Mamejava (Nagajihva)
Mamejava, scientifically known as Enicostemma littorale, is a bitter herb belonging to the Gentianaceae family. It is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine for various ailments, particularly diabetes, fever, and liver disorders, with...
Botanical name: Enicostemma littorale.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: increasing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Clinical evidence
Clinical research on Enicostemma littorale primarily focuses on its anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective properties. Smaller human trials, including one double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study on 72 patients, demonstrated that Enicostemma littorale extract significantly reduced fasting and postprandial blood glucose, improved HbA1c, and lipid profiles in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes without significant adverse effects. Another study corroborated blood glucose lowering effects and improved oxidative stress parameters in diabetic patients. While extensive preclinical evidence supports hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant roles, large-scale human clinical trials in these specific areas are still limited, necessitating further research.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Madhumehaghna (Anti-diabetic)
- Yakrit-rakshak (Hepatoprotective)
- Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
- Jwarahara (Antipyretic)
Classical clinical indications
- Diabetes (Type 2)
- Fever
- Liver disorders
- Inflammatory conditions
- Oxidative stress