Chenopodium ambrosioides (Simen-kontra) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Chenopodium ambrosioides (Simen-kontra, semen-contra, Anserine, Ansérine) — family Chénopodiacées.

Scientific synonyms : Ambrina ambrosioides-(L)-Spach, Atriplex ambosioides-(L)-Crantz, Botrys antihelminthica-(L)-N., Teloxys ambrosioides-(L)-W.A. Weber, Vulvaria ambrosioides-(L)-Bubani.

Recognised external sources linked to this monograph: TRAMIL and French Pharmacopoeia.

This database documents alcoholic (ethanol) extractions of active substances. Our monograph currently lists 20 indications in alcoholic extraction for this species. The Lapo v2 catalogue records 116 scientific references for this species (full detail in the application).

Important — scientific references on this public page: only a short excerpt of each cited source is shown (selected abstract sentences), kept in the original language of the publication (most often English), without translation. These excerpts are not the full article text and are not a complete bibliography. The full reference records and complete monographic detail are available in the Lapo v2 application (free 30-day trial).

1. 1

   Type II diabetes mellitus

   Plant part used: Sheet.

   Scientific references (short excerpts)

   Short excerpts only (not the full article). Full reference records are in the Lapo v2 application.

   • According to Alhasani R (2024)

     Excerpt Our goal in this work was to investigate Chenopodium ambrosioides bioactive profile as well as its in vitro antidiabetic, neuroprotective, & antioxidant properties. Conclusion: These results suggest that based on the antioxidant & enzyme inhibitory potential, CAE could be used as a natural remedy for the treatment of diabetes & neurodegenerative disorders.

   • According to SONG MJ (2011)

     Excerpt mice used in experiment were fed with high-fat diet for two weeks before induction of Diabetes mellitus by injection of streptozocine (STZ). This preliminary but significant study highlighted profound potential of CA to be investigated further for bioactive compounds responsible for antidiabetic effect.

   • According to KANDSI F (2024)

     Excerpt (Chenopodiaceae) is a Moroccan medicinal plant known locally as "M'Khinza." It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat numerous ailments, such as diabetes, digestive disorders, fever, fertility problems, immune disorders, hypertension, bronchitis, respiratory conditions, pharyngitis, cough, & flu. Furthermore, research has also suggested its potential as an anticancer, antidiabetic, & vasorelaxant agent.

2. 2

   Cancer: adjuvant treatment for ascites carcinoma

   Plant part used: Sheet.

   Scientific references (short excerpts)

   Short excerpts only (not the full article). Full reference records are in the Lapo v2 application.

   • According to Nascimento FRF (2006)

     Excerpt This inhibition was observed in ascitic tumor cell number, in the ascitic volume, in the tumor-bearing foot size & foot weight when compared to control mice. Ascitic tumor development was evaluated after 8 days of tumor implantation by quantification of the ascitic fluid volume and tumor cell number.

   • According to Cruz GVB (2007)

     Excerpt In conclusion, HCE-treatment was able to increase the macrophages activity & also the cellular recruitment to secondary lymphoid organs, what could explain the previously related antitumor activity of Chenopodium ambrosioïdes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic crude extract (HCE) from leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioïdes on macrophage activity & on lymphoid organs cellularity.

   • According to ASSEF ANB (2025)

     Excerpt Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as "mastruz," is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory effects. However, the lack of selectivity toward tumor cells over normal cells suggests a broad-spectrum cytotoxic activity without tumor-specific therapeutic targeting.

   • According to ANIFOWOSE LO (2023)

     Excerpt Dysphania ambrosioides is an important ingredient of Nigeria's traditional herbal recipe for cancer treatment. Thus, our present study explores its anticancer properties through a structure-based virtual screening of 25 biologically active compounds domiciled in the plant.

   • According to Heredia-Severino A (1903)

     Excerpt Additionally, it has shown antimicrobial, antioxidant, & anticancer properties as it contains compounds that help fight cell damage caused by free radicals. Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as epazote, is a medicinal plant of great relevance in traditional Latin American medicine.

3. 3

   Chronic and degenerative inflammation of the joints: arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatism

   Plant part used: Aerial parts.

   Scientific references (short excerpts)

   Short excerpts only (not the full article). Full reference records are in the Lapo v2 application.

   • According to DEGUENDHARDT RT (2016)

     Excerpt The activity of the essential oil of CA is probably related to the large amount of Ascaridol, since the other major compound, p-cymene, is recognized as a potent anti-inflammatory & has low cytotoxic activity. The essential oil of Chenopodium ambrosioïdes was obtained by Steam distillation in a Clevenger apparatus and characterization was performed using chromatographic & spectroscopic assays (GC-FID, GC/MS, 1H NMR).

   • According to Ibironke GF (2007)

     Excerpt A methanol extract of the dried leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The extract (300-700 mg kg^-1, p.o.) produced a dose related inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats.

   • According to Grassi LT (2011)

     Excerpt Aim of the study : The aim of the present study was to further the understanding of the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory & wound healing effects of ethanol extract (EE) obtained from the leaves & stems of Chenopodium ambrosioïdes in animal models of acute pain, inflammation & wound healing, thus supporting its medicinal use for the treatment of pain & inflammatory conditions. The anti-inflammatory activity of EE (150–500 mg/kg) was evaluated in carrageenan- (Cg, 300 μg/paw), PGE2- (3 nmol/paw), substance P- (SP, 20 nmol/paw) and BK- (3 nmol/paw) induced paw oedema.

   • According to KANDSI F (2024)

     Excerpt Numerous studies have mentioned the pharmacological properties of DA including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiviral, antibacterial, & antifungal activities.

   • According to ASSEF ANB (2025)

     Excerpt Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as "mastruz," is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory effects. Future studies should explore additional biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties, to fully understand the therapeutic applications of DA.

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use, and the <strong>full scientific references</strong> (complete records, not only the short excerpts above) are available in the complete monographic record in the Lapo v2 application.