Nagabala (Bala, Hima, Pitapushpi)

About

Nagabala (Sida cordata) is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, often grouped under the 'Bala' category, traditionally prized for its strength-enhancing, rejuvenative, and wound-healing properties. Modern research is exploring its diverse phytochemica...

Classical attributes

• Virya: []
• Vipaka: []

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: increasing
• pitta: balancing

Active compounds

• Ephedrine
• Pseudoephedrine
• Cryptolepine
• Vasicine
• Vasicinone
• Hypaphorine
• Quercetin
• Kaempferol
• Apigenin
• Luteolin
• Beta-sitosterol
• Stigmasterol
• Campesterol
• Mucilage
• Polysaccharides
• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid
• Oleic acid
• Linoleic acid

Clinical evidence

Human clinical trials specifically on Sida cordata as a standalone herb for therapeutic indications are insufficient. Most scientific evidence comes from in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) studies, or from studies on multi-herb formulations, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to Sida cordata. One study noted improvements in body composition and strength with a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement containing Sida cordata, but direct attribution is not possible. Pre-clinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, these findings have not been extensively tested in human clinical trials for specific conditions.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Balya
• Rasayana
• Vranahara
• Raktapittahara
• Ojahvardhaka

Classical clinical indications

• Wounds
• Consumption (Kshaya)
• Pitta disorders
• Blood disorders (Raktapitta)
• Weakness
• Debility

Frequently asked questions