

Online price: $18.99
Out of stock
Royal Desmodium
Royal Desmodium™
Botanical Names: Desmodium adscendens
Also Known As: Amor Seco or Pega Pega in Latin America, and Strong Back Herb in Jamaica and the Caribbean
An Important Note Re: Our Royal Desmodium Products: All our Royal Desmodium products contain the same potent Desmodium (Desmodium adscendens). Royal Desmodium liquid extracts are sold under four labels: (1) Royal Desmodium, (2) Royal Demodium Allergy-Lung Support, (3) Royal Desmodium Liver-Lung Support, and (4) Royal Desmodium Muscle-Tendon Support. The products are exactly the same, but the labels feature different “Directions for Use” and dosing instructions, based on the targeted health issues. (Note: Royal Desmodium is also available in a loose tea form.)
ALL ROYAL DESMODIUMTM PRODUCTS SUPPORT
- Relief from an overactive immune system response*
- Healthy lung function*
- Free flow of air in lungs and nasal passages*
- Healthy liver function*
- Healthy liver enzyme level regulation*
- Relief from occasional and minor muscle tightness*
- Coughing up phlegm*
Dosing Considerations
Royal DesmodiumTM is so safe it can be taken on an “as needed” basis.
Directions
Take on an empty stomach. 1 serving is 60 drops.
For Immediate and Urgent Use:
- Liver – Take 1-2 servings with water as needed, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
- Lung – Take 2 servings at once. Repeat as needed or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Maintenance Dosage (for liver or lung): Take 1 to 2 servings with water up to 3 times a day, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Children’s Dose: 20-30 drops in water. (Not for use by children under 2 years of age.)
Contraindications
No known drug interactions. Consult your physician if pregnant or nursing.

What is Desmodium?
Desmodium adscendens is the botanical name for a rainforest plant native to Peru, Caribbean, Central America and West Africa. It has many popular names including Amor Seco and Pega Pega. It is called Strong Back Herb in Jamaica for its ability to relieve back and neck pain. People wanting to support their health naturally have a powerful plant ally which clears nasal congestion, relaxes bronchial tubes, and acts as an expectorant. Desmodium adscendens is fast acting to counteract allergic reactions.*
Desmodium is very effective for menstrual cramps, and some people find it mentally relaxing as well.*
Should I stop using my inhaler when taking Royal DesmodiumTM?
It is important to keep the inhaler on hand for emergency use. Many customers tell us that when they use a maintenance dose of Royal DesmodiumTM, they do not need their inhaler as often.
Is Royal DesmodiumTM safe for use by children?
Our Royal DesmodiumTM is safe for children and is very helpful for coughs, congestion, and allergic reactions including bronchial issues.
Children’s Dose: 20-30 drops in water or 1 capsule on an as needed basis. Not for use by children under 2 years of age.
Will Royal DesmodiumTM help with menstrual cramps?
Customers report it is helpful for cramps – it takes the uterus out of spasm – and does not have any of the potentially harmful side-effects of OTC pain killers.
Does Royal DesmodiumTM enhance athletic performance?
Royal DesmodiumTM increases oxygen intake to the lungs, which is beneficial to sports performance.
How quickly does Royal DesmodiumTM take effect?
It may take effect within a few minutes to half an hour, depending on the person and the issue being addressed.
How much Royal DesmodiumTM do I need for immediate relief of lung symptoms?
Royal DesmodiumTM for immediate and urgent use – take 4 squirts (120 drops) with or without water. Repeat dosage in 5 minutes if symptom relief is not significant.
It can be taken on an as-needed basis to relieve symptoms. For example, if you take one dose (60 drops) and the symptoms are not relieved within 30 minutes or so, you can safely take another dose.
How often should I take Royal DesmodiumTM?
Royal DesmodiumTM can be taken on an as-needed basis to relieve symptoms. For example, if you take one dose (60 drops) and the symptoms are not relieved within 30 minutes or so, you can safely take another dose.
Does Royal DesmodiumTM help relieve muscle pain?
Royal DesmodiumTM helps relax muscles close to the injury and has been shown to reduce inflammation.*
Can I take Royal DesmodiumTM with OTC painkillers?
Yes, but you may get significant relief, so that you do not need the OTC painkillers. Royal DesmodiumTM has no negative effect on the stomach, does not cause internal bleeding, or death. It is safe for children. It has only side-benefits; helps relax muscles, encourages deep breathing, and is mentally relaxing.
Is Royal DesmodiumTM safe for people with lung congestion due to congestive heart failure?
Yes, Royal DesmodiumTM is an excellent expectorant and is safe to take.
DISCLAIMER: Whole World Botanicals does not recommend self-treatment with any of our products. Our products are not sold to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness. They are sold to support the organs and systems of the body. If you are suffering from a serious illness or a potentially serious illness, it is very important that you seek the help of a licensed, expert health practitioner.
Multi-symptom relief
“I have been ordering Royal DesmodiumTM for at least 5 years. I found it when looking for products to protect my liver. I now use the product for several different reasons. I use two droppers full of Royal DesmodiumTM for shortness of breath. I live in Florida so when the pollen is high and my sinuses are bothering me, I use one dropper full at least once on those days, maybe twice. When I have back spasms, I will use 2 droppers full. I tend to use Royal DesmodiumTM on an as needed basis, but have recently started using it more often to prevent pain. Thank you for making the product available. I hope you never stop making it.” ~Barbie H., Tampa Bay, FL
Congestion relief
“I do love your products. I use Royal Camu® for low mood and Royal Desmodium™ for congestion, and I find they are both great.” ~Julie L.
Muscle stiffness and pain relieved
“My job keeps me at my desk for long hours. When I start to feel muscle stiffness or pain, I take a dose of Royal DesmodiumTM right under my tongue. I continue with my work and then realize just minutes later that I’m not in pain anymore. I appreciate not having to take dangerous painkillers to get the relief I need.” ~Teresa B., Fort Collins, CO
Help for food allergies
“I always carry Royal DesmodiumTM with me in case I accidentally eat a food which contains something I’m allergic to. It’s a nutritional back-up for my medication.” ~L.B., New York City, NY
Do You Have a Testimonial?
If you have used this product and have a story to tell, please fill in the form below. With your permission, we may also publish your testimonial on this website. We will not publish your full name or your email address!
To see the full studies, do a search on www.pubmed.gov.
Desmodium a. Reduced Anaphylactic Reactions in Guinea Pigs
Dose-response effects of Desmodium adscendens aqueous extract on histamine response, content and anaphylactic reactions in the guinea pig. Authors: Addy ME, Dzandu WK. J Ethnopharmacol. 1986 Oct;18(1):13-20. PMID: 2434805
Smooth Muscle Contractions Reduced
Addy, M.E., et al., 1989. “Several Chromatography Distinct Fractions of Desmodium adscendens Inhibit Smooth Muscle Contractions.” Int J Crude Res 27 2: 81-91 (1989).
Arachidonic Acid Effects
Addy, M.E., et al., 1992. “Some Secondary Plant Metabolites in Desmodioum adscendens and Their Effects on Arachidonic Acid Metabolism.” Prostaglandins Leukotrienes Essential Fatty Acids 47 1: 85-91 (1992)
Arachidonic acid is an unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. The beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids are believed to be due in part to selective alteration of arachidonate metabolism that involves cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. (PMID: 23371504)
Prostaglandin Synthesis in Rams Increased
Addy, M.E., et al., 1995. “An Extract of Desmodium adscendens Activates Cyclooxygenase and Increases Prostaglandin Synthesis by Ram Seminal Vesicle Microsomes.” Phytother Res 9 4: 287-293 (1995)
Protective effect against liver damage
Antihepatotoxic activity of a quantified Desmodium adscendens decoction and D-pinitol against chemically-induced liver damage in rats.
Magielse J, Arcoraci T, Breynaert A, van Dooren I, Kanyanga C, Fransen E, Van Hoof V, Vlietinck A, Apers S, Pieters L, Hermans N. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Mar 7;146(1):250-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.039. Epub 2013 Jan 3. PMID: 23291573
Liver and kidney cells protected from oxidative stress
Safety of Desmodium adscendens extract on hepatocytes and renal cells. Protective effect against oxidative stress.
François C, Fares M, Baiocchi C, Maixent JM. J Intercult Ethnopharmacol. 2015 Jan-Mar;4(1):1-5. doi: 10.5455/jice.20141013041312. Epub 2014 Nov 28. PMID:26401376
Considerable scavenging, antioxidant and anti-radical capacity
Chemical Composition and, Cellular Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Desmodiumadscendens Leaves.
Muanda FN, Bouayed J, Djilani A, Yao C, Soulimani R, Dicko A.
Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:620862. doi: 10.1155/2011/620862. Epub 2010 Oct 13. PMID:20976084
Exhibits antipsychotic-like activities
An ethanolic extract of Desmodium adscendens exhibits antipsychotic-like activity in mice. Amoateng P, Adjei S, Osei-Safo D, Kukuia KKE, Karikari TK, Nyarko AK. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2017 Jul 15. pii: /j/jbcpp.ahead-of-print/jbcpp-2016-0115/jbcpp-2016-0115.xml. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0115. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 28710881
Note: Desmodium adscendens is used traditionally in Ghana for the management of psychosis.
Note: If you suffer from mental illness, do not attempt to use Desmodium adscendens as self-treatment. You must consult a physician.
Color Catalog – lists all the Whole World Botanicals products in a summary format
Royal Desmodium™, 1-page Printable – one page you can print to show to others
What is Desmodium adscendens?
By Viana Muller, Ph.D. This article may not be reprinted without permission from the author. Copyright ©2018 Whole World Botanicals, Inc.
Desmodium adscendens is another wondrous rainforest herb which has been traditionally used by native peoples for a wide variety of conditions including: hepatitis, protection of liver from cirrhosis, muscle, tendon, and spinal pain, rheumatism, asthma (has bronchial-dilating qualities), allergic symptoms and eczema.
Desmodium adscendens is a vine, which grows wild in the Amazon rainforest of Peru and other South American countries and on the West Coast of Africa, as well. It is believed to have been used for thousands of years by peoples native to the areas where it grows for a variety of health issues, including the following: asthma, bronchitis, jaundice, hepatitis, muscle cramps and backache. In Peru it is called Amor Seco or Pega Pega or any of a half dozen other names; in Belize it is known as “Strong Back” herb. It is a herbacious, perennial plant which grows up the trunks of trees. The leaves and stems are the medicinal parts. The therapeutic phytochemicals in Desmodium a. include alkaloids of the family of indolic alkaloids. The plant contains 4 mg/kg of alkaloids expressed in tryptamine. Fatty acids are present in a concentration of up to 3%, which is relatively rich in unsaturated acids.
Research Findings
Desmodium a. has been studied in France, England, Canada and Ghana (one of its countries of origin) including its effects on bronchial dilation, relaxation of smooth muscles, anti-histamine effects, and its ability to help normalize elevated liver enzyme levels.
Effects on the Lungs
These studies have shown an inhibition of the contraction generated by histamine on the smooth muscles of guinea pigs. Tests have targeted the ileumand the bronchial muscles, and it has been shown that the relaxation effect on the bronchials is very rapid (within a minute or two). These studies confirm the traditional usage for asthma, so well-known that in Ghana the first line of treatment for patients in an acute asthma attack is the use of Desmodium a.
Other effects on the lungs include helping to clear the sinuses, clearing congested nasal passages rapidly, helping to stop a lingering cough after the flu and even helping to clear up snoring.
- Congestive Heart Failure (Coughing)
- Chronic Cough
- Nasal Drip
- Asthma
- Bronchial Spasms
Dr. Cherkesian, a licensed acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor who practices in Boca Raton, Florida, has found remarkable improvement in his patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) who were coughing a great deal because of the inability of their heart to clear their lungs, despite their taking different pharmaceutical lung-clearing drugs.
Effects on the Liver
The nutritional support provided for people with jaundice and different kinds of hepatitis with Desmodium a. is well established in West Africa. Medical doctors have documented the gradual normalization of elevated liver enzyme levels over a period of months. Improvements in liver enzyme levels are noted even within a week. (For documentation of several cases, see below). This effect takes place because of the indolic alkaloids present in the plant. There are no anti-viral properties against the hepatitis virus in Desmodium a., as there are in Phyllanthus niruri or “Break-Stone” herb. The normalization of elevated liver enzymes—including cases of chronic hepatitis C—is facilitated entirely by the nutrients in the herb which support liver repair.*
Case No. 2
R.H., male – aged 60
Liver enzyme levels – pre-treatment taking DA
DATES SGOT SGPT GGT 7/22/92 84 53 11/3/92 104 64 190
Liver enzyme levels after treatment with Desmodium a. per day 10/11/92 to 01/15/93
DATES SGOT SGPT GGT 12/01/92 33 231 01/26/93 27 21 58
Conclusion: This seems to be a case of iatrogenic hepatitis which the nutritional support with Desmodium adscendens helped to resolve.
Analgesic Effects on Muscles and Tendons (Anti-spasmodic)
Traditionally used for minor and occasional pain due to trauma and physical injury.
The studies are based on taking Desmodium a. capsules, but native peoples use this plant as a juice or a tea (aqueous extract) to get rid of jaundice, hepatitis, relieve asthma, relieve rheumatism and to clear up eczema.*
SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
Boye, G & Ampopo, O, 1990. “Plants and Traditional Medicine in Ghana,” Economic and Medicinal Plant Research. Vol 4, pp 33-34 Academic Press Ltd., Devon, England.
Brandao, M., et.al., 1996. “Ethnobotany of the Garifuna of Eastern Nicaragua,” Economic Botany, Vol 50, 1:71-107 (1996)
Duke, James & Vasquez, Rudolfo, 1994 Amazonian Ethnobotanical Dictionary, CRC Press Inc.: Boca Raton, FL.
Schultes, R.E., an Raffauf, 1990. The Healing Forest. Medicinal and Toxic Plants of the North west Amazonia, R.f. Dioscorides Press: Portland, Oregon.
Vaquez, M.R., 1990 Useful Plants of Amazonian Peru. Second Draft. Filed with USDA’s National Agricultural Library, USA.
by Viana Muller, Ph.D. This article may not be reprinted without permission from the author. Copyright 2000-2017, Whole World Botanicals, Inc.
Other Products to Consider
Related products

Whole World Botanicals
PO Box 322074
Ft. Wash. Station
New York, NY 10032


Mon-Thurs: 1PM - 5PM Eastern
Friday: 1PM - 4PM Eastern
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Contact Us | Store Finder | Return Policy | Shipping Policy | Privacy & Security | FAQ
EDUCATION: Newsletter Sign-up | Botanicals in the News | Take Action | Blog
ACCOUNT INFORMATION: My Account | Recent Orders | Wholesale Accounts
CAREERS: Employment Inquiries | Brand Ambassadors