The urinary system includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.  The liver, while not a direct part of the urinary system, rids the body of excess nitrogen via urine.

• Diuretic herbs promote urination, helping to stimulate the kidneys, remove waste, and reduce urinary irritation.  More human studies are necessary.  Juniper berry and parsley are two examples.
• Hepatoprotective herbs are liver protective.  There are multiple in vitro and in vivo studies, but human studies are needed.

Urinary System Recipes

Aloe Cucumber Cooling Smoothie

Cranberry Juice Recipe

Dandelion Detox Tea Recipe

Dill Seed Tea

Easy Cardamom Tea Recipe

Easy Microwave-In-Your-Mug Flaxseed Muffin Recipe

Juniper Berry Tea Recipe

Blog Articles

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

URINARY SYSTEM

GENERAL

• A list of herbs used in traditional medicine for urinary conditions is provided. From: Tiwari, A., Soni, V., Londhe, V., Bhandarkar, A., Bandawane, D., & Nipate, S. O. N. A. L. I. (2012). An overview on potent indigenous herbs for urinary tract infirmity: urolithiasis. Asian J Pharm Clin Res, 5(1), 7-12.

ALOE

• Aloe had an antioxidant effect in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats.  From:  Rajasekaran, S., Sivagnanam, K., & Subramanian, S. (2005). Antioxidant effect of Aloe vera gel extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Pharmacol Rep, 57(1), 90-6.

ANGELICA

• The use of Chinese herbs including astragalus, angelica, and rhubarb in kidney disease was discussed.  From:  Li, X., & Wang, H. (2005). Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Advances in chronic kidney disease, 12(3), 276-281.
• In this in vitro study, 47 herbs traditionally used to treat urinary and kidney disfunction were tested for their antioxidant potential and toxicity. Angelica sinensis, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Olea europaea all showed strong antioxidant action, while Dioscorea villosa showed significant renal toxicity.  From: Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., Rolfe, M., & Gobe, G. (2009). An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: potential therapeutic and toxic effects. Nephrology, 14(1), 70-79.

ANISE

• P. anisum administered orally in vivo had a nephroprotective effect against induced by lead toxicity on kidneys.  From:  Amina, B. (2016). Nephroprotective effect of Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract against lead toxicity: In vivo study. International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP), 10(2).

ASTRAGALUS

• In a review of 25 studies including 1804 patients with diabetic nephropathy, injections of astragalus had a renal protective effective.  From:  Li, M., Wang, W., Xue, J., Gu, Y., & Lin, S. (2011). Meta-analysis of the clinical value of Astragalus membranaceus in diabetic nephropathy. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 412-419.
• The use of Chinese herbs including astragalus, angelica, and rhubarb in kidney disease was discussed.  From:  Li, X., & Wang, H. (2005). Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Advances in chronic kidney disease, 12(3), 276-281.

BLACK COHOSH

• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.

CARROT

• Carotol being the main constituent of all tested essential oils showed moderate cytotoxicity on monkey kidney and human pharynx squamous cell carcinoma cell lines.  From: Sieniawska, E., Świątek, Ł., Rajtar, B., Kozioł, E., Polz-Dacewicz, M., & Skalicka-Woźniak, K. (2016). Carrot seed essential oil—Source of carotol and cytotoxicity study. Industrial Crops and Products, 92, 109-115.
• Daucus carota extract showed anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic potential without showing a negative affect on liver, kidney and pancreas function.  From:  Wehbe, K., Mroueh, M., & Daher, C. F. (2009). The potential role of Daucus carota aqueous and methanolic extracts on inflammation and gastric ulcers in rats. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 6(1).

CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)

• Various extract types from the plants: Prunus cerasus and Chamaemelum nobile were antibacterial against the pathogens that causes urinary tract disorders. From:  Berroukche, A., Benreguieg, M., Terras, M., Fares, S., Dellaoui, H., Lansari, W., … & Dehkal, B. (2018). Antibacterial effects of Prunus cerasus and Chamaemelum nobile against drug resistant strains induced urinary disorders.

CHERRY

• Various extract types from the plants: Prunus cerasus and Chamaemelum nobile were antibacterial against the pathogens that causes urinary tract disorders. From:  Berroukche, A., Benreguieg, M., Terras, M., Fares, S., Dellaoui, H., Lansari, W., … & Dehkal, B. (2018). Antibacterial effects of Prunus cerasus and Chamaemelum nobile against drug resistant strains induced urinary disorders.

CRANBERRY / UVA URSA

• The following herbs for the urinary system are discussed:  Solidago (goldenrod), Levisticum officinale (lovage), Petroselinum crispus (parsley), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),  Uva-ursi (uva-uri), Juniperus spp (juniper), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb),  Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza),  Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), and Prunus africana (pygeum).  From:  Yarnell, E. (2002). Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World journal of urology, 20(5), 285-293.
• Urva ursa is included as a natural remedy for urinary tract infections.  From:  Head, K. A. (2008). Natural approaches to prevention and treatment of infections of the lower urinary tract. Alternative Medicine Review, 13(3), 227-245.

DANDELION

• Dandelion extract reduced an effect of a fatty liver in mice.  From:  Davaatseren, M., Hur, H. J., Yang, H. J., Hwang, J. T., Park, J. H., Kim, H. J., … & Sung, M. J. (2013). Taraxacum official (dandelion) leaf extract alleviates high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver. Food and chemical toxicology, 58, 30-36.
• Dandelion root extract showed protective action against alcohol-induced toxicity in the liver in vitro and in vivo.  From:  You, Y., Yoo, S., Yoon, H. G., Park, J., Lee, Y. H., Kim, S., … & Jun, W. (2010). In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 48(6), 1632-1637.

FLAXSEED

• In patients with lupus nephritis, 30 g of flaxseed a day was well tolerated and beneficial to renal function and inflammatory and atherogenic mechanisms associated with the disease.  From:  Clark, W. F., Parbtani, A., Huff, M. W., Spanner, E., de Salis, H., Chin-Yee, I., … & Holub, B. J. (1995). Flaxseed: a potential treatment for lupus nephritis. Kidney international, 48(2), 475-480.

GOTU KOLA

• In this in vitro study, 47 herbs traditionally used to treat urinary and kidney disfunction were tested for their antioxidant potential and toxicity. Angelica sinensis, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Olea europaea all showed strong antioxidant action, while Dioscorea villosa showed significant renal toxicity.  From: Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., Rolfe, M., & Gobe, G. (2009). An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: potential therapeutic and toxic effects. Nephrology, 14(1), 70-79.

HIBISCUS

• In a study with 55 women who had continuing urinary tract infections, a combination of Hibiscus extract, vegetable proteases and Commiphora myrrha extract reduce bacteria and infections.  From:  Cai, T., Tiscione, D., Cocci, A., Puglisi, M., Cito, G., Malossini, G., & Palmieri, A. (2018). Hibiscus extract, vegetable proteases and Commiphora myrrha are useful to prevent symptomatic UTI episode in patients affected by recurrent uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 90(3), 203-207.

JUNIPER

• The following herbs for the urinary systemre discussed:  Solidago (goldenrod), Levisticum officinale (lovage), Petroselinum crispus (parsley), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),  Uva-ursi (uva-uri), Juniperus spp (juniper), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb),  Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza),  Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), and Prunus africana (pygeum).  From:  Yarnell, E. (2002). Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World journal of urology, 20(5), 285-293.

LICORICE

• Glabridin, a pyranoisoflavan constituents from licorice reduced protein excretion found in the urine.  From:  Fukai, T., Satoh, K., Nomura, T., & Sakagami, H. (2003). Preliminary evaluation of antinephritis and radical scavenging activities of glabridin from Glycyrrhiza glabra. Fitoterapia, 74(7), 624-629.
• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.
• In this in vitro study, 47 herbs traditionally used to treat urinary and kidney disfunction were tested for their antioxidant potential and toxicity. Angelica sinensis, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Olea europaea all showed strong antioxidant action, while Dioscorea villosa showed significant renal toxicity.  From: Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., Rolfe, M., & Gobe, G. (2009). An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: potential therapeutic and toxic effects. Nephrology, 14(1), 70-79.

MILK THISTLE

• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.

OLIVE (LEAF)

• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.
• In this in vitro study, 47 herbs traditionally used to treat urinary and kidney disfunction were tested for their antioxidant potential and toxicity. Angelica sinensis, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Olea europaea all showed strong antioxidant action, while Dioscorea villosa showed significant renal toxicity.  From: Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., Rolfe, M., & Gobe, G. (2009). An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: potential therapeutic and toxic effects. Nephrology, 14(1), 70-79.

PARSLEY

• The following herbs for the urinary systemre discussed:  Solidago (goldenrod), Levisticum officinale (lovage), Petroselinum crispus (parsley), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),  Uva-ursi (uva-uri), Juniperus spp (juniper), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb),  Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza),  Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), and Prunus africana (pygeum).  From:  Yarnell, E. (2002). Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World journal of urology, 20(5), 285-293.

PUMPKIN SEED

• In a study of 45 male volunteers with urinary disfunction related to an overactive bladder, taking a pumpkin seed oil extract for 12 weeks helped reduced symptoms.  From:  Nishimura, M., Ohkawara, T., Sato, H., Takeda, H., & Nishihira, J. (2014). Pumpkin seed oil extracted from Cucurbita maxima improves urinary disorder in human overactive bladder. Journal of traditional and complementary medicine, 4(1), 72-74.
• Pumpkin seed extract reduced the bladder pressure, increase the bladder compliance, and reduced the urethral pressure in rabbits.  From:  Xu, Z., Jin-zhi, O., Yong-shang, Z., Balla, T., Xi-cai, Z., & Si-wei, Z. (1994). Effect of the extracts of pumpkin seeds on the urodynamics of rabbits: an experimental study. Journal of Tongji Medical University, 14(4), 235.

RHUBARB

• The following herbs for the urinary system are discussed:  Solidago (goldenrod), Levisticum officinale (lovage), Petroselinum crispus (parsley), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),  Uva-ursi (uva-uri), Juniperus spp (juniper), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb),  Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza),  Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), and Prunus africana (pygeum).  From:  Yarnell, E. (2002). Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World journal of urology, 20(5), 285-293.
• The use of Chinese herbs including astragalus, angelica, and rhubarb in kidney disease was discussed.  From:  Li, X., & Wang, H. (2005). Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Advances in chronic kidney disease, 12(3), 276-281.
• Rhubarb improved renal function in rats with renal failure.  From:  YOKOZAWA, T., FUJIOKA, K., OURA, H., NONAKA, G. I., & NISHIOKA, I. (1993). Effects of rhubarb tannins on renal function in rats with renal failure. The Japanese Journal of Nephrology, 35(1), 13-18.
• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.

SAW PALMETTO

• In a Cochrane review of 3 trials with 230 men with prostatic hyperplasia, saw palmetto was deemed to offer mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures with less side effects than typical drugs.  More research is warranted.  From:  Wilt, T., Ishani, A., & MacDonald, R. (2002). Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
• The following herbs for the urinary system are discussed:  Solidago (goldenrod), Levisticum officinale (lovage), Petroselinum crispus (parsley), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),  Uva-ursi (uva-uri), Juniperus spp (juniper), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb),  Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza),  Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), and Prunus africana (pygeum).  From:  Yarnell, E. (2002). Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World journal of urology, 20(5), 285-293.
• Multiple human studies have demonstrated stinging nettle and saw palmetto extracts may help with prostate hyperplasia.  From:  Koch, E. (2001). Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms. Planta Medica, 67(06), 489-500.

SKULLCAP

• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.
• In this in vitro study, 47 herbs traditionally used to treat urinary and kidney disfunction were tested for their antioxidant potential and toxicity. Angelica sinensis, Centella asiatica, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Olea europaea all showed strong antioxidant action, while Dioscorea villosa showed significant renal toxicity.  From: Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., Rolfe, M., & Gobe, G. (2009). An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: potential therapeutic and toxic effects. Nephrology, 14(1), 70-79.

STINGING NETTLE

• The following herbs for the urinary system are discussed:  Solidago (goldenrod), Levisticum officinale (lovage), Petroselinum crispus (parsley), Urtica dioica (stinging nettle),  Uva-ursi (uva-uri), Juniperus spp (juniper), Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry), Rheum palmatum (Chinese rhubarb),  Lespedeza capitata (round-head lespedeza),  Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), and Prunus africana (pygeum).  From:  Yarnell, E. (2002). Botanical medicines for the urinary tract. World journal of urology, 20(5), 285-293.
• Multiple human studies have demonstrated stinging nettle and saw palmetto extracts may help with prostate hyperplasia.  From:  Koch, E. (2001). Extracts from fruits of saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) and roots of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): viable alternatives in the medical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and associated lower urinary tracts symptoms. Planta Medica, 67(06), 489-500.

TEA LEAF

• Antioxidant activity of herbs related to the urinary system was tested in vivo. Of the 55 tested herbs, 12 were equally or more effective than the already established milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum) or tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). The top herbs were Olea europaea (olive leaf), Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Scutellaria lateriflora (Virginia skullcap). From: Wojcikowski, K., Stevenson, L., Leach, D., Wohlmuth, H., & Gobe, G. (2007). Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 103-110.

YARROW

• In a randomized controlled trial with 31 kidney disease patients, those taking a 1.5 g of yarrow flower powder 3 days a week for 2 months showed marginally lower plasma nitric oxide metabolites. From: Vahid, S., Dashti-Khavidaki, S., Ahmadi, F., Amini, M., & Surmaghi, M. H. S. (2012). Effect of herbal medicine achillea millefolium on plasma nitrite and nitrate levels in patients with chronic kidney disease: a preliminary study. Iranian journal of kidney diseases, 6(5), 350.

DIURETIC

GENERAL

• A compilation of research showed the following herbs to have a diuretic effect:  yarrow, lemon verbena, pineapple, dill, gorden asparagus, mugwort, oats, barberry, Indian tree, turnip, marigold, chicory, lemon, cucumber, pumpkin seed, quince, carrot, flix weed, horsetail, asafetida, fig, barely, St. John’s wort, bay, alfalfa, European pennyroyal, mulberry, water cress, catnip, black cumin, parsley, green bean, pistachio, cherry, pomegranate, purstane, savory, tomato, brinjal, tea, haritali, coltsfoot, nettle, bell bean, and corn.  From:  Rouhi-Boroujeni, H., Rouhi-Boroujeni, H., Khoddami, M., Khazraei, H. R., Dehkordil, E. B., & Rafieian-Kopaei, M. (2017). Hypolipidemic herbals with diuretic effects: A systematic review. In Biol. Sci (Vol. 8, pp. 21-28).

CARROT SEED

• Dill, carrot seed and rugelach increased urine flow in dogs.  From:  Mahran, G. H., Kadry, H. A., Isaac, Z. G., Thabet, C. K., Al‐Azizi, M. M., & El‐Olemy, M. M. (1991). Investigation of diuretic drug plants. 1. Phytochemical screening and pharmacological evaluation of Anethum graveolens L., Apium graveolens L., Daucus carota L. and Eruca sativa mill. Phytotherapy Research, 5(4), 169-172.

CHAMOMILE (ROMAN)

• Chamaemelum nobile extract possesses a hypotensive and diuretic effect in hypertensive rats.  From: Zeggwagh, N. A., Moufid, A., Michel, J. B., & Eddouks, M. (2009). Hypotensive effect of Chamaemelum nobile aqueous extract in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Clinical and Experimental Hypertension, 31(5), 440-450.

CISTUS

• Extracts from Silybum marianum and Cistus ladaniferus had a diuretic effect in mice. From: El Menyiy, N., Al-Waili, N., El-Haskoury, R., Bakour, M., Zizi, S., Al-Waili, T., & Lyoussi, B. (2018). Potential effect of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. extracts on urine volume, creatinine clearance and renal function. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 11(6), 393. 

CORIANDER

• Coriander exhibited gut stimulatory, inhibitory and hypotensive effects. From:  Jabeen, Q., Bashir, S., Lyoussi, B., & Gilani, A. H. (2009). Coriander fruit exhibits gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 122(1), 123-130.

CRANBERRY / UVA URSA

• Sambucus nigra and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Orthosiphon stamineus and Hieracium pilosella increased urine flow in rats.  From:  Beaux, D., Fleurentin, J., & Mortier, F. (1999). Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi (L.) spreng. in rats. Phytotherapy Research, 13(3), 222-225.

DANDELION

• Dandilion ingestion over 2 days had a diuretic effect in humans, with measured increase urination.  From:  Clare, B. A., Conroy, R. S., & Spelman, K. (2009). The diuretic effect in human subjects of an extract of Taraxacum officinale folium over a single day. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), 929-934.

DILL

• Dill, carrot seed and rugelach increased urine flow in dogs.  From:  Mahran, G. H., Kadry, H. A., Isaac, Z. G., Thabet, C. K., Al‐Azizi, M. M., & El‐Olemy, M. M. (1991). Investigation of diuretic drug plants. 1. Phytochemical screening and pharmacological evaluation of Anethum graveolens L., Apium graveolens L., Daucus carota L. and Eruca sativa mill. Phytotherapy Research, 5(4), 169-172.

ELDERBERRY

• Sambucus nigra and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Orthosiphon stamineus and Hieracium pilosella increased urine flow in rats.  From:  Beaux, D., Fleurentin, J., & Mortier, F. (1999). Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi (L.) spreng. in rats. Phytotherapy Research, 13(3), 222-225.

JAVA

• Sambucus nigra and Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Orthosiphon stamineus and Hieracium pilosella increased urine flow in rats.  From:  Beaux, D., Fleurentin, J., & Mortier, F. (1999). Effect of extracts of Orthosiphon stamineus benth, Hieracium pilosella L., Sambucus nigra L. and Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi (L.) spreng. in rats. Phytotherapy Research, 13(3), 222-225.

JUNIPER

• Juniper berry showed diuretic activity.  From:  Stanić, G., Samaržija, I., & Blažević, N. (1998). Time‐dependent diuretic response in rats treated with Juniper berry preparations. Phytotherapy research, 12(7), 494-497.

MILK THISTLE

• Extracts from Silybum marianum and Cistus ladaniferus had a diuretic effect in mice. From: El Menyiy, N., Al-Waili, N., El-Haskoury, R., Bakour, M., Zizi, S., Al-Waili, T., & Lyoussi, B. (2018). Potential effect of Silybum marianum L. and Cistus ladaniferus L. extracts on urine volume, creatinine clearance and renal function. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 11(6), 393.

PARSLEY

• Rats given aqueous parsley seed extract to drink had a significantly larger volume of urine.   From:  Kreydiyyeh, S. I., & Usta, J. (2002). Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 79(3), 353-357.
• Rats given aqueous parsley seed extract to drink had a significantly larger volume of urine.   From:  Kreydiyyeh, S. I., & Usta, J. (2002). Diuretic effect and mechanism of action of parsley. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 79(3), 353-357.

RASPBERRY

• Raspberries had a diuretic effect in rats.  From:  Zhang, Y., Zhang, Z., Yang, Y., Zu, X., Guan, D. I., & Guan, Y. (2011). Diuretic activity of Rubus idaeus L (Rosaceae) in rats. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 10(3).

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

AGRIMONY

• In this double blind eight week study with 69 participants, consumption of agrimony showed liver protective activities without adverse side effects.  From:  Cho, Y. M., Kwon, J. E., Lee, M., Lea, Y., Jeon, D. Y., Kim, H. J., & Kang, S. C. (2018). Agrimonia eupatoria L.(Agrimony) Extract Alters Liver Health in Subjects with Elevated Alanine Transaminase Levels: A Controlled, Randomized, and Double-Blind Trial. Journal of medicinal food, 21(3), 282-288.

ALOE

• Aloe phytosterols improved metabolic disorders in obese diabetic rats.  From:  Misawa, E., Tanaka, M., Nomaguchi, K., Nabeshima, K., Yamada, M., Toida, T., & Iwatsuki, K. (2012). Oral ingestion of Aloe vera phytosterols alters hepatic gene expression profiles and ameliorates obesity-associated metabolic disorders in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 60(11), 2799-2806.
• An Aloe barbadensis extraction restored integrity of hepatocytes without being toxic in mice.  From:  Chandan, B. K., Saxena, A. K., Shukla, S., Sharma, N., Gupta, D. K., Suri, K. A., … & Singh, B. (2007). Hepatoprotective potential of Aloe barbadensis Mill. against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 111(3), 560-566.

ANGELICA

• Angelica sinensis polysaccharides-enriched fraction prevented liver toxicity induced by acetaminophen in mice.   From:  Ye, Y. N., Liu, E. S. L., Li, Y., So, H. L., Cho, C. C. M., Sheng, H. P., … & Cho, C. H. (2001). Protective effect of polysaccharides-enriched fraction from Angelica sinensis on hepatic injury. Life Sciences, 69(6), 637-646.
• Angelica extracts reduced induced hepotoxicity in mice. From: Yeh, M. L., Liu, C. F., Huang, C. L., & Huang, T. C. (2003). Hepatoprotective effect of Angelica archangelica in chronically ethanol-treated mice. Pharmacology, 68(2), 70-73.

ARTICHOKE

• In a study with 20 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a mixture of mixture of Cynara cardunculus var scolymus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum taken for 30 days improved liver function. From: Poor, R. Y., Abdollahi, M., Malekirad, A. A., Movahednia, E., Mostafalou, S., & Asl, Z. S. (2019). Effects of the Mixture of‎ Cynara cardunculus var scolymus and Cinnamomum zeylanicum on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 1-5.

BURDOCK

• Root of burdock showed liver protective activity in mice.  Lin, S. C., Chung, T. C., Lin, C. C., Ueng, T. H., Lin, Y. H., Lin, S. Y., & Wang, L. Y. (2000). Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa on carbon tetrachloride-and acetaminophen-induced liver damage. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 28(02), 163-173.
• Burdock had a hepatoprotective, antioxidant effect in mice.  From:  Lin, S. C., Lin, C. H., Lin, C. C., Lin, Y. H., Chen, C. F., Chen, I. C., & Wang, L. Y. (2002). Hepatoprotective effects of Arctium lappa linne on liver injuries induced by chronic ethanol consumption and potentiated by carbon tetrachloride. Journal of Biomedical Science, 9(5), 401-409.

CARDAMOM

• In this randomized study with 87 obese patients, taking green cardamom three times a day for three months significantly reduced biomarkers related to fatty liver disease. From:  Daneshi-Maskooni, M., Keshavarz, S. A., Qorbani, M., Mansouri, S., Alavian, S. M., Badri-Fariman, M., … & Sotoudeh, G. (2018). Green cardamom increases Sirtuin-1 and reduces inflammation in overweight or obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrition & metabolism, 15(1), 63.

CARROWAY

• This study assessed the antioxidant activity of coriander and caraway.  From:  Samojlik, I., Lakić, N., Mimica-Dukić, N., Đaković-Švajcer, K., & Božin, B. (2010). Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of essential oils of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.)(Apiaceae). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(15), 8848-8853.

CARROT

• This study discussed carrot as hepatoprotective.  From:  Bishayee, A., Sarkar, A., & Chatterjee, M. (1995). Hepatoprotective activity of carrot (Daucus carota L.) against carbon tetrachloride intoxication in mouse liver. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 47(2), 69-74.
• Carrot seed extract reduced oxidative stress and aided in the protection of the liver in rats.  From:  Singh, K., Singh, N., Chandy, A. and Maniganha, A. (2012) In Vivo Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Daucus carota Seeds in Experimental Animals. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2, 385-388.

CINNAMON

• In a study with 20 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a mixture of mixture of Cynara cardunculus var scolymus, Cinnamomum zeylanicum taken for 30 days improved liver function. From: Poor, R. Y., Abdollahi, M., Malekirad, A. A., Movahednia, E., Mostafalou, S., & Asl, Z. S. (2019). Effects of the Mixture of‎ Cynara cardunculus var scolymus and Cinnamomum zeylanicum on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research, 1-5.

CILANTRO

• Cilantro leaf extracts were hepatoprotective in vivo. From: Sreelatha, S., Padma, P. R., & Umadevi, M. (2009). Protective effects of Coriandrum sativum extracts on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 47(4), 702-708.

CLOVE

• Clove bud oil and its constituents showed remarkable scavenging activity and hepatoprotective activity.  From:  Nassar, M. I., Gaara, A. H., El-Ghorab, A. H., Farrag, A., Shen, H., Huq, E., & Mabry, T. J. (2007). Chemical constituents of clove (Syzygium aromaticum, Fam. Myrtaceae) and their antioxidant activity. Revista Latinoamericana de Química, 35(3), 47.

CORRIANDER

• This study assessed the antioxidant activity of coriander and caraway.  From:  Samojlik, I., Lakić, N., Mimica-Dukić, N., Đaković-Švajcer, K., & Božin, B. (2010). Antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of essential oils of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.)(Apiaceae). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 58(15), 8848-8853.

CYPRESS

• C. sempervirens and its constituents had hepatoprotective, antioxidant activity.  From:  Ibrahim, N. A., El-Seedi, H. R., & Mohammed, M. M. D. (2007). Phytochemical investigation and hepatoprotective activity of Cupressus sempervirens L. leaves growing in Egypt. Natural product research, 21(10), 857-866.

DILL

• Dill extracts were hepatoprotective in vivo. From: Bahramikia, S., & Yazdanparast, R. (2007). Improvement of liver antioxidant status in hypercholesterolamic rats treated with anethum graveolens extracts. Pharmacol online, 3, 119-32.

FENNEL

• F. vulgare had a potent hepatoprotective action in rats.  From: Özbek, H., Uğraş, S., Dülger, H., Bayram, I., Tuncer, I., Öztürk, G., & Öztürk, A. (2003). Hepatoprotective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil. Fitoterapia, 74(3), 317-319.
• Foeniculum vulgare essential oil had a potent hepatoprotective action in rats.  From:  Hanefi, Ã., Ugras, S., Bayram, I., Uygan, I., Erdogan, E., Abdurrahman, Ã., & Huyut, Z. (2004). Hepatoprotective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil: A carbon-tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis model in rats. Scandinavian Journal of Laboratory Animal Sciences, 31(1), 9-17

FLAX

• A flax and pumpkin seed mixture had a cholesterol lowering and hepatoprotective effect in rats. From:  Makni, M., Fetoui, H., Gargouri, N. K., Garoui, E. M., Jaber, H., Makni, J., … & Zeghal, N. (2008). Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of flax and pumpkin seed mixture rich in ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in hypercholesterolemic rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(12), 3714-3720.

GINGER

• This was a 12 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 44 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Two grams of ginger taken daily significantly reduced metabolic parameters and indicators of liver damage. From: Rahimlou, M., Yari, Z., Hekmatdoost, A., Alavian, S. M., & Keshavarz, S. A. (2016). Ginger supplementation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Hepatitis monthly, 16(1).

HIBISCUS

• Hibiscus, rosemary, and sage species showed liver protective activity in rats. From:  Amin, A., & Hamza, A. A. (2005). Hepatoprotective effects of Hibiscus, Rosmarinus and Salvia on azathioprine-induced toxicity in rats. Life sciences, 77(3), 266-278.

HOPS

• Constituents isolated from hops inhibited fatty liver disease in vivo.  From:  Mahli, A., Koch, A., Fresse, K., Schiergens, T., Thasler, W. E., Schönberger, C., … & Hellerbrand, C. (2018). Iso-alpha acids from hops (Humulus lupulus) inhibit hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Laboratory Investigation, 1.

LEMONGRASS

• Lemongrass extracts had hepatoprotective action when toxicity was induced in vivo.  From:  Arhoghro, E. M., Kpomah, D. E., & Uwakwe, A. A. (2012). Curative potential of aqueous extract of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) on cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats. J Phys Pharm Adv, 2(8), 282-294.

LINDEN

• Extract from the flowers of Tilia argentea (linden) showed hepatoprotective activity in mice liver.  From:  Matsuda, H., Ninomiya, K., Shimoda, H., & Yoshikawa, M. (2002). Hepatoprotective principles from the flowers of Tilia argentea (linden): structure requirements of tiliroside and mechanisms of action. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry, 10(3), 707-712.

MEADOWSWEET

• Meadowsweet extract showed to surpass Carsil in hepatoprotective properties in vitro.  From:  Shilova, I. V., Zhavoronok, T. V., Souslov, N. I., Novozheeva, T. P., Mustafin, R. N., & Losseva, A. M. (2008). Hepatoprotective properties of fractions from meadowsweet extract during experimental toxic hepatitis. Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine, 146(1), 49-51

MYRRH

• Myrrh reduced hepatic injury in vivo, similar to fom the effects of hepatitis, and warrants further research.  From:  Ahmad, A., Raish, M., Ganaie, M. A., Ahmad, S. R., Mohsin, K., Al-Jenoobi, F. I., … & Alkharfy, K. M. (2015). Hepatoprotective effect of Commiphora myrrha against d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatic injury in a rat model through attenuation of pro inflammatory cytokines and related genes. Pharmaceutical biology, 53(12), 1759-1767.

NONI

• Noni juice was liver protective against toxic exposure in vivo.  From:  Wang, M. Y., Nowicki, D., Anderson, G., Jensen, J., & West, B. (2008). Liver protective effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni). Plant foods for human nutrition, 63(2), 59-63.

PLANTAIN

• Aucubin (an iridoid as found in plantains) showed high liver-protective activity against hepatic damage in mice and showed a potent antidotal effects on beagle dogs with mushroom poisoning. From:  Chang, I. M. (1998). Liver-protective activities of aucubin derived from traditional oriental medicine. Research communications in molecular pathology and pharmacology, 102(2), 189-204.

PUMPKIN SEED

• A flax and pumpkin seed mixture had a cholesterol lowering and hepatoprotective effect in rats. From:  Makni, M., Fetoui, H., Gargouri, N. K., Garoui, E. M., Jaber, H., Makni, J., … & Zeghal, N. (2008). Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of flax and pumpkin seed mixture rich in ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids in hypercholesterolemic rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(12), 3714-3720.

ROSE

• Extracts of Rosa damascena prevented hepatic damage from APAP−induced toxicity in rats. From:  Sharma, M., Shakya, A., Sharma, N., Shrivastava, S., & Shukla, S. (2012). Therapeutic efficacy of Rosa damascena Mill. on acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress in albino rats. Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology, 31(3).

ROSEMARY

• Both oleanolic acid and ursolic acid were hepatoprotective in laboratory animals.  They also showed anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and antitumor effects.  From: Liu, J. (1995). Pharmacology of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 49(2), 57-68.
• Hibiscus, rosemary, and sage species showed liver protective activity in rats. From:  Amin, A., & Hamza, A. A. (2005). Hepatoprotective effects of Hibiscus, Rosmarinus and Salvia on azathioprine-induced toxicity in rats. Life sciences, 77(3), 266-278.
• Rosemary extract and oil demonstrated potent hepatoprotective and antimutagenic activities related to high phenolic content and antioxidant activity in rat liver.  From:  Fahim, F., Esmat, A., Fadel, H., & Hassan, K. (1999). Allied studies on the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on experimental hepatotoxicity and mutagenesis. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 50(6), 413-427.
• Rosemary may be an effective alternative in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.  From:  Gutiérrez, R., Alvarado, J. L., Presno, M., Pérez‐Veyna, O., Serrano, C. J., & Yahuaca, P. (2010). Oxidative stress modulation by Rosmarinus officinalis in CCl4‐induced liver cirrhosis. Phytotherapy Research, 24(4), 595-601.
• Rosemary leaf extract limited weight gain and liver steatosis in mice.  From:  Harach, T., Aprikian, O., Monnard, I., Moulin, J., Membrez, M., Béolor, J. C., … & Darimont, C. (2010). Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaf extract limits weight gain and liver steatosis in mice fed a high-fat diet. Planta medica, 76(06), 566-571.
• Carnosol (as in rosemary) showed a liver protective effect in rats.  From:  Sotelo-Félix, J. I., Martinez-Fong, D., & De la Torre, P. M. (2002). Protective effect of carnosol on CCl4-induced acute liver damage in rats. European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 14(9), 1001-1006.
• Rosemary and thyme extracts were weight controlling, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic in vivo. From:  Hegazy, A. M., Abdel-Azeem, A. S., Zeidan, H. M., Ibrahim, K. S., & Sayed, E. E. (2018). Hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities of rosemary and thyme in gentamicin-treated rats. Human & experimental toxicology, 37(4), 420-430.
• Rosemary extracts were hepatoprotective in vivo.  Mohamed, W. A., Abd-Elhakim, Y. M., & Farouk, S. M. (2016). Protective effects of ethanolic extract of rosemary against lead-induced hepato-renal damage in rabbits. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology, 68(8), 451-461.

SAGE

• Hibiscus, rosemary, and sage species showed liver protective activity in rats. From:  Amin, A., & Hamza, A. A. (2005). Hepatoprotective effects of Hibiscus, Rosmarinus and Salvia on azathioprine-induced toxicity in rats. Life sciences, 77(3), 266-278.

THYME / CARVACROL

• Thyme was liver protective in aging mice.  From:  Deans, S. G., Noble, R. C., Penzes, L., & Imre, S. G. (1993). Promotional effects of plant volatile oils on the polyunsaturated fatty acid status during aging. Age, 16(2), 71-74.
• Carvacrol had a significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect in rats. From:  Aristatile, B., Al‐Numair, K. S., Veeramani, C., & Pugalendi, K. V. (2009). Effect of carvacrol on hepatic marker enzymes and antioxidant status in d‐galactosamine‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Fundamental & clinical pharmacology, 23(6), 757-765.
• Carvacrol protects the liver against defects caused by ischemia and reperfusion without being toxic in rats.  From:  Canbek, M., Uyanoglu, M., Bayramoglu, G., Senturk, H., Erkasap, N., Koken, T., … & Baser, K. H. C. (2008). Effects of carvacrol on defects of ischemia-reperfusion in the rat liver. Phytomedicine, 15(6), 447-452.

YARROW

• Extract of Achillea millefolium exhibited a hepatoprotective effect in mice.  From:  Yaeesh, S., Jamal, Q., Khan, A. U., & Gilani, A. H. (2006). Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous‐methanol extract of Achillea millefolium. Phytotherapy Research, 20(7), 546-551.
• Compounds in yarrow had a choleretic effect in rat liver.  From:  Benedek, B., Geisz, N., Jäger, W., Thalhammer, T., & Kopp, B. (2006). Choleretic effects of yarrow (Achillea millefolium sl) in the isolated perfused rat liver. Phytomedicine, 13(9), 702-706.

Compiled by Kathy Sadowski

Updated 9/19/19