Dr. Grey AI

East Indian globe thistle

Sphaeranthus indicus is an Ayurvedic herb with wide traditional uses including epilepsy, diabetes, skin diseases, and inflammation. Contains sesquiterpene lactones (7-hydroxyfrullanolide), flavonoids, essential oils, and the alkaloid sphaeranthine. Animal and in vitro studies show anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, nephroprotective, and anti-allergic effects. A standardized extract (NPS31807) is in clinical testing for psoriasis. Bioactive mechanisms not fully characterized.

Quick Answer

What it is

Sphaeranthus indicus is an Ayurvedic herb with wide traditional uses including epilepsy, diabetes, skin diseases, and inflammation. Contains sesquiterpene lactones (7-hydroxyfrullanolide), flavonoids, essential oils, and the alkaloid sphaeranthine.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Testosterone Levels
  • Grade C: Skin Inflammation (Psoriasis)
  • Grade C: Muscle Strength and Exercise Performance

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: East Indian globe thistle

Quick Facts: East Indian globe thistle

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:7
  • Key Effect:Athletic Performance
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C3
D4
3 conditions · 7 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Testosterone Levels
In rats, S. indicus petroleum ether extract inhibited 5α-reductase and increased serum testosterone dose-dependently, with potency comparable to dutasteride. Multiple RCTs (n=40, n=99, n=60) of a proprietary S. indicus + Mangifera indica blend showed 19–20% increases in total and free testosterone vs baseline in healthy men. Note: human trials used a blend, not S. indicus alone, limiting attribution.
moderate↑Improves
C
Skin Inflammation (Psoriasis)
A Phase II RCT (n=74) of oral S. indicus extract (Tinefcon) in moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis found 65% of high-dose (2.8 g/day) patients achieved PASI-50 and 40% achieved PASI-75 at 12 weeks. In vitro, standardized extract NPS31807 dose-dependently reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) from macrophages and keratinocytes, inhibited NFκB/AP-1 transcription, STAT3 phosphorylation, and keratinocyte proliferation/migration.
moderate↓Improves
D
Anticancer Activity
In vitro, petroleum ether extract and isolated compounds (β-sitosterol, 7-hydroxyfrullanolide, cryptomeridiol) showed cytotoxicity against multiple cancer cell lines (HL-60, A549, HeLa, HEP-2, MCF-7, colorectal). 7-Hydroxyfrullanolide inhibited colorectal cancer growth via p53-dependent and -independent mechanisms in vitro and in a syngeneic mouse model. Silver nanoparticles with cryptomeridiol showed IC50 comparable to 5-fluorouracil against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. All data is preclinical.
small↓Worsens
D
5α-Reductase Inhibition (BPH)
In rats with testosterone-induced prostatic hypertrophy, S. indicus petroleum ether extract (75 mg/kg) attenuated prostate/body weight ratio increases and decreased PSA levels comparably to dutasteride. In vitro assays confirmed 5α-reductase inhibitory activity across multiple extract fractions.
moderate↓Improves
C
Muscle Strength and Exercise Performance
Two RCTs of a proprietary S. indicus + Mangifera indica blend in young healthy men found significant improvements in bench press (+27.6 kg vs +4.95 kg placebo), leg press, handgrip strength, and treadmill endurance over 8 weeks. The blend also improved lean body mass and reduced cortisol. Note: human trials used a botanical blend, not S. indicus alone.
moderate↑Improves
D
Mast Cell Stabilization (Anti-allergic)
In an animal/in vitro study, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of S. indicus showed 77–88% protection against mast cell degranulation induced by compound 48/80 and sheep serum, slightly exceeding the standard drug ketotifen (69–75%). Suggests potent mast cell stabilizing activity comparable to established anti-allergic agents.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Nephroprotection (Drug-Induced Kidney Injury)
In a rat model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, ethanol extract of S. indicus (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly reduced elevated serum creatinine and urea levels, restored renal antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH), and reduced lipid peroxidation. Effects attributed to the plant's antioxidant potential.
moderate↓Improves

Research Citations (12)

Phytochemical and nanoparticle-based therapeutic potential of Sphaeranthus indicus against hepatocellular carcinoma via cryptomeridiol targeting
(2025)
PMID: 41323392
A botanical extract blend of Mangifera indica and Sphaeranthus indicus combined with resistance exercise training improves muscle strength and endurance over exercise alone in young men: a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial
(2024)
PMID: 38765822
A proprietary blend of Sphaeranthus indicus flower head and Mangifera indica bark extracts increases muscle strength and enhances endurance in young male volunteers: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial
(2023)
PMID: 36794013
7-hydroxyfrullanolide, isolated from Sphaeranthus indicus, inhibits colorectal cancer cell growth by p53-dependent and -independent mechanism
(2019)
PMID: 30535334
Sphaeranthus indicus (East Indian Globe Thistle) - A promising natural remedy for psoriasis
(2014)
PMID: 24620985
Sphaeranthus indicus induces apoptosis through mitochondrial-dependent pathway in HL-60 cells and exerts cytotoxic potential on several human cancer cell lines
(2013)
PMID: 22914874
Effect of Sphaeranthus indicus on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
(2012)
PMID: 22579515
Effect of ethanol extract of Sphaeranthus indicus on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
(2012)
PMID: 21790496
Sphaeranthus indicus attenuates testosterone induced prostatic hypertrophy in albino rats
(2011)
PMID: 21503998
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.: A phytopharmacological review
(2010)
PMID: 21369402

Related Supplements

ZMA

1 shared condition · 5 outcomes

ZMA is a patented combination of zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Marketed for testosterone and athletic performance. REALITY: Independent studies (not funded by patent holder) show NO testosterone or performance benefits in non-deficient individuals. Original testosterone study was funded by patent holder and not replicated. ZMA only benefits those DEFICIENT in zinc or magnesium. Just buy zinc and magnesium separately for less money.

Vitamin E

1 shared condition · 274 outcomes

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and is found in several common foods. Supplementing with extra vitamin E does not have broad health benefits, except in people with vitamin E deficiency, and long-term high-dose supplementation may cause harm.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

1 shared condition · 15 outcomes

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is an essential water-soluble B-vitamin required for the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA) and acyl carrier protein (ACP). CoA is critical for fatty acid metabolism (synthesis and beta-oxidation), acetylcholine synthesis, steroid hormone production, and the citric acid cycle. Pantothenic acid is widely distributed in foods ('pantos' means 'everywhere' in Greek), making deficiency extremely rare. The Adequate Intake (AI) is 5mg/day for adults. Clinical applications include high-dose supplementation for acne vulgaris (reduces sebum production), topical dexpanthenol (provitamin B5) for wound healing and skin barrier repair, and potential benefits for lipid profiles. Pantothenic acid has very low toxicity with no established Upper Limit.

Valine

1 shared condition · 7 outcomes

Valine is one of three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with leucine and isoleucine. It's essential (must come from diet). NO GRADED OUTCOMES for isolated valine. Least studied and likely least important of the BCAAs for muscle building. Generally supplemented as part of BCAA mixture rather than alone. No unique proven benefits compared to other BCAAs. Safe as an amino acid. Adequate protein intake typically provides sufficient valine.

Trichopus zeylanicus

1 shared condition · 6 outcomes

Trichopus zeylanicus (Arogyapaacha) is a rare herb from Kerala, India used by the Kani tribe for anti-fatigue effects. Called 'Kerala ginseng' due to adaptogenic claims. Limited research suggests performance-enhancing and aphrodisiac effects in animals. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is very limited. The commercial product 'Jeevani' was developed from this plant. Rare and not widely available.

Thai Ginseng

1 shared condition · 5 outcomes

Thai ginseng (Kaempferia parviflora) is NOT related to true ginseng (Panax). It's a rhizome from the ginger family used in Thai traditional medicine primarily for male sexual function. Contains polymethoxyflavones. Some research supports effects on erectile function and physical performance. NO GRADED OUTCOMES. Also researched for anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. Generally safe as a traditional food/medicine.

Tetraselmis Chuii

1 shared condition · 7 outcomes

Tetraselmis chuii is a marine microalgae approved as a Novel Food in the EU. Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Marketed as a sustainable superfood. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - human research is very limited. Primarily used in aquaculture as fish feed. Potential as a sustainable nutrient source but lacks clinical evidence for specific health claims. Generally safe as food.

Pinitol

1 shared condition · 5 outcomes

Pinitol (D-pinitol) is a methylated inositol found in legumes, carob, and pine trees. Converts to D-chiro-inositol in the body. Both are insulin sensitizers studied for diabetes and PCOS. Mechanism involves insulin signaling enhancement and GLUT4 translocation. Some human studies show blood glucose benefits. Also studied for creatine-like effects in muscle (may enhance creatine uptake). Related to myo-inositol but different effects. Marketed in some sports supplements as insulin mimetic.