Bryophyllum pinnatum and Improvement of Nocturia and Sleep Quality in Women: A Multicentre, Nonrandomised Prospective Trial

Abstract

Nocturia is a pathologic condition that significantly affects the quality of sleep. The aetiology of nocturia is multifactorial, and the evidence available on its management remains limited. Besides behavioural measures, validated pharmaceutical treatment options exist but are, however, associated with marked side effects. Prospective clinical studies with tablets prepared from the leaf press juice of the plant Bryophyllum pinnatum revealed a tendency towards reduction of micturition in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and several improvements in sleep quality. These observations are in part supported by in vitro and in vivo data. In the present study, we investigated the effectiveness of Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets in the treatment of nocturia and associated sleep disorders. Altogether, 49 women with idiopathic OAB and nocturia of ≥2 voids/night were treated with Bryophyllum 50% tablets for 3 weeks (350 mg chewable tablets, dosage 0-0-2-2 oral tablets; WELEDA AG, Arlesheim, Switzerland). Nocturia, voiding volumes at night (ml), quality of life, sleep quality, and daily sleepiness were assessed before and after treatment with a 3-day micturition diary, the International Consultation on Incontinence evaluating overactive bladder and related impact on quality of life (QoL) [ICIQ-OAB], the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. The age of the study population was 68.5 ± 11.6 y. After treatment, nocturia diminished from 3.2 ± 1.4 to 2.3 ± 1.3 ( P < 0.001 ) and the PSQI score decreased from 7.7 ± 3.7 to 6.6 ± 3.4 ( P = 0.004 ). Urgency, the ICIQ score, and the ESS lowered significantly, and the micturition volume showed a tendency to increase. No serious adverse drug reactions were reported, and compliance was good. The results show a beneficial effect on the nocturnal voids and sleep quality of women with OAB. Bryophyllum 50% tablets can be regarded as a well-tolerated alternative in the treatment of nocturia and broaden the repertoire of standard management.

Repurposing of Bryophyllum pinnatum for dysmenorrhea treatment: a systematic scoping review and case series

“…In the case of the pilot study, a trend in reduction of micturition frequency and a positive trend for efficacy were apparent ( Betschart et al, 2013 ). In the before-after comparison, a reduction in nocturia and a beneficial effect on sleep quality were observed ( Mirzayeva et al, 2023 ).…”

“…Also the treatment of pregnant wistar rats with B. pinnatum showed no toxicity at therapeutic levels and merely reduced glucose levels ( Hosomi et al, 2022 ). All clinical studies performed so far showed that treatment with B. pinnatum preparations can be considered as safe and well-tolerated, without severe adverse events and only occasional adverse events that included stomach-ache, diarrhea, and exanthema ( Betschart et al, 2013 ; Simões-Wüst et al, 2018 ; Mirzayeva et al, 2023 ). Gastrointestinal side effects upon treatment with the best-investigated preparations of B. pinnatum , namely, Bryophyllum 50% tablets, are most probably related to the contained lactose in patients with lactose intolerance.…”

“…Patients were treated with Bryophyllum 50% chewable tablets (à 350 mg, each corresponding to 170 mg of fresh leaf press juice) manufactured by Weleda AG, Arlesheim, Switzerland with B. pinnatum leaves provided by Weleda, Brazil. Medication was dosed upon physicians’ choice whereby previous studies on long-term treatments served as orientation points (2-2-2 for overactive bladder ( Betschart et al, 2013 ), and 0-0-2-2 for nocturia ( Mirzayeva et al, 2023 )). A voucher specimen (No.…”

How Physicians and Nursing Staff Perceive Effectiveness and Tolerability of <i>Bryophyllum</i> Preparations: An Online Survey in an Anthroposophic Hospital

“…In the 1970s, B. pinnatum preparations started to be used in the treatment of preterm labour in a German anthroposophic hospital [ 3 , 4 ]; they are now widely used in Switzerland in obstetrics and gynaecology [ 5 ]. Clinical studies have shown B. pinnatum to be effective in treating premature labour [ 6 ], hyperactive bladder [ 7 ], and nocturia [ 8 ]. These clinical effects are supported by data obtained using various in vitro models (see, e.g., [ 9 – 11 ]).…”

Effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract Consumption on Lipid Concentrations and Cardiovascular Risk Indices in Apparently Healthy Individuals

“…Reports indicate that the leaves of the plant (Bryophyllum pinnatum) have strong medicinal value and are used both externally and internally [5]. Bryophyllum pinnatum is highly recommended in treatment of nocturia [14], bleeding disorders, piles and is suggested to be a good source of vitamin [15]. It is consumed with the believe that the plant helps to clean the bladder and also serves as a toxin remover in the intestines [16].…”