HOME      •      SEARCH      •      EMAIL    •     ABOUT


Family Malvaceae
Ualis-haba
Escobilla
Sida rhombifolia Linn.
YELLOW BARLERIA / ARROW LEAF SIDA

Ya mu tou

Scientific names  Common names 
Diadesma rhombifolia (L.) Raf. Alant (Germany)
Malva rhombifolia (L.) E.H.L.Krause Aunee (Frabce)  
Napaea rhombifolia (L.) Moench Basbasot (Ilk.) 
Sida rhombifolia L. Baseng-baseng (Bis.) 
Accepted infraspecifics (10) Elenio (Italy) 
Sida rhombifolia var. afrorhomboidea Verdc. Escobilia (Span.) 
Sida rhombifolia var. afroscabrida Verdc. Eskobang-haba (Tag., Bis., Pamp.) 
Sida rhombifolia subsp. alnifolia (L.) Ugbor. Eskoba (C. Bis.)  
Sida alnifolia L. Lubluban (Bon.)
Sida alnifolia var. microphylla (Cav.) S.Y.Hu Nang-nang-isit (Ilk.)
Sida alnifolia var. obovata (Wall. ex Mast.) S.Y.Hu Sinaguri (Sul.) 
Sida alnifolia var. orbiculata S.Y.Hu Singitan (Ilk.) 
Sida microphylla Cav. Sinutan (Ibn.)   
Sida obovata Wall. Taching-baka (Iv.) 
Sida rhombifolia var. microphylla (Cav.) Mast. Takim-baba (Ilk.) 
Sida rhombifolia var. obovata Wall. ex Mast. Ualis-haba, Walis-haba (Tag.)
Sida rhombifolia var. parvifolia Gagnep Ualis-ualisan (Tag.)
Sida rhombifolia var. maderensis (Lowe) Lowe Walis-haba (Tag.)
Sida maderensis Lowe Walis-walisan (Tag.) 
Sida ostryifolia Webb Arrow-leaf sida (Engl.)
Sida rhombifolia f. aristata Backer Cuban jute (Engl.)
Sida rhombifolia subsp. maderensis (Lowe) Pit. & Proust Jelly leaf (Engl.)
Sida uniaristata Goncalez & V.N.Yoshik. Paddy's lucerne (Engl.)
Sida unicornis Marais Rhombus-leaved sida (Engl.)
Sida rhombifolia var. petherickii Verdc. Sidaweed (Engl.)
Sida rhombifolia subsp. retusa (L.) Borss.Waalk. Teaweed (Engl.)
Meximalva retusa (L.) F.C.Ho
Yellow barleria (Engl.) 
Sida retusa L.  
Sida rhombifolia var.retusa (L.) Griseb.  
Sida rhombifolia subsp.rhombifolia (44 synonyms)  
Sida augusta Marais  
Sida alba Cav. . . . .  
Sida truncatula Blanco  
Sida rhombifolia var. riparia Burtt Davy  
Sida riparia Hochst. ex A.Rich.  
Sida rhombifolia var. scabrida (Wight & Arn.) Mast.  
Sida scabrida Wight & Arn.  
Sida rhombifolia var. serratifolia (Wilczek & Steyaert) Verdc.  
Sida serratifolia R.Wilczek & Steyaert  
Escoba / Escobilla / Eskuba/ Eskoba are common names confusingly shared by several Philippine medicinal plants: Sida acuta, Sida retusa (ualis), Scoparia dulcis (mala-anis), Sida rhombofolia (ualis-haba).
Ualis / ualisualisan / ualis-haba are confusing root-words shared by Sida acuta, Sida retusa, Sida rhombofolia.
Some compilations list S retusa and S rhombifolia as synonymous species; Quisumbing's compilation lists them as separate species.
Quisumbing lists S. rhombifolia and S. spinosa as synonyms. Other compilations list them as separate species.
Sida rhombifolia L. is an accepted species. KEW: Plants of the World Online

Other vernacular names
AFRICA: Petoria-bossie.
ARABIC: Qinnab el Kûînsland (Egypt).
ASSAMESE: Boriala.
AYURVEDA: Kurumthotti.
BANGLADESH: Lal berela atibala.
BENGALI: Svetbarela.
COUNTRY: Name
CHINESE: Bai bei huang huo ren, Huang huo, Ya mu tou, Mu wu.
FRENCH: Balyé wonzè, Chanvre d'Australie, Fausse guimauve, Faux thé, Herbe à balais.
GERMAN: Kubajute, Queensland Hanf, Sidafaserpflanze.
GUJARATI: Baladana.
HINDI: Baryara, Kharenti, Sahadeva, Swetbarela.
INDONESIAN: Sidaguri.
JAPANESE: Kingojika.
KANNADA: Bolamgadale, Kallangadale.
MALAYALAM: Vankuruntotti, Valankuruntotti, Velluram.
MARATHI: Baler, Sadeda, Sahadevi.
NEPALESE: Saano cilyaa.
ORIYA: Bajromuli.
PORTUGUESE: Chá-bravo, Erva do chá, Enula campana, Guaxuma, Malva-preta, Relógio, Vassourinha.
RUSSIAN: Sida rombolistnaya, Atibala.
SANSKRIT: Atibala, Bala, Mahabala.
SPANISH: Afata negra, Ancu-sacha, Angosacha, Axpcatzín, Escoba, Escoba blanca, Escobilla, Escobita ceniza, Huinar, Malva de puerco, Malva prieta, Mata-alfalfa, Popotalagua, Tipichaguazu.
SRI LANKAN: Chittamadi.
TAMIL: Chittamutti, Velaippacai.
TELUGU: Guba tada, Mahabala.
THAI: Khat mon, Ya khat , Yung pat mae mai.
TURKISH: Avsdralia keneviri.
URDU: Bala, Baryara.
VIETNAMESE: Ké hoa vàng.

Gen info
- Sida is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family. Plants in the genus are generally known as fanpetals or sidas.
- Sida rhombifolia is a perennial or sometime annual plant in the family Malvaceae, native to the Old World Tropics and subtropics.
- Etymology: The genus name Sida derives from Greek for "pomegranate" or "water lily". The name was adopted by Carl Linnaeus from the writings of Theophrastus. (36)
- Taxon conflicts: Sida has been a wastebasket taxon, which includes many plants that do not fit into other Malvaceae genera. The circumscription is unclear. While over 1000 names have been placed in the genus, many authorities accept about 150 to 250 valid names today. Some accept as few as 98 species. (36)

Botany
• Ualis-haba is an erect, branched shrub reaching 0.5 to 1.5 meters in height. Leaves are oblong to rhomboid, 1 to 4 centimeters long, the apex rounded or pointed, the margins toothed, and the lower surface covered with very short pale hairs. Flowers occur singly in the axil of the leaves. Calyx is green. Corolla is yellow, about 1.5 centimeters diameter. Fruit has 8 to 10 carpels which are smooth or somewhat wrinkled, about 2.5 millimeters long and awned.

Stems are erect to sprawling and branched, growing 50 to 120 centimeters in height, with the lower sections being woody. Leaves are dark green, diamond-shaped, arranged alternately along the stem, 4 to 8 centimeters long, with petioles that are less than a third of the length of the leaves. Leaves are paler below, with short, grayish hairs. Apical half of the leaves have toothed or serrated margins while the remainder of the leaves are entire (untoothed). The petioles have small spiny stipules at their bases. Moderately delicate flowers occur singly on flower stalks that arise from the area between the stems and leaf petioles. They consist of five petals that are 4 to 8 millimeters long, creamy to orange-yellow in color, and may be somewhat reddish in the center. Each of the five overlapping petals is asymmetric, having a long lobe on one side. Stamens unite in a short column. Fruit is a ribbed capsule, which breaks up into 8 to 10 segments. Plant blooms throughout the year. (35)

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- A very common weed in the Philippines.

- Also native to Angola, Assam, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Provinces, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China South-Central, China Southeast, Christmas I., Congo, East Himalaya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Free State, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, India, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jawa, Kazan-retto, Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Laos, Lesotho, Lesser Sunda Is., Liberia, Malawi, Malaya, Mali, Marianas, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Northern Provinces, Ogasawara-shoto, Pakistan, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sumatera, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zaïre, Zimbabwe

Constituents
• Seven ecdysteroids, including three new compounds were isolated. Four-ecdysone, 20-hydroxyecdysone, 2-deoxyecdysone, 2-deoxy-hydroxyecdysone-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside and 20-hydroxyecdysone-3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside–were reported for the first time.

• Phytoscreening of a methanol extract yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, and reducing sugars.
• Study yielded eleven secondary metabolites: sitosterol (1a) and stigmasterol (1b), sitosterol-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (2a) and stigmasterol-3-O-b-D-glucopyranoside (2b), phaeophytin A (3), 173-ethoxypheophorbide A (4), 132-hydroxy phaeophytin B (5), 173-ethoxypheophorbide B (6), 5,7-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone (7), cryptolepinone (8) and a salt of cryptolepine (9). (See study below)   (15)
• An aqueous-methanol extract yielded tannins, polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins. (16)
Crude chloroform extracts yielded n-hexacos-11-enoic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. (see study below) (25)
• Proximate analysis of roots yielded moisture 7.5%, total ash 7.8%, crude protein 5.7%, crude fiber 36.7%, crude fat 2.8%, and nitrogen free extract 47%. Inorganic mineral analysis yielded calcium 0.85%, sodium 0.28%, zinc 371.1 ppm, and magnesium 0.32%
.
An n-hexane extract of whole plant yielded palmitic acid, linoleic acid and y-sitosterol. (see study below) (32)
• Phytochemical screening of yielded steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, and tannins. (see study below) (2
0)
- GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of S. rhombifolia for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified a total of 73 compounds. Major compounds were identified as palmitic acid (21.56%), phytol (7.02%), 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (6.30%), oleic acid (5.48%), 2-pentyl-furan (5.23%), and linoleic acid (3.21%). The VOCs are rich in fatty acids (32.50%), olefine aldehyde (9.59%), ketone (9.41%), enol (9.02%), aldehyde (8.63%), and ketene (6.41%). (see study below) (37)

- Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanolic (E), acetone (Ac) and aqueous (Aq) extracts of leaves revealed alkaloids (Ac, E), carbohydrates (AC, E), glycosides (E), flavonoids (E), phytosterols (E), saponins (Ac, E, Aq), phenolic compounds and tannins (Ac, E, Aq), lignins (Ac, E, Aq), gums and muilage (E, Aq), with absence of fixed oil and fats, proteins and amino acids. (39)

Properties
- Plant considered anti-rheumatic, antipyretic, analgesic, appetite stimulant, anti-asthmatic, CNS depressant, laxative, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, hypotensive, stomachic, sudorific, tonic, vasorelaxant.
- Roots are considered febrifuge, cooling, astringent, tonic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

- Studies have suggested antioxidant, hematopoietic , cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal, antiarthritic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, anti-gout, anthelmintic, vasorelaxant, antitubercular, antidiarrheal, anti-anxiety, hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, anticholinesterase, antimalarial, wound healing, antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic properties.

Parts used
Whole plant, roots, bark, leaves.

Uses
Edibility
- Leaves are edible; cooked and eaten as vegetable.
- Tea made from leaves.
Folkloric
- In the Philippines decoction of the roots is used as a gargle for toothaches; internally, as a stomachic.
- Decoction of bitter bark used for fever.
- A decoction from any plant part used for irregular menses.
- Plant used for poulticing ulcers, boils, swellings, broken bone, cuts, herpes.
- Plant poultice used as application for chicken pox.
- Pulped leaves applied externally for stomach aches.
- Pulped leaves with Blumea balsifera (dalapot) applied externally for headaches, and to the gums for toothaches.
- Plant parts with coconut oil applied externally for itches and scurf.
- In Cuba, decoction of roots used for infantile diarrhea.
- The roots when crushed with ginger, held in the mouth, for toothaches.
- The leaves and juice, taken by mouth for stomach cramps.
- Fresh leaves are mucilaginous and emollient and a cataplasm used to promote maturation of abscesses.
- Pulped roots applied to sore breasts.
- In Amboina, crushed roots held in mouth for toothaches; also, chewed with ginger.
- Juice swallowed for abdominal cramps.
- In Borneo, reported use as abortifacient.
- Juice of pounded leaves used for fevers.
- Flowers applied to wasp stings.
- The leaves have been used as tea.
- The flowers are used for wasp stings.
- Mucilage used as emollient and for scorpion stings.
- In India, mucilaginous roots used as demulcent and emollient.
- Root decoction has been used for bronchitis and asthma; also for fevers and various abdominal troubles.
- In Johore medicine, used for rheumatism.
- Australian aborigines use the herb to treat diarrhea.
- Decoction of old root used to relieve constipation.
- Hindus use it for fever, nervous and urinary diseases.
- In Ayurveda, widely used in the treatment of fever; also, as diuretic.
- In Indonesia, a traditional medicinal plant for the treatment of gout.

Others
- Fiber: Stem yields a good fiber; considered a good substitute for jute. (•) In Niger, fibers are used for making fishing nets and lines. In Central African Republic, used for making large hunting nets. In Cameroon, fiber is used in making ropes to lash firewood. (33) Used as rough cordage, sacking, and for making brooms.

Studies
Cytotoxicity / Antibacterial: Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of Sida rhombifolia (Malvaceae) grown in Bangladesh: The ethyl acetate extract showed potent cytotoxicity. Extracts showed weak antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative test organisms. (1)
Antioxidant:
Study evaluated Sida rhombifolia (L.) Ssp. retusa (L.) for in- vitro antioxidant activity. All the extracts showed effective free radical scavenging activity, reducing activity, and superoxide scavenging activity. The results indicate S. rhombifolia is a potential source of natural antioxidants. (2)
Antibacterial / Antifungal:
In a study of nine Zairean medicinal plants, six extracts, including Sida rhombifolia, demonstrated marked antibacterial activity against K pneumonia, S aureus, Strep mutans and significant antifungal activity against A niger, C albicans and M gypseum. Most of the bactericidal and fungicidal constituents were found in the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions. (4)
Anti-Arthritic:
Results of study of aerial parts of Sida rhombifolia on adjuvant-induced arthritis, motor performance, distance traveled and histopathological findings showed it to be useful in the treatment of arthritis. (5)
Antinociceptive / Anti-Inflammatory: Results showed the leaves of S rhombifolia possessed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities confirming its traditional uses for pain and inflammatory ailments. (6)
Anti-Gout / Xanthine-Oxidase Inhibitor: Earlier studies have reported that flavonoids from the crude extract possessed in vitro inhibitory activity against xanthine oxidase. Study results showed the crude extract flavonoids had an inhibitory effect from 48 to 71%. (7)
Toxicity Studies: Acute and subchronic toxicity studies of the water extract of the root of Sida rhombifolia failed to show toxicity evidence in male and female rats. (8)
Antibacterial / Fruit Extracts: Study of fruit extracts showed significant in vitro antibacterial activity against most of the test bacteria. Phytochemical screening yielded alkaloids, flavonoids, and reducing sugars in the methanolic extract. (9)
Hypoglycemic: Study of aqueous extract of S. rhombifolia ssp. retusa leaves showed significant hypoglycemic effects in normal rats but marginal activity in STZ-induced diabetic rats. (10)
Bioactive Components / Antibacterial: Study yielded major phytochemical compounds such as vasicinol, Ephedrine vasicinone, and Hypaphorine. The methanol extract was effective against all phytopathogens. Results suggest a potential source of compounds against bacterial diseases in humans and plants. (11)
Anthelmintic: Study results showed potent antioxidant and anthelmintic activity. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH, NO scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. Anthelmintic activity was evaluated using the Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma. (12)
Secondary Metabolites / Cryptolepinone / Vasorelaxant Activity: Phytochemical study of Sida rhombifolia L. yielded eleven secondary metabolites. Their structures were identified by 1H- and 13C-NMR using one- and two-dimensional techniques. Cryptolepinone (compound 8) was reported to show vasorelaxant activity in rat mesenteric artery rings. (15)
Antibacterial / Acute Toxicity Study: Study investigated the in vivo antibacterial activity of methanol and aqueous-methanol extracts of S. rhombifolia against seven pathogenic bacteria involved in diarrhea. The aqueous-methanol extract exhibited moderate antibacterial activity. In the acute toxicity study, some toxic effects were observed at dose of more than 8 g/kbw of extract. (16)
Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies / Roots: Roots have been found to have antioxidant properties. Study of a water extract from the roots of Sida rhombifolia administered orally did not cause acute or subchronic toxicities to male and female rats. (17)
Antidiarrheal / Acute Toxicity Study: Study investigated a methanolic extract of roots for antidiarrheal activity in castor-oil induced diarrhea. Results showed significant antidiarrheal activity. A single dose of 400 mg/kbw of extract produced a significant decrease in the severity of diarrhea. (18)
Anti-Inflammatory / Leaves: A hydroalcoholic extract of leaves showed anti-inflammatory activity in an carrageenan-induced model. ß-sitosterol, a sterol isolated from different species of Sida, reported to have anti-inflammatory properties, might be responsible for the activity shown by the extract. (19)
Anti-Tubercular Activity / Leaves and Roots: Study evaluated the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots of S. rhombifolia. An LRP assay showed the EA extract of leaves and roots at concentrations of 100 and 500 µg/ml showed good activity against standard strain of M. tuberculosis H37R and clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis resistant to streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. (20)
Cytotoxic / Analgesic / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated an ethanol extract of dried aerial parts for analgesic and cytotoxic activities in animal models. Results showed significant writhing inhibition in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, comparable to diclofenac. The extract also produced prominent cytotoxic activity against brine shrimp Artemia salina. (21)
Anti-Inflammatory / Antioxidant / Stems and Roots: Study evaluated the antioxidant potential of Sida rhombifolia extracts on adjuvant induced arthritis in experimental rats. Results showed hematological parameters reverted to near normal levels, especially ESR. There was significant increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Free radical scavenging activity was evidenced by histological and electron microscopy observations.
(22)
Toxicity Evaluation / Acute and Sub-Acute Studies: Study evaluated the hematological and biochemical toxic effects of aqueous acetone extracts of Sida rhombifolia in Swiss mice and albino Wistar rats. SR was well tolerated on acute administration, with no mortality even at highest dose of 6 g/kg (LD50 is greater than 5000 mg/kg). In subacute administration, biochemical parameters showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in ALT, AST, and ALP, with significant decrease in other biochemical parameters i.e., glucose, creatinine, BUN, triglycerides, total and direct bilirubin. Study suggests it may not be toxic at low dosage in subacute administration, and with reduction in plasma glucose and lipid concentrations, there may be a potential application as antidiabetic and hypolipidemic agent. (24)
Antibacterial / Roots: Study evaluated crude extracts from three solvents of roots of SR and isolated compounds for antibacterial activities against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. typhimurium. The antibacterial activities were comparable to each other, although weaker compared to reference drug ciprofloxacin. Crude chloroform extracts yielded n-hexacos-11-enoic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. (25)
Anti-Diabetic / Anti-Hyperlipidemic / Antioxidant / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated an alcoholic extract of aerial parts for hypoglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential in STZ-induced diabetic rats. At 400 mg/kg, results showed a significant anti-diabetic effect, a significant decrease in TC, triglycerides, and LDL, with a significant increase in HDL, and a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes. The therapeutic potential was attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as glycosides, resins, alkaloids, sterols, saponins and flavonoids. (26)
Anti-Anxiety / Roots: Study of whole plant extracts of Sida rhombifolia using Elevated Plus Maze model in albino mice showed significant anti-anxiety activity. (27)
Anti-Malarial / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Sida rhombifolia and Gardenia lutea for in vivo activity against Plasmodium berghei. Extracts showed significant antimalarial activity with acceptable margin of safety. (28)
Amelioration of Cadmium Effects: Recent studies confirmed cadmium significantly reduces body weight probably due to increased catabolism of body protein and improper nutrient digestion and absorption. Animals treated with S. rhombifolia root extract significantly increased body weight. The amelioration of body weight might be attributed to the antioxidant property of the root. (29)
Cardioprotective: Study investigated whether S. rhombifolia would attenuate the acute myocardial infarction in isoproterenol (ISP)-treated rat model. Results showed SR extract caused myocardial adaptation by augmenting endogenous antioxidants and protects rat hearts from decline in cardiac function and oxidative stress associated with ISP induced myocardial injury. (31)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Cytotoxic / Anti-Cholinesterase: Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anti-cholinesterase activities of whole plant of S. rhombifolia. An ethyl acetate extract exhibited the most significant antioxidant activity via scavenging of DPPH radicals and ferrous ions with EC50 of 380.5 and 263.4 µg/mL, respectively. An n-hexane extract showed strongest anti-inflammatory activity by NO and protein denaturation inhibition assays with IC50 of 52.16 and 146.03 µg/mL, respectively. Same extract at 100 µg/mL showed strongest anti-cholinesterase activity with 58.55% AChE enzyme inhibition and cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells SNU-1 and HepG2 with inhibition of 68.52% and 47.82%, respectively. (see constituents above) (32)
• Bamboo Combined with Sida rhombifolia / Disposable Diapers: Vegetable fibers are biodegradable, economical, with no health hazards and potential to ameliorate environmental pollution by use of plant waste materials. Preliminary studies on tensile strength of S. rhombifola reveals similarities with jute, hemp, and kenaf fibers. The study reports on combination of S. rhombifolia fiber / bamboo fiber as absorbent product in the making of disposable diapers, at the same time exploiting the medicinal antibacterial value of both plants. (33)

• Anti-Inflammatory / Analgesic / Roots:
Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ethanol extract of S. rhombifolia roots using carrageenan induced acute inflammation in rats and hot plate method on mice, respectively. Results showed anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and potential to be developed as a dentistry formula. (34)
Antioxidant / Volatile Organic Compounds / VOCs: GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of S. rhombifolia for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) identified a total of 73 compounds. The VOCs showed dose dependent antioxidant activity with IC50 of 5.48 and 1.47 mg/ml for DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. FRAP antioxidant capacity was 83.10 mM/g. Results showed VOCs distilled from Sida rhombifolia have moderate antioxidant properties with potential as natural botanical supplement or antioxidant. (see constituents above) (37)
Hematopoietic Effect / Leaves: Study evaluated the hematological indices of S. rhombifolia leaf extract on micronor induced infertility in female  albino rats. Animals treated with extract doses ethanolic leaf extract at concentrations of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kbw showed significant increase in WBC count and neutrophil concentration compared to micronor control. There was also significant increase (p<0.05) in RBC counts. The extract was non-toxic. Results showed hematopoietic effect. (38)
Immunomodulator for Hepatitis C Treatment: Sida rhombifolia has been reported to have potential anti-hepatitis C virus activity. Study evaluated the the immunomodulating activities of S. rhombifolia extract. Results showed IC50 of 32.5 µg/mL, while negative control CCl4 showed 16.68 µg/mL.  100% cell viability was observed at 1/2 IC50 and 1/4 IC50, indicating no toxic effect. Immunomodulatory assay demonstrated an immunostimulant effect. Phagocytic index value of Sr was higher than commercial standard. Results suggest potential as immunomodulator for treatment of hepatitis. (40)
Effect of Long-Term Use on Hematological Parameters: Study evaluated hematological and biochemical parameters and toxic effects of aqueous acetone extracts of S. rhombifolia and Swill mice albino Wistar rats. Acute toxicity testing with oral doses of 1-6 g/kg showed no mortality even at highest dose of 6 g/k, with LD50 > 5000 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity testing, using doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, the extract significantly (p<0.05) dose-dependently prevented an increase in body weight. Biochemical parameters showed significant (p<0.05) increase in ALT, AST, and ALP. Oral administration at sub-acute dosing do exhibit lowly significant toxicological effects in rats. The insipient toxicological is more significant in the biochemical rather than hematopoietic system of rats.  The reported pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the extract is not without toxicity implication. (41)
Wound Healing / Ointment Formulation / Leaves: Study evaluated the wound healing activity of Sr leaves in mice using 25, 33, and 50% ointment formulated 80% ethanolic leaves extract and water preparations in excisional and incisional induced wound models in albino mice. Results showed significant mean percentage wound closure for all ointment formulations, with significant percentage tensile strength. A remarkable fibrosis and collagenisation effect for the 50% ointment and water preparations were observed. (42)
Anti-Proliferative / Pro-Apoptotic / HepG2 Cells: Study evaluated the apoptosis effects of Sr extracts in HepG2 cell line using MTT assay. Results showed the EtOAc extract was more cytotoxic against HepG2 cells (IC50 364.3 µg/mL) compared to MeOH and HEX extracts (720.2 and 560.4 µg/mL). HPLC analysis revealed phenolic compounds, such as epicatechin (1,3 mg/g). The EtOAc extract at 300 µg/mL induced 34% apoptosis in HepG2 cells. RT-qPCR showed upregulation of pro-apoptotic gene (Bax) and increased Bax/BCL-2 ration by Sr EtOAc extract (300 µg/mL). Results suggest the EtOAc extract is capable of inducing apoptosis in HepG2 cells via modulation of the mitochondrial pathway, which explains the antitumor activity. (43)


Availability
Wild-crafted.


Updated January 2025 / June 2018 / January 2015

PHOTOS / ILLUSTRATIONS
IMAGE SOURCE: Sprawling bush / Dinesh Valke / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Image modified / Click on image or link to go to source page / Wikipedia
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Sida rhombifolia) flower at Madhurawada.JPG / Adityamadhav83 / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license / click on image to go to source page / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Illustration - Sida sp Blanco2.248-cropped.jpg / Flora de Filipinas / 1880 - 1883 / Francisco Manuel Blanco (O.S.A) / Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Sida rhombifolia / Forest & Kim Starr / Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. / click on image to go to source page / Wikimedia Commons
OTHER IMAGE SOURCE: Sida rhombifolia.- Cuban jute / © Scott Tsai / some rights reserved / CC BY-NC / click on image to go to source page / iNaturalist

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of Sida rhombifolia (Malvaceae) grown in Bangladesh / M. Ekramul Islam, M. Ekramul Haque, M. A. Mosaddik
(2)
Evaluation of In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Sida rhombifolia (L.) Ssp. retusa (L.
) / Dhalwal K et al /
J Med Food. 2007 Dec;10(4):683-8.
(3)
Ecdysteroid Glycosides from Sida rhombifolia L.
/ Atul N Jadhav, Rahul S Pawar et al / Chemistry & Biodiversity, Vol 4 Issue 9, Pages 2225 - 2230 / DOI 0.1002/cbdv.200790180
(4)
Antibacterial and Antifungal Activities of Nine Medicinal Plants from Zaire / D N Muanza et al / Summary
Pharmaceutical Biology, 1994, Vol. 32, No. 4, Pages 337-345 , DOI 10.3109/13880209409083012
(5)
Anti-arthritic activity of various extracts of Sida rhombifolia aerial parts / S R Gupta et al / Natural Product Research, 2009; 23(8): pp 689 - 695/ DOI: 10.1080/14786410802242778
(6)
Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Sida rhombifolia L. in Various Animal Models / M R Sulaiman, S moin et al / Research Journ of Pharma, 2 (2):13-16, 2008
(7)
Indonesian Sidaguri (Sida rhombifolia L.) as Antigout and Inhibition Kinetics of Flavonoids Crude Extract on the Activity of Xanthine Oxidase / D Iswantini et al / Journ of Biological Sciences, 2009, Vol 9, Issue 5, pp 504-509 / DOI: 10.3923/jbs.2009.504.508
(8)
Acute and subchronic toxicity study of the water extract from root of Sida rhombifolia Linn. in rats / Seewaboon Sireeratawong et al / Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol, 30 (6), 729-737, Nov. - Dec. 2008
(9)
Comparative in vitro Antimicrobial Activity Studies of Sida rhombifolia Linn Fruit Extracts / Rashmi Ranjan Sarangi et al / International Journal of PharmTech Research, Vol 2, No 2, pp 1241-1245, April-June 2010
(10)
Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Sida rhombifolia ssp. retusa in Diabetic Induced Animals / Kamlesh Dhalwal, Vaibhav M. Shinde, Bhagat Singh, Kakasaheb R. Mahadik / International Journ of Phytomedicine, Vol 2, No2, 2010
(11)
Effect of Bioactive Compounds and its Pharmaceutical Activities of Sida cordifolia (Linn.) / Baby Joseph, A.U.Ajisha, Satheesna Kumari and S.Sujatha / Int J Biol Med Res. 2011; 2(4): 1038 – 1042
(12)
In Vitro Studies on Sida cordifolia Linn for Anthelmintic and Antioxidant Properties / Rajesh Singh Pawa, Angkit Jain, Preeti Sharma et al / Chinese Medicine, 2011, 2, 47-52

(13)
Sida rhombifolia L. (accepted name) / Chinese names / Catalogue of Life, China
(14)
Sorting Sida names / Authorised by Prof. Snow Barlow / Maintained by: Michel H. Porcher / MULTILINGUAL MULTISCRIPT PLANT NAME DATABASE / Copyright © 1997 - 2000 The University of Melbourne.
(15)
Secondary Metabolites from Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) and the Vasorelaxant Activity of Cryptolepinone / Otemberg Souza Chaves, Roosevelt Albuquerque Gomes, Anna Cláudia de Andrade Tomaz, Marianne Guedes Fernandes, Leônidas das Graças Mendes Junior, Maria de Fátima Agra, Valdir Andrade Braga and Maria de Fátima Vanderlei de Souza / Molecules 2013, 18(3), 2769-2777; doi:10.3390/molecules18032769
(16)
In vitro antibacterial activity and acute toxicity studies of aqueous-methanol extract of Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Malvaceae). / Assam AJ, Dzoyem JP, Pieme CA, Penlap VB. / BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010 Jul 27;10:40. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-10-40.
(17)
Acute and subchronic toxicity study of the water extract from root of Sida rhombifolia Linn. in rats / Seewaboon Sireeratawong*, NirushLertprasertsuke, UmaratSrisawat, AmornatThuppia, Anongnad Ngamjariyawat, Nadthaganya Suwanlikhid and Kanjana Jaijoy / Songklanakarin J. Sci. Technol. 30 (6), 729-737, Nov. - Dec. 2008
(18)
EVALUATION OF ANTIDIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA LINN. ROOT / Sarangi Rashmi Ranjan, Mishra Uma Shankar, Panda Susanta Kumar and Behera Saiprasanna / International Research Journal of Pharmacy, 2011
(19)
Anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholyc extract of leaves of Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae)
/ Najeh Maissar KHALIL*, Joceana Soares SPEROTTO & Melania Palermo MANFRON / Acta Farm. Bonaerense 25 (2): 260 -1 (2006)
(20)
Anti-Tubercular Activity on Leaves and Roots of Sida rhombifolia L. / N.Papitha*, N.Jayshree, S.Prabu Seenivasan, Vanaja Kumar / Int. J. Pharm. Sci. Rev. Res., 20(2), May – Jun 2013
(21)
ANALGESIC AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES OF SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA L / Md. Atiqur Rahman*, Liton Chandra Paul, Md. Solaiman, A. A. Rahman / Pharmacologyonline 2: 707-714 (2011)
(22)
Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Sida rhombifolia stems and roots in adjuvant induced arthritic rats. / Narendhirakannan RT1, Limmy TP. / Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2012 Apr;34(2):326-36./ doi: 10.3109/08923973.2011.605142. Epub 2011 Oct 4.
(23)
Sida rhombifolia L. / Synonyms / KEW: Plants of the World Online
(24)
Effect of Long-term use of Sida rhombifolia L. Extract on Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Experimental Animals / M. Ouédraogo, P. Zerbo, K. Konaté, N. Barro and Laya L. Sawadogo / British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology 4(1): 18-24, 2013
(25)
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of Compounds Isolated From Sida rhombifolia Linn. (Malvaceae)
/
Sileshi Woldeyes, Legesse Adane*, Yinebeb Tariku, Diriba Muleta and Tadesse Begashaw / Nat Prod Chem Res 1:101. doi: 10.4172/2329-6836.1000101
(26)
Anti-Hyperglycemic, Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Potential of Alcoholic-Extract of Sida cordifolia (Areal Part) in Streptozotocin-Induced-Diabetes in Wistar-Rats / Mahrukh Ahmad, Shahid Prawez, Mudasir Sultana, Rajinder Raina, Nrip Kishore Pankaj, Pawan Kumar Verma, Shafiqur Rahman / Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, June 2014, Volume 84, Issue 2, pp 397-405
(27)
Phytochemical studies and pharmacological screening of Sida rhombifolia Linn. / R Sundaraganapathy, V Niraimathi, Ananda Thangadurai*, M Jambulingam, B Narasimhan and Aakash Deep / Hygeia.J.D.Med.vol.5 (1), April 2013
(28)
In vivo Antimalarial Activity of Aerial Part Extracts of Gardenia lutea and Sida rhombifolia / Baye Akele / International Journal of Research in Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, Vol 2, Issue 1, 2013 /
(29)
PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA. L ROOT AND ITS EFFECT ON CADMIUM CHLORIDE INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN BODY WEIGHT OF WISTAR RATS/ Logeswari.P*,Dineshkumar.V ,Usha.P.T.A and PrathapKumar. S. M / IJPBS, Volume 2, Issue 3, JULY-SEPT 2012, 303-309
(30)
Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory activities of Sida cordifolia Linn in Albino rats / Shailender Singh, Praveen Panchaksharimath* and Siddappa Devaru / J. Chem. Pharm. Res., 2011, 3(6):136-142
(31)
Efficacy of Cardioprotective Effects in Ethanolic Extract of Sida Rhombifolia Linn. On Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Albino Rats / Ramadoss S*, KannanK,Balamurugan K, JeganathanNS,Manavalan R / Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences, Vol 3 No 2, April-June 2012
(32)
Anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinergic and cytotoxic effects of Sida rhombifolia / Siau Hui Mah, Soek Sin Teh & Gwendoline Cheng Lian Ee / Pharmaceutical Biology, 2017; 55(1): pp 920-928 /
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1285322

(33)
Bamboo combines with Sida Rhombifolia for hygiene  / Nkemaja Dydimus, Efeze, K. Murugesh Babu, and Ebenezer Njeugna / Technical Textiles
(34)
Pharmacological evaluation of ethanol extract of Sida rhombifolia L. roots (Malvaceae) / Maria Tanumihardja, Nurhayaty Natsir, Indrya K. Mattulata and Lukman M. / Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2016; 8(1): pp 770-774
(35)
Sida rhombifolia / Wikipedia
(36)
Sida (Wikipedia)
(37)
Chemical Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Sida rhombifolia L. Volatile Organic Compounds / Ziyue Xu, Peizhong Gao, Dun Liu, Wenzhi Song, Lingfan Zhu, Xu Liu / Molecules, 2022; 27(20): 7067 / DOI: 10.3390/molecules27207067
(38)
Heamatological Studies on Sida Rhombifolia Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Micronor Induced Infertility in Female Rats / R U Ukpanukpong, RN Uyabeme, FD Adebiyi, DI Basiru, BS Akinfeola, PO Aigbadumah / Int J Curr Microbiol App Wci, 2019; 8(3): pp 1751-1759 / DOI: 10.20546/ijcmas.2019.803.205
(39)
Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis on The Leaves Extracts of Sida acuta Burm.f. and Sida rhombifolia Linn. Family Malvaceae / S Selvadurai, P Shanmugapaneiyan / Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2022; 15(4): pp 1512-1516 / DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00251
(40)
Evaluation of phagocytic index and haematological parameters of Sida rhombifolia extracts in mice as immunomodulator / Tutik Sri Wahyuni, Widya Wasituyastuti,  Dwi Aris Agung Nugrahaningsih, Suratno Lulut Ratnoglik, Laura Navika Yamani, Ahmad El-Shamy, Aty Widyawaruyanti / Pharmacy Education, 2024; 24(3): pp 95-100 / DOI: 10.46542/pe.2024.243.95100
(41)
Effect of Long-term use of Sida rhombifolia L. Extract on Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Experimental Animals / M Ouedraogo, P Zerbo, K Konate, N Barro, Laya L Sawadogo / British Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 2013; 4(1): pp 18-24 / pISSN: 2044-2459 / eISSN: 2044-2467
(42)
Evaluation of the wound healing activity of formulated ointments and water preparation from Sida rhombifolia leaf extract / Patrick Francis, Pax J Masimba, Amos R Mwakigonja / Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 2018; 20(4) / DOI: 10.4314/thrb.v20i4.4
(43)
Sida rhombifolia Exerts Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Effects in Human Liver Cancer HepG2 Cells in Vitro / Mohadeseh Ahmadi, Mohammad Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Alireza Rafiei, Mostafa Kardan, Mohammad Ali Ebrahimi / Asian Pac J Cancer Prev., 2022; 23(11): pp 3677-3684 /
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.11.3677

DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)

                                                            List of Understudied Philippine Medicinal Plants
                                           New plant names needed
The compilation now numbers over 1,500 medicinal plants. While I believe there are hundreds more that can be added to the collection, they are becoming more difficult to find. If you have a plant to suggest for inclusion, native or introduced, please email the info: scientific name (most helpful), local plant name (if known), any known folkloric medicinal use, and, if possible, a photo. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

HOME      •      SEARCH      •      EMAIL