Barleria
Barleria prionitis
Porcupine flower, a spiny shrub used as a folk remedy for mouth infections. A barleria mouthwash reduced plaque in a small trial.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Barleria?
- Plant family
- Acanthaceae, the acanthus family
- Parts used
- The leaves and roots
- Where it grows
- India, Southeast Asia and tropical Africa
- Genus
- Barleria
- Species
- prionitis
Also called
Porcupine Flower
Traditionally used for
- Mouth and gum health (traditional)
Traditionally described as
- Antimicrobial leaves
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Barleria is a folk remedy for preventing mouth and gum infections.[1]Study
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In diabetic rats, a leaf extract given for 2 weeks lowered blood sugar and raised insulin.[2]Study
Research in people
In a small 3-day trial of 30 people, a barleria mouthwash reduced dental plaque about as well as the standard antiseptic chlorhexidine, though chlorhexidine worked a little better.[1]Study
In short
No safety studies were found.
Sources
- [1] Assessment of Effectiveness of Barleria prionitis on Oral Health · DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.181456Peer-reviewed study
- [2] A study of the antidiabetic activity of Barleria prionitis Linn. · DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.64493Peer-reviewed study
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.