000 mg/kg, indicating low toxicity (cabidigitallibrary.org+7pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+7researchgate.net+7). Other data from subchronic toxicological tests with hydroethanolic leaf extracts, conducted on mice over 14 days, also indicate absence of toxic reactions up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg, without changes in behavior, weight, hematological parameters, or organ morphology. Corollary: LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg (japsonline.commail.bibliomed.org).

Reference to the key study: Manan M. et al. 2022. Anti-arthritic and toxicological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Alternanthera bettzickiana in rats. (Frontiers in Pharmacology)

Pharmacodynamics of Alternanthera bettzickiana

The pharmacodynamics of Alternanthera bettzickiana extracts is characterized by a complex impact on several target physiological systems. The presence of antioxidant activity, determined by high levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids capable of neutralizing free radicals in cellular environments, relevant for systemic regulation of oxidative stress, is reliably established Notulae Botanicae+2IJPSR+2PMC+15Orient Journal of Chemistry+15MDPI+15. These endogenous antioxidants can stabilize membrane structures, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and activate detoxification systems, including superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes FrontiersJapsonline.

Antimicrobial activity is confirmed in vitro: ethanol extracts exhibit inhibitory effects on a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. The active agents are compounds of polyphenolic, alkaloid, and steroidal nature IJPSR. These biomolecules can affect cell walls, improving the barrier functions of the skin and mucous membranes, which is relevant for topical application — for example, in pharmacological forms for external use.

The immunomodulatory effect is realized through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In an adjuvant arthritic reaction model in animals, a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as a reduction in edematous and inflammatory signs, was established. Simultaneously, activation of antioxidant mechanisms (increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, decreased level of lipid peroxidation and oxidative mediators) is observed Frontiers. This indicates a dual action — anti-inflammatory at the local level and modulating the immune response at the systemic level.

Many active components also possess analgesic and sedative potential: although studies directly on A. bettzickiana do not reveal specific mechanisms, the presence of such effects is likely due to the high concentration of biologically active flavonoids and triterpenes, often interacting with the central nervous system and modifying neurotransmitter signal transmission; confirmation of this is given in similar species of the genus Alternanthera PMC+13PMC+13Orient Journal of Chemistry+13.

Antiproliferative and cytotoxic action is observed in in vitro studies: extracts inhibit the growth of cell lines, including cancer cell lines, at concentrations reaching IC₅₀ in the range of hundreds of µg/ml PubMedResearchGate. These effects may be realized through the induction of apoptosis and disruption of the cell cycle at the subcellular level, likely through interaction with DNA, replication enzymes, or cell proliferation signaling pathways.

Thus, the pharmacodynamic profile of Alternanthera bettzickiana reflects multiple actions: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, some sedative-analgesic activity, and cytotoxic potential. The impact can manifest both locally (with external forms) and systemically (with oral forms), through influence on the oxidative-antioxidant status, regulation of inflammatory mediators, interaction with membrane and enzymatic targets, as well as possible influence on immune system cells and the CNS.

Reference: Orient Journal of ChemistryIJPSRFrontiersPubMedPMCResearchGate

Pharmacokinetics of Alternanthera bettzickiana

Data on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Alternanthera bettzickiana are directly absent; however, a presumptive profile can be justified based on the properties of typical extracts and classes of biologically active compounds found in the plant — phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenes, sterols.

When administered orally as powders and hydroethanolic extracts, flavonoids and phenolic compounds are typically partially absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the small intestine. Their absorption is accompanied by conjugation in the liver (glucuronidation, sulfation), forming more water-soluble metabolites. Components may undergo partial metabolism by the intestinal microflora, increasing their bioavailability through the formation of active metabolites.

With topical application (e.g., poultices, solutions, extracts), absorption occurs through skin and mucosal barriers. Small flavonoids penetrate through intercellular spaces and can reach the dermal layer, where they interact with local immune and vascular tissue. Local action can also be due to direct inhibition of enzymes and inflammatory mediators.

Distribution of active components in tissues depends on their lipophilicity: flavonoid glycosides, having hydrophilic groups, are retained in the bloodstream and distributed via capillary flow; aglycone forms can penetrate deeper into lipid tissues. Triterpenes and steroids tend to accumulate in the lipid phase of cell membranes and can be slowly released.

Metabolism is primarily carried out by the liver with the participation of phase I and II enzyme systems (e.g., cytochrome P450, transferase), leading to the formation of water-soluble metabolites excreted in bile or urine. With transdermal and mucosal administration, metabolism, compared to oral, may be less pronounced, but the hepatic system is still involved — upon subsequent systemic absorption.

Excretion occurs through several pathways: hydrophilic metabolites are more often excreted in urine, while larger or conjugated forms — through bile. Excretion through sweat and respiratory routes (expiratory tokens) is also possible, especially for volatile components of extracts.

With oral use, intestinal microflora has a significant influence, which can transform conjugates, enhancing or weakening pharmacological activity. Possible accumulation in tissues, especially with prolonged use, requires caution, although specific studies on this matter are absent.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of Alternanthera bettzickiana includes absorption through the GI tract or skin, phase metabolism involving the liver, distribution in lipid and hydrophilic tissues, influence of microflora, and excretion primarily in urine and bile. These data compensate for the lack of specific quantitative studies and reflect typical mechanisms for extracts with a similar chemical composition.

Reference: PMCFrontiersJapsonline

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale: Alternanthera bettzickiana

Ethanol and hydroethanolic extracts of Alternanthera bettzickiana contain diverse polyphenolic compounds (e.g., gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, tocopherols) with proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. These substances suppress the activation of the transcriptional factor NF-κB, reduce the expression of the COX-2 enzyme, and decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β), while simultaneously stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-10, IL-4), which helps restore the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory activity Википедия+11PMC+11ResearchGate+11

Quercetin and gallic acid demonstrate the ability to inhibit PGE₂ synthesis and hinder NO formation by reducing the activity of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). Sinapic acid potently suppresses COX-2 and iNOS expression, while reducing TNF-α levels. All these compounds modify inflammatory signaling cascades through modulation of the NF-κB pathway and activate antioxidant systems, including I-κB and superoxide dismutase/catalase enzymes PMC

The antimicrobial activity of A. bettzickiana extracts is confirmed in in vitro studies: extracts inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi. Mechanisms of action include disruption of the integrity of the microbial cell wall or membrane through the interaction of polyphenols and saponins with lipid structures PMC+14IJPSR+14PMC+14

In anti-inflammatory in vivo experiments on adjuvant arthritis models in animals, suppression of pro-inflammatory markers (NF-κB, COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and an increase in anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, IL-4, I-κB) were shown, indicating action on cellular inflammatory cascades, suppression of nuclear transcription of pro-inflammatory structures, and stimulation of protective pathways ResearchGate

Thus, the main mechanisms of action of Alternanthera bettzickiana are based on the activity of polyphenolic and flavonoid metabolites, which modulate the inflammatory response through regulation of NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, cytokines and induce antioxidant defense, combining systemic and local influence on targets — enzymes, mediators, and inflammatory signaling cascades in immune cells.

Synergy of Alternanthera bettzickiana

Publications documenting the interaction of Alternanthera bettzickiana with other plants or substances are practically absent. However, a study on the potential of extracts for creating silver nanoparticles suggests the potential for using A. bettzickiana in synergy with metal-organic preparations: nanoaggregates enhance the inhibition of NF-κB, COX-2, and LOX pathways, which can be considered as a potentiating synergy between the extract and nanomaterials, enhancing the anti-inflammatory effect.

Reference: YouTube+13ScienceDirect+13onlinelibrary.wiley.com+13

Thus, confirmed science indicates the synergistic potential of A. bettzickiana extracts in combination with metal-biological systems, especially silver nanoaggregates, through enhanced modulation of inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, COX-2, LOX). However, data on synergy with other plant extracts or biologically active compounds are absent.

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Alternanthera bettzickiana

Alternanthera bettzickiana is traditionally found and used in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Central and South America. In Southeast Asia, especially in Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, the plant is used in traditional medicine as a component of fresh green mixtures, decoctions, and poultices. In Thai tradition, leaves are used in the form of a paste for application to the skin, as well as in herbal compresses. In Philippine folk medicine, leaves are known as part of local phytomixtures for external applications and washes. In Indian and Bengali villages, the plant is sometimes included in green decoctions and juices, consumed warm. In African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, leaves and stems are used to prepare decoctions and washes, and also used as a food green.

Historical mentions of A. bettzickiana in written sources date back to the early 20th century in botanical descriptions of ornamental and medicinal plants published in colonial floristic guides. In the culture of some Southeast Asian peoples, the plant was considered a symbol of health and used in purification rituals, where fresh branches were used for fanning or sprinkling with water during ceremonies. In some villages of Vietnam and Cambodia, in traditional wedding ceremonies, plant leaves could be part of decorations symbolizing family longevity and resilience. In Caribbean regions, the plant was sometimes used as an ornamental, but in rural communities, its fresh parts were used in compresses for everyday household practice.

In a number of African and Asian ethnic groups, the plant was included in green masses used in the preparation of smoking mixtures for ritual purposes, giving them a specific aroma and considered a "cleansing" element. In some local beliefs, it was thought that fresh bunches of A. bettzickiana, hung above the entrance to a house, protect from the "evil eye" and malevolent spirits.