Properties of the Kalanchoe Plant

 

Properties of the kalanchoe plant: Some plants have extraordinary medicinal properties; in this article we tell you about a plant that has revolutionised the field of natural health, the kalanchoe plant.

The kalanchoe plant

The term kalanchoe comes from the Chinese “Kalan – Chowi”, which could be translated as “that falls and grows”; this plant has this name because it has always been considered a weed due to its ease of reproduction and invasive behaviour; however, it is currently considered a potent medicinal herb.

In reality, kalanchoe refers to a genus of plants which, although originating in Africa, can now easily be found growing wild in India, China and Brazil.

Currently, 3 kalanchoe plants, which have similar medicinal properties, are being studied:

• Kalanchoe Daigremontiana
• Kalanchoe Gastonis
• Kalanchoe Pinnata

The Kalanchoe pinnata plant is the one with the greatest traditional use, since the juice of its leaves was used in India and South America to treat cough, ulcers, wounds, bruises, burns and liver diseases.

However, current research has led to the discovery that the leaves of this genus of plants contain organic compounds capable of stopping the proliferation, spread and regeneration of cancer cells.

The anticancer effect of the kalanchoe plant

The kalanchoe plant contains various compounds, among which we can highlight the following:

• Flavonoids
• Fatty acids
• Triterpenoids

Within the triterpenoids, a group of substances called bufadienolides has been isolated, which are cytotoxic, attack cancer cells and therefore have antitumour capacity.

It is also believed that these molecules are able to protect our body against chemical compounds with mutagenic effects (that cause cancer by altering DNA) and which, unfortunately, we can find in food, in cosmetics and in the environment.

Other properties of the kalanchoe plant

We should make clear that most studies aimed at evaluating the activity of the kalanchoe plant have been carried out on animals, since research with human subjects holds no economic interest because plants cannot be patented and therefore cannot be marketed exclusively.

The following therapeutic effects have been observed in the studies carried out:

• Antihistamine effects.
• Antibacterial and antiviral activity.
• Analgesic activity (reduces pain).
• Hypoglycaemic activity.
• Anti-inflammatory effect.
• Useful against gastric ulcer.
• Reduces uterine contractions and can be used to prevent premature birth.
• Causes muscle sedation.

Dosage and toxicity of the kalanchoe plant

The kalanchoe plant can be taken by eating its raw leaves, making a fresh juice from them or as an infusion.

Its leaves can also be used topically in the form of a poultice to achieve an anti-inflammatory, astringent or healing effect locally.

A consumption greater than 5 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is toxic to the heart, so it is vital not to exceed it; the recommended dose is 30 grams per day of fresh leaf divided into 2 doses.

Because of its effects on uterine contractions, it should be avoided during pregnancy.

The numerous medicinal properties of the Kalanchoe plant remind us once again of the many therapeutic resources that nature puts at our disposal; however, due to the limited number of studies carried out, it is advisable to consult a health professional before starting to consume it.