Mūrvā

Description

A perennial twining climber with slender, woody, and rough stems. The leaves are lanceolate or ovate, flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and fruits are paired follicles. Roots are bitter and fibrous. In Ayurveda, it is a classical ingredient of the Dashamoola group and is highly valued in fevers, diabetes, jaundice, and chronic ailments.It is a well-known Ayurvedic herb, generally identified as Marsdenia tenacissima (sometimes Maerua oblongifolia), valued for its antipyretic, antidiabetic, and detoxifying properties. It is a key ingredient in formulations like Sudarshana Churna for treating fevers, especially chronic and intermittent types. Murva is also used in skin diseases, urinary disorders, and metabolic imbalances due to its bitter taste and ability to pacify Kapha and Pitta doshas.

Useful Parts

Root

Benefits

1. Anti-Cancer: It is used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat liver, gastric, colon, and non-small cell lung cancers. 2. Respiratory Conditions: Dried stems have been used to treat asthma, trachitis, and tonsillitis. 3. Inflammation & Pain: The plant shows anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, helping to alleviate pain and swelling. 4. Metabolic Health: It has anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects, helping to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 5. Skin Health: Traditionally used for skin diseases and pruritus (itching). 6. Urinary Issues: It has been used to treat urinary diseases and cystitis. 7. Fever & Scurvy: The plant is known for its antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties and its use in treating scurvy. 8. Antioxidant: Contains antioxidant properties that help protect the body's cells from damage. 9. Strong Fiber: The stems produce a strong, durable fiber used for making ropes.

Pharmacological Action

Antipyretic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, laxative, blood purifier, anti-rheumatic, diuretic.

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

Virya: Usna

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Kaphapitta shamaka