desmodio

The desmodium (Desmodium ascendens) is an African herbaceous plant that grows in the forests of Ghana and Senegal. Since ancient times, African healers have used the leaves and stem for liver conditions.

In our latitudes it is less well known, but various scientific studies have confirmed its protective effect of liver cells, its antiviral action and its detoxifying power of heavy metals. It also inhibits an enzyme – hepatic monooxygenase – that is involved in the oxidation of arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory. Consequently, the body generates fewer inflammatory lipid compounds, which cause tissue degeneration. This is due to:

Triterpene saponins, which exert an antifungal, antiviral and hypocholesterolemic action; Molecules derived from quinoline, with a bactericidal effect; Betaphenylethylamines, which promote the regeneration of connective tissue.

Therapeutic use of desmodium

Desmodium can be used together with other natural or pharmacological substances in the treatment of multiple pathologies caused by liver cell dysfunction:

Chronic hepatitis. In hepatitis B, the majority of those affected normalize the level of transaminases and the HBs antigen becomes negative in six weeks. In hepatitis C the results are variable, but there is always an improvement in transaminases. Acute viral hepatitis. It helps overcome the infection and prevents hepatitis from becoming chronic. Poisoning. In those caused by heavy metals or chemotherapy and in alcohol, it cleans and regenerates liver cells.

Other pathologies

Desmodium may also be useful in treating some headaches and the Allergic asthma, because it reduces the contractions of the airways that cause the spasms of asthma. Its components activate a cellular enzyme (cyclooxygenase) that increases the production of muscle-relaxing prostaglandins (PGE2) and inhibits the synthesis of bronchoconstrictor leukotrienes.

How is desmodium used?

is marketed in the form of dry extract or in hydroalcoholic solution and the dose depends on the problem.

For acute hepatitis it is recommended to boil a few 15 grams of dry plant in a liter and a half of water 15 minutes; let stand another 20, strain and store in an opaque container that can be closed to protect from light and air. A glass is taken every four hours on an empty stomach. The decoction must be prepared every day and discard the excess, since it oxidizes quickly.

If you want to cleanse the liver, just boil 10 grams and drink three cups a day or eat 1 to 3 grams of encapsulated dry extract. In liquid form the dose ranges between 10 and 30 ml daily, before meals.