Kalanchoe pinnata

The Kalanchoe pinnata, also called Bryophyllum pinnatum, is a succulent plant from the family of the stonecrop plants (Crassulaceae). It originally comes from Madagascar but, thanks to its robustness and special ability to propagate, has spread throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Characteristic are its fleshy, egg-shaped leaves, which develop small plantlets along the leaf margin – a form of vegetative propagation that has also made it popularly known as the "miracle leaf" or "Goethe plant". In many traditional medicine systems, for example in India, Africa, and South America, Kalanchoe pinnata has been used for centuries. Today it is also increasingly the focus of scientific investigations.

What benefits does Kalanchoe pinnata offer for health?

The Kalanchoe pinnata is credited with numerous positive properties based on both traditional knowledge and modern studies. Scientific investigations point to a variety of different potentially positive effects on health. Although more studies are necessary to be able to make conclusive statements about the effects, here are some of the findings to date:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Extracts of the leaves are traditionally used for wounds, burns, and skin irritations. Studies likewise suggest an anti-inflammatory effect (1,2,3,4).
  • Antimicrobial: Constituents showed an inhibitory effect against bacteria and fungi in studies (2).
  • Antidiabetic: The plant is considered promising for regulating blood sugar levels (2,4).
  • Antioxidant effect: Investigations to date point to antioxidant properties (1,4).
  • Wound healing: Investigations indicate a wound-healing effect (5).

How does Kalanchoe pinnata work in the body?

The effect is based on a variety of different bioactive substances. A phytochemical analysis revealed compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, glycosides, bufadienolides, lipids, and organic acids, which are associated with various medicinal properties (2).

Are there any risks or side effects?

  • Do not take without limit: Use only for a limited time and in moderate amounts.
  • Avoid raw consumption in large quantities: Individual constituents can strain the liver at high doses.
  • Only under medical supervision: Use exclusively with medical guidance.

Conclusion

The Kalanchoe pinnata (Bryophyllum pinnatum) is a versatile medicinal plant with a long tradition in the folk medicine of many cultures. Whether as an external remedy for wound healing, for the relief of respiratory complaints, or as a calming preparation in anthroposophic medicine – it combines traditional applications with growing scientific interest. However, further studies are necessary for conclusive statements.

Sources:

  1. De Araújo, E. R. D., Guerra, G. C. B., Andrade, A. W. L., Fernandes, J. M., Da Silva, V. C., De Aragão Tavares, E., De Araújo, A. A., de Araújo Júnior, R. F., & Zucolotto, S. M. (2021). Gastric ulcer healing property of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract in chronic model in vivo and gastroprotective activity of its major flavonoid. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 744192. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.744192
  2. Kumar, P., Malik, S., & Dubey, K. (2019). Bryophyllum pinnatum: A review on medicinal benefits and potent bioactive molecules. Current Bioactive Compounds, 15(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573407215666191007112951
  3. Pawar, D. P., Rode, A., & Jadhav, A. (2025). Pharmacological activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Applications, 10(1), 8–15. https://doi.org/10.35629/4494-10010815
  4. Ojewole J. A. (2005). Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae) leaf aqueous extract. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 99(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.01.025
  5. Araújo, E. R. D., Xavier-Santos, J. B., da Silva, V. C., de Lima, J. B. F., Schlamb, J., Fernandes-Pedrosa, M. F., da Silva Júnior, A. A., de Araújo Júnior, R. F., Rathinasabapathy, T., Moncada, M., Esposito, D., Guerra, G. C. B., & Zucolotto, S. M. (2023). Gel formulated with Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract promotes skin wound healing in vivo by increasing VEGF expression: A novel potential active ingredient for pharmaceuticals. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 1104705. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1104705