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

Chenopodium ambrosioides (Simen-kontra) — family Chénopodiacées.

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 monograph draws on 116 scientific references recorded for the species.

Therapeutic indications in alcoholic extraction:

Note: scientific reference excerpts are kept in their original language (most often English), without translation, to respect the source text of publications.

1. Cancer : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Doxorubicine-like.
   According to ASSEF ANB (2025): Previous studies have also suggested its antitumor potential. However, its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unexplored. According to Nascimento FRF (2006): The tumor cells were implanted on the left footpad (solid tumor) or in the péritonéal cavity (ascitic tumor).
2. Helminth infections in chickens (Gallus gallus) : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Thiabendazole-like, Mebendazole-like.
   According to VITA GF (n.d.): Presence of the genera Ascaridia (35.00%), Capillaria (30.00%), Hetarakis (25.00%) & Strongyloides (10.00%) was displayed by this survey. The aim was to test in vitro & in vivo the effectiveness of the medicinal plant Chenopodium ambrosioïdes regarding phytotherapeutic & homeopathic alternative methods to control endoparasites of Gallus Gallus Linnaeus, 1758 (free range chicken), a serious problem affecting domestic poultry performance causing losses, retarded development, decreased food conversion rate & increase of susceptibility to infectious diseases. According to Ketzis JK (2000): In trial 1, 13 adult goats & kids with natural mixed-nematode infections were treated with 0.2 ml of oil/kg body weight (BW).
3. Osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatism, oedema : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Kétoprofène-like.
   According to Ibironke GF (2007): A methanol extract of the dried leaves of Chenopodium ambrosioides was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The results of the present study further confirm the use of CA traditionally for the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions. According to Grassi LT (2011): 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.

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use and full scientific references are available in the complete monograph.

Photo credit : Photo by Forest & Kim Starr without modification (CC BY 3.0). License : CC BY 3.0.