
Alagaw, known as premna in many regions, holds a strong reputation as a traditional medicinal plant. People value premna for its health benefits, especially when using its leaves. You may find premna leaves used as a remedy for coughs, fever, and headaches. In the Philippines, premna leaf decoctions act as a diuretic and help treat abdominal pain, bronchitis, and dysentery. Premna offers health benefits that include pain relief, antiseptic effects, and support for wound healing. The plant’s health benefits also extend to easing vaginal irritation and beriberi. Scientific studies highlight premna’s health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Premna contains flavones and iridoids that help fight infection and support overall wellness. You can rely on premna for its health benefits in folk medicine. Premna leaves serve as a natural remedy in herbal traditions across cultures.
Common health benefits of premna:
Loosens phlegm
Cleanses the respiratory tract
Facilitates urination
Eases pain from flatulence
Treats tuberculosis
Key Takeaways
Premna odorata, or Alagaw, offers various health benefits, including relief from respiratory issues, liver support, and pain management.
The leaves of Alagaw can be prepared through maceration, which helps extract their beneficial compounds for use in teas, poultices, or oils.
Alagaw has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it valuable for reducing swelling and protecting cells from damage.
Always use Alagaw safely by starting with small amounts and consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have chronic health issues.
Incorporate Alagaw into your wellness routine to support respiratory health, manage pain, and enhance overall well-being.
Health Benefits

Respiratory Relief
Premna odorata offers you relief from respiratory discomfort. The leaves help loosen phlegm and cleanse the respiratory tract. You may notice that premna extract supports easier breathing and treats bronchitis. The plant’s natural compounds soothe irritation in your airways. Many people use premna to address cough and congestion. The anti-inflammatory effects of premna reduce inflammation in your respiratory system. You can rely on premna for its benefits in managing respiratory symptoms.
Liver Support
Premna odorata shows strong hepatoprotective potential. You can find evidence that premna extract protects your liver from damage. The plant’s natural compounds help reduce oxidative stress and improve liver function tests. Researchers have studied premna’s effects on liver health in animal models. The following table summarizes key findings:
Study | Findings |
|---|---|
Jabir et al. (2018) | Premna odorata extract alleviated liver damage induced by aluminum in animal models. |
Dianita and Jantan (2017) | Extract of Premna tomentosa showed hepatoprotective activity against acetaminophen toxicity. |
Naidu et al. (2014) | In vitro and in vivo studies indicated hepatoprotective activity of icetexanes from Premna tomentosa. |
Singh et al. (2011) | Premna serratifolia exhibited protective activity against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. |
Karthikeyan and Deepa (2010) | Premna corymbosa showed protective effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats. |
Premna extract helps lower serum markers of liver damage. You may benefit from improved liver function tests after using premna. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of premna contribute to its hepatoprotective potential. You can trust premna to support your liver and protect it from oxidative stress.
Note: Flower and leaf extracts of premna odorata significantly reduced liver marker enzymes in rats with acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. This result shows the plant’s protective effects against liver damage.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Premna odorata provides you with strong anti-inflammatory effects. The plant’s extract contains compounds that fight inflammation. You may find that premna’s anti-inflammatory properties compare well to other medicinal plants. Researchers discovered flavone aglycones in premna leaves. These compounds help reduce inflammation and support your body’s natural healing process. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of premna make it valuable for managing inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of premna odorata are significant compared to other medicinal plants.
Specific compounds in premna odorata show potent anti-inflammatory activities, sometimes superior to well-known agents.
Related species, such as premna obtusifolia, also demonstrate strong anti-inflammatory effects.
Premna extract interferes with inflammatory mediators and helps lower serum markers of inflammation. You can use premna to address swelling and discomfort caused by inflammation.
Antioxidant Properties
Premna odorata offers you powerful antioxidant benefits. The plant’s extract contains natural compounds that fight oxidative stress. You may notice that premna helps protect your cells from damage. Researchers measured the antioxidant capacity of premna odorata leaves and extracts. The following table highlights key findings:
Study Title | Focus | Findings |
|---|---|---|
Isolation and characterization of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive flavones from Premna odorata Blanco | Antioxidant capacity of Premna odorata extracts | The study evaluated the antioxidant capacity of the extracts, highlighting the plant’s potential health benefits. |
Premna extract helps lower serum markers of oxidative stress. You can rely on premna to support your body’s natural defenses. The antioxidant properties of premna contribute to its ability to protect against oxidative damage.
Kidney Health
Premna odorata supports your kidney health. The plant’s extract helps reduce oxidative stress and protect your kidneys from damage. A study documented the amelioration of aluminum-induced hepatic and nephrotoxicity by premna odorata extract in Wistar rats. You may benefit from improved serum markers of kidney function after using premna. The natural compounds in premna help maintain healthy kidneys and reduce the risk of oxidative stress-related damage.
Antitubercular Uses
Premna odorata shows promise as an antitubercular agent. You can find traditional uses of premna in treating tuberculosis. Researchers screened premna extract for activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The following table summarizes key findings:
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Ethnopharmacological relevance | Premna odorata is traditionally used in the Philippines to treat tuberculosis. |
Materials and methods | The study involved extraction, solvent polarity-based fractionation, and screening for activity. |
Results | Crude extracts showed poor activity (MIC≥128µg/mL), but DCM sub-extracts showed better activity (MIC=54 to 120µg/mL). |
Active compounds | The most active fraction led to the isolation of 1-heneicosyl formate and a mixture of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and diosmetin. |
Conclusion | The study provides scientific support for the traditional use of Premna odorata in tuberculosis treatment. |
Compounds such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and diosmetin contribute to premna’s antitubercular properties. You may find premna extract useful in supporting your body’s natural defenses against tuberculosis.
Pain Relief
Premna odorata provides you with natural pain relief. The plant’s extract helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. You may notice that premna eases pain from flatulence and other sources. The anti-inflammatory effects of premna contribute to its ability to relieve pain. Researchers found that crude leaf extract of premna showed significant inhibition of inflammation and pain. You can use premna to manage pain and support your body’s healing process.
Other Benefits
Premna odorata offers you many other health benefits. The plant’s extract treats phlegm, stomach pain, headaches, cough, wounds, and heart disorders. You may find premna useful as a parasiticide and for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The following table lists notable benefits:
Health Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Treats phlegm, stomach pain, headaches, cough, wounds, parasiticides, tuberculosis, heart disorders | Traditional uses of premna odorata in various ailments. |
Antinociceptive / Anti-Inflammatory | Crude leaf extract showed significant inhibition of inflammation and pain. |
Antimutagenic | Inhibits chromosomal damage induced by tetracycline. |
Anti-Inflammatory | Lipoidal extract interferes with inflammatory disease progression. |
Antitubercular | Volatile oil exhibits anti-TB activity related to terpenes. |
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant | High antioxidant activity in ointment formulations. |
Antifungal | Significant activity against Candida albicans and Monilinia spp. |
Anti-Ageing Potential | Essential oil compounds show potential for anti-ageing effects. |
Neuroprotective | Extracts protect against aluminum-induced toxicity in rats. |
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects help you manage pain and swelling.
Antimutagenic activity protects your cells from chromosomal damage.
Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties support your body’s natural defenses.
Antifungal effects help fight infections.
Anti-ageing potential and neuroprotective benefits contribute to overall wellness.
You can rely on premna for a wide range of health benefits. The plant’s extract supports your body’s natural healing processes and helps maintain good health.
Premna Odorata Leaves and Uses

Parts Used
You will find that the most important part of the premna odorata herb is its leaves. People use premna odorata leaves in many traditional remedies. These leaves contain active compounds such as flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and essential oils. These compounds give the leaves their anti-aging and anti-tuberculosis properties.
You can use premna odorata leaves for vaginal irrigation.
Many communities use the leaves to help treat tuberculosis.
The leaves are the main source of the plant’s health benefits.
Preparation Methods
You can prepare premna odorata leaves in several ways to unlock their healing properties. One common method is maceration. This process involves soaking the leaves to extract their beneficial compounds. People often use maceration to create a curing agent from the leaves.
Premna odorata leaves have a pH of 5, which means they are slightly acidic. When you mix the leaves with oils like olive oil, sunflower oil, or palm oil at a 50% concentration, you help draw out their active ingredients.
Maceration helps you get the most out of premna odorata leaves.
The leaves work well in different oil solvents.
Traditional Applications
You will see premna odorata leaves used in many traditional ways. In some cultures, people use the leaves for vaginal irrigation to help with irritation or infection. Others use the leaves to support the treatment of tuberculosis.
Premna odorata leaves also play a role in food and medicine. Some communities add the leaves to dishes for flavor and health benefits. You may find the leaves used in decoctions, teas, or poultices.
Application | Description |
|---|---|
Vaginal irrigation | Used to cleanse and soothe irritation |
Tuberculosis support | Used as part of traditional remedies |
Culinary use | Added to food for taste and wellness |
Decoctions and teas | Prepared as drinks for health maintenance |
Premna odorata leaves offer you a natural way to support your health. You can rely on these leaves for both culinary and medicinal uses.
Compounds
Anti-inflammatory
You find many anti-inflammatory compounds in Premna odorata leaves. These compounds help your body fight swelling and discomfort. The crude extract contains flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids. Each of these works as an anti-inflammatory agent. You see that the crude extract blocks the release of substances that cause inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect helps you manage pain and swelling. You notice that the crude extract reduces redness and irritation. The anti-inflammatory properties make Premna odorata useful for people with joint pain or sore muscles. You can rely on the crude extract to support your body’s natural healing process. The anti-inflammatory compounds also protect your tissues from damage. You benefit from the anti-inflammatory action every time you use the crude extract.
Antioxidant
Premna odorata leaves contain strong antioxidant compounds. The crude extract provides you with flavonoids, vitamin A, and vitamin C. These antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. You see that the crude extract helps your body fight oxidative stress. The antioxidant activity supports your immune system and keeps you healthy. You notice that the crude extract improves your skin and slows aging. The antioxidant compounds in the crude extract also help your organs work better. You find that the crude extract boosts your body’s defenses against illness. The antioxidant effect makes Premna odorata a valuable plant for wellness.
Tip: Antioxidant compounds in the crude extract help you recover faster after exercise or illness.
Here is a table showing key vitamins with antioxidant properties in Premna odorata leaves:
Vitamin | Properties |
|---|---|
A | Antioxidant |
C | Antioxidant |
You benefit from the antioxidant power of the crude extract every time you use Premna odorata leaves.
Other Active Compounds
You discover other active compounds in Premna odorata leaves. The crude extract contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals help your muscles and nerves work well. You find that the crude extract also has essential oils. These oils give the plant its scent and add to its health benefits. The crude extract provides you with saponins and tannins. These compounds help fight germs and keep your body clean. You see that the crude extract supports your heart and kidneys. The crude extract gives you a wide range of nutrients for overall health. You can trust the crude extract to deliver many benefits from its active compounds.
Safety
Side Effects
You may experience side effects when you use Alagaw. Most people tolerate Alagaw well, but some may notice mild reactions.
You might feel stomach discomfort or nausea after taking Alagaw leaves.
Some people report headaches or dizziness.
Allergic reactions can happen, such as itching or skin rashes.
Note: If you notice any unusual symptoms, you should stop using Alagaw and talk to a healthcare provider.
A small number of people may have more serious side effects. These can include swelling, trouble breathing, or severe allergic reactions. These cases are rare, but you should know about them.
Precautions
You need to take precautions before using Alagaw.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid Alagaw unless a doctor approves it.
Children and older adults may be more sensitive to the plant’s effects.
If you have allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family, you should not use Alagaw.
People with chronic illnesses, such as liver or kidney disease, should consult a doctor first.
A table below shows who should use extra caution:
Group | Precaution Needed |
|---|---|
Pregnant women | Avoid unless approved |
Breastfeeding mothers | Avoid unless approved |
Children | Use with caution |
Elderly | Use with caution |
Allergic individuals | Avoid use |
Chronic illness | Consult a doctor |
Usage Guidelines
You should follow safe usage guidelines when using Alagaw.
Use only the recommended amount of leaves or extract.
Do not use Alagaw for long periods without medical advice.
Always check for possible interactions with other medicines you take.
📝 Tip: You can protect your health by starting with a small amount and watching for side effects.
You should always talk to a healthcare professional before adding Alagaw to your routine. This helps you avoid unwanted effects and ensures you use the plant safely.
Alagaw gives you many health benefits. You can use its leaves for respiratory relief, liver support, and pain management. The plant also helps with inflammation and protects your cells. Always use Alagaw safely. Start with small amounts and watch for side effects.
Tip: Talk to your healthcare provider before you try Alagaw or any new herbal remedy. This helps you stay safe and get the best results.
FAQ
What is Alagaw (Premna odorata) used for?
You use Alagaw leaves for respiratory relief, liver support, pain management, and inflammation. Many people also use it for kidney health, antitubercular support, and traditional remedies.
What are the possible side effects of Alagaw?
You may experience mild stomach discomfort, nausea, headache, or skin rash. Rarely, you could have swelling or trouble breathing. Always watch for symptoms and talk to your doctor if you feel unwell.
What is the best way to prepare Alagaw leaves?
You can prepare Alagaw leaves by macerating them in oil or water. Many people use decoctions, teas, or poultices. Always follow safe preparation methods and start with small amounts.
What groups should avoid using Alagaw?
Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, elderly, and people with allergies or chronic illnesses should avoid Alagaw unless approved by a healthcare provider.
What active compounds are found in Alagaw leaves?
Alagaw leaves contain flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, essential oils, vitamins A and C, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. These compounds help support your health and wellness.
