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Aegle marmelos (L.) CORREA EX. SCHULTZ
{{#seo:
|title=Charak Samhita
|titlemode=append
|keywords= Aegle marmelos, Bilva, Bilwa, Bael, stone apple, Charak Samhita, Dravyaguna, carakasamhitaonline, carakasamhita, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, Charak Samhita English translation, ancient Ayurveda text, Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, Charak, Charaka Samhita, agnivesha, atreya, gopal basisht, yogesh deole, charak samhita wikipedia edition, charak samhita new edition, charaka samhita new edition, carak samhita new edition, caraka samhita new edition, research on charak samhita, text book charak samhita, fundamental principles of ayurveda, basic concepts of ayurveda,
|description=Aegle marmelos (commonly known as bael, bilva, or stone apple) is a plant species in the family [[Rutaceae]]
|image=http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/resources/assets/ogimgs.jpg
|image_alt=charak samhita
|type=article
}}
 
[[wikipedia:Aegle_marmelos|Aegle marmelos (L.)]] Correa


{{Infobox
{{Infobox
Line 6: Line 16:
|data1 = Herb database/Bilva
|data1 = Herb database/Bilva
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|label2 = Botanical name(s)
|data2 = Aegle marmelos (L.) CORREA EX. SCHULTZ
|data2 = Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa
|label3 = Contributors
|label3 = Family
|data3 = --
|data3 = Rutaceae
|label4 = Year of publication  
|label4 = Availability
|data4 =  2021
|data4 = Available
|label5 = Publisher  
|label5 = Contributors
|data5 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|data5 = Team Dravyaguna
|label6 = DOI  
|label6 = Year of publication  
|data6 = Awaited
|data6 =  2026
|label7 = Publisher  
|data7 =  [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre]]
|label8 = DOI  
|data8 = {{DoiWithLink}}
}}
}}


==English name ==  
'''''Aegle marmelos''''' (commonly known as '''bael''', '''bilva''', or '''stone apple''') is a plant species in the family Rutaceae. ''Aegle marmelos'' is a medium-sized, slow-growing, deciduous spiny tree native to dry tropical and subtropical forests of the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, and Thailand.<ref name="Sharma2011" /> It reaches heights of 8–15 meters and exhibits trifoliate, alternate leaves traditionally associated with religious symbolism in South Asia. The fruit is a globose or pyriform berry with a hard, woody outer shell (5–15 cm diameter) containing aromatic, mucilaginous orange pulp embedded with numerous woolly seeds. All morphological parts—including the unripe fruit, ripe fruit, root bark, leaves, and stem—possess distinct therapeutic profiles in classical Indian medicine.[[File:Bilva.jpg|thumb|'''Bilva ''(Aegle marmelos)''''']]
== Botanical profile and nomenclature ==
* '''Taxonomic name:''' ''Aegle marmelos'' (L.) Corrêa
* '''Botanical synonyms:''' ''Crateva marmelos'' L., ''Feronia pellucida'' Roth, ''Belou marmelos'' (L.) W.Wight
* '''Family:''' Rutaceae (Citrus family)
* '''Sanskrit names:''' ''Bilva'', ''Sriphala'', ''Shandilya'', ''Shailusha'', ''Malura'', ''Pootivata''
* '''Vernacular names:''' Bael, Stone Apple, Golden Apple (English); Bel, Bael (Hindi/Bengali); Maredu (Telugu); Vilvam (Tamil); Baelu (Kannada); Koovalam (Malayalam); Bel (Marathi).
 
== Ayurvedic energetics and pharmacodynamics ==
 
In classical Ayurvedic pharmacology (''Dravyaguna''), ''Bilva'' presents a distinct dual-action profile depending on fruit maturity. Unripe fruit (''Ama Bilva'') is primary for intestinal and digestive pathology, whereas ripe fruit (''Pakva Bilva'') acts as a laxative but is heavier to digest. Leaves (''Bilva Patra'') and roots (''Bilva Mula'', a constituent of [[Dashamula]]) possess potent ''Vata-Kapha'' pacifying properties.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics of ''Bilva''
|-
! Parameter !! Unripe fruit (''Ama Bilva'') !! Leaves (''Bilva Patra'') !! Root bark (''Bilva Mula'')
|-
| '''Rasa''' (Taste) || ''Kashaya'' (Astringent), ''Tikta'' (Bitter) || ''Tikta'' (Bitter), ''Katu'' (Pungent) || ''Kashaya'' (Astringent), ''Madhura'' (Sweet)
|-
| '''Guna''' (Qualities) || ''Laghu'' (Light), ''Ruksha'' (Dry) || ''Laghu'' (Light), ''Ruksha'' (Dry) || ''Laghu'' (Light)
|-
| '''Virya''' (Potency) || ''Ushna'' (Hot) || ''Ushna'' (Hot) || ''Ushna'' (Hot)
|-
| '''Vipaka''' (Post-digestive) || ''Katu'' (Pungent) || ''Katu'' (Pungent) || ''Katu'' (Pungent)
|-
| '''Dosha Karma''' || ''Kapha-Vata Hara'' || ''Kapha-Vata Hara'' || ''Tridosha Hara'' (esp. ''Vata-Kapha'')
|-
| '''Primary actions''' || ''Grahi'' (Absorbent), ''Deepana'' (Stomachic), ''Pachana'' (Digestive) || ''Mehahara'' (Antidiabetic), ''Shothahara'' (Anti-inflammatory) || ''Shothahara'' (Anti-edematous), ''Anulomana'' (Carminative)
|-
| '''Indications''' || ''Atisara'' (Diarrhea), ''Grahani'' (IBD/IBS), ''Pravahika'' (Dysentery) || ''Prameha'' (Diabetes), ''Jwara'' (Fever), ''Shotha'' (Swelling) || ''Vata-vyadhi'' (Neurological/Joint disorders), ''Vamana'' (Vomiting)
|}
 
==Therapeutic uses==


Bael
Pravahika, Agnimandya(loss of appetite), grahani roga<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 01:18</ref>


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==


Bilva
Bilva, Shriphala(fruit of bilva is having aroma), Shandilya, Malur, Mahaphala(fruit is large in size), Sadaphala(bilva bears fruits always)
 
==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasa Nighantu==
 
Shandilya, Shailusha(Bilva tree grows in hilly region also),malura<ref> Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Bhavaprakash Nighantu. Reprint Edition 2020, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Guduchyadi varga, verse no.-13</ref>


== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
== Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions ==  
Line 32: Line 82:
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity  
! Sr.no. !! Reference in Charak Samhita !! Activity  
|-
|-
| 1 || Sutra sthana 2/11 || Asthapana
| 1  
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/11
| Asthapana
|-
| 2
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/19
| Pachani-Grahi yavagu(gruel)
|-
| 3
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/20
| Piita-Shelsmaja Atisara yavagu
|-
| 4
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 2/28
| Grahi yavagu
|-
| 5
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(12)
| Arshoghna mahakashaya (anti-hemorrhoids)
|-
| 6
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(25)
| Asthapanopaga mahakashaya(helping corrective enema)
|-
| 7
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(26)
| Anuvasanopaga mahakashaya(unctuous enema)
|-
| 8
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 4/9(38)
| Shwayathuhara mahakashaya(relieving oedema)
|-
| 9
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5/64
| Anu taila dravya
|-
| 10
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 13/10
| Sthavara Sneha Yoni (Vegetable origin of lipids)
|-
| 11  
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 21/24
| Management of obesity
|-
|-
| 2 || Sutra sthana 2/19 || Pachani-Grahi yavagu
| 12
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 25/40
| Agrya Sangraha
|-
|-
| 3 || Sutra sthana 2/20 || Piita-Shelsmaja Atisara yavagu
| 13
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/107
| Shaka Varga(group of vegetables)
|-
|-
| 4 || Sutra sthana 2/28 || Grahiyavagu
| 14
| Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/138
| Phala Varga(group of fruits)
|-
|-
| 5 || Sutra sthana 4/9(12) || Arshoghnamahakashay
| 15
| Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 8/33
| Vyapagat  garbhashalya chikitsa
|-
|-
| 6 || Sutra sthana 4/9(25) || Asthapanopagmahakashay
| 16
| Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 8/11
| Aragvadha Yoga(collections of best food articles, factors and drugs in various conditions)
|-
|-
| 7 || Sutra sthana 4/9(26)|| Anuvasanopagmahakashay
| 17
| Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 9/12
| Tilvaka Ghrita Yoga
|-
|-
| 8 || Sutra sthana 4/9(38)|| Shwayathuharamahakashaya
| 18
| Cha.Sa.[[Kalpa Sthana]] 12/16
| Churna Yoga
|-
|-
| 9 || Sutra sthana 5/64|| Anutailadravya
| 19
|}
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/43
 
| In  formulation of Brahma rasayana
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==
|-
 
| 20
{| class="wikitable"
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/183
|+ Properties
| Used as peya with amla in Jwara atisara
|-
| 21
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/187
| Used as peya where jwara(fever) is associated with  Parikartika(fissure)
|-
| 22
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/220
| As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita
|-
| 23
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/235
| Used as khseerapaka where jwara is associated with  parikartika
|-
| 24
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 3/267
| As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila
|-
| 25
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 4/46
| In Yavagu prayoga
|-
| 26
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/67
| To increase effect of Trayushanaadi  ghrita
|-
| 27
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/149
| Ingredient of Mishrak Sneha
|-
| 28
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 5/165
| As Pathya Diet in Gulma
|-
| 29
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/65
| Ingredient in Mustadi  Churna
|-
| 30
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 7/81
| Ingredient in Triphalasav
|-
| 31
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/93
| Ingredient in Uttarbhatik  Ghrita
|-
| 32
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/126
| Ingredient in Atisar nashak Yoga
|-
| 33
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/127
| Ingredient in Atisar nashak Yoga
|-
| 34
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 8/168
| Ingredient in Rajayakshma nasak Ghrita
|-
| 35
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/18
| Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya  Ghrita
|-
| 36
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/43
| Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
|-
| 37
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/50
| Ingredient in Kansaharitaki  Avaleh
|-
| 38
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/55
| Ingredient in Chitrakadi  Ghrita
|-
| 39
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 12/60
| Ingredient in Jivantyadi  Yavagu
|-
| 40
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 13/109
| In treatment  of Udara roga  (for parisheka)
|-
| 41
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/40
| As an  application of taila  before Swedana kriya
|-
| 42
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/44
| Used as  avasechana in arsha roga
|-
| 43
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/47
| Used in avagaha  sweda
|-
| 44
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/63
| As an  ingredient of traushnadi churna
|-
| 45
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/69
| Bilva and  kapittha are used with chitraka
|-
| 46
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/93
| kashaya Or  yavani used in yusha
|-
| 47
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/100
| Alleviates  pain in arsha with patha
|-
| 48
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/107
| As an  ingredient of chavyadi ghrita
|-
| 49
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/110
| As an  ingredient of nagaradya ghrita
|-
| 50
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/131
| Used in  anuvasana basti
|-
| 51
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/144
| As an  ingredient of dantyarishta
|-
| 52
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/195
| Used in rakta arsha shoola
|-
| 53
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/200
| Used in rakta arsha
|-
| 54
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/230
| As an  ingredient of hriberadi ghrita
|-
| 55
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 14/236
| As an  ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrita
|-
| 56
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/82
| As an  ingredient of dashmuladya ghrita
|-
| 57
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/88
| As an  ingredient of pancamuladhya ghrita evum churna
|-
| 58
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/113
| Used as  ingredient of yavagu
|-
| 59
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/129
| As an  ingredient of Nagaradya churna
|-
| 60
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/136
| As an  ingredient of Kiratadhya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa
|-
| 61
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/156
| As an  ingredient of Mulasava
|-
| 62
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 15/188
| Used in  preparation of Pancham Kshara
|-
| 63
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/58
| Used in Kaphaja Pandu(anemia) Roga
|-
| 64
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 16/119
| As an ingredient of Vyoshadi Ghrita
|-
| 65
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/94
| Used in yusha  preparation for hikka svasa
|-
| 66
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/102
| Used in yavagu preparation  for hikka shvasa
|-
| 67
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/105
| Dasamula kwath is  used in condition of trishna in terms of patients of hikka svasa
|-
| 68
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/140
| As an ingredient of  dashamuladya ghrita
|-
| 69
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 17/142
| As an ingredient of  Tejovatyadi ghrita
|-
| 70
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/77
| As an ingredient  of peya yoga
|-
| 71
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/110
| As a ahara  dravya
|-
| 72
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 18/123
| As an ingredient  of dashamuladi ghrita
|-
| 73
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/20
| As a pramathya dravya
|-
| 74
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/26
| As a Ingreidient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana
|-
| 75
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/34
| As a yusha dravya
|-
| 76
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/35
| As a yusha dravya
|-
| 77
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/45
| As a anuvasana dravya
|-
| 78
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/48
| Use with paya for pana
|-
| 79
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/52
| As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaja atisara
|-
| 80
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/62
| As a anuvasana dravya
|-
| 81
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/104
| As a kwatha dravya
|-
| 82
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/109
| As a yoga dravya
|-
| 83
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/110
| As a yoga dravya
|-
| 84
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/113
| As a yoga dravya
|-
| 85
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/114
| As a main dravya in kaphaj atisara
|-
| 86
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/118
| As a piccha basti dravya
|-
| 87
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 19/119
| As a anuvasana dravya
|-
| 88
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 20/23
| As a yusha  prayoga in Vataja chhardi
|-
| 89
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 24/129
| Used as anupana in vataja  madatyaya as an ingredient of panchamula
|-
| 90
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 25/78
| Used for parisechana in Daha & shoola
|-
| 91
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/82
| As an ingredient of Punarnavadi taila for  vataja hrudroga
|-
| 92
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/135
| Used in Vataja pratishyaya  as dhoomavarti
|-
| 93
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/184
| Used in Kaphaja Siroroga  for Pradhamana nasya
|-
| 94
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/243
| As an ingredient of Amrutadi varti
|-
| 95
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/29
| As an ingredient  of Urustambha nashak Yoga
|-
| 96
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 27/56
| As an ingredient  of Shyonakadi Parisheka and Pralepa
|-
| 97
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/97
| Used in the treatment of Nabhigata vata
|-
| 98
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/123
| As an ingredient of Baladi ghrita
|-
|-
! Sr.no. !! Pharmacological criteria !! Properties
| 99
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/141
| As an ingredient of Yavadi taila
|-
|-
| 1 || Taste ([[rasa]])  || Astringent (kashaya), Bitter (tikta)
| 100
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/169
| As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila
|-
|-
| 2 || Potency ([[veerya]]) || Hot (ushna)
| 101
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 28/176
| As an ingredient of Mulaka taila
|-
|-
| 3 || Post digestion effect ([[vipaka]]) || Pungent (katu)
| 102
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 29/104
| As an ingredient of Amrutadya taila
|-
|-
| 4 || Qualities ([[guna]])|| Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
| 103
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/91
| As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna
|-
|-
| 5 || Actions ([[karma]]) || Pacify [[kapha]] and [[vata]]
| 104
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/266
| Used in the treatment of Phena sanghat, As an  ingredient of Anjanadi lepa
|-
|-
| 105
| Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/278
| Used in the treatment of Pichhila stanya
|}
|}
==Dose==
* 3-6 gm of the drug in powder form<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 01:18</ref>
==Important formulations==
As per A.P.I.<ref>Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 01:18</ref>
* Bilvadi leha
* Bruhatagangadhara churna
    
    
== Current availability==  
== Current availability==  
Line 76: Line 517:
== Current researches ==
== Current researches ==


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
== Phytochemical profile ==
  This article is under development ..
Chemical characterization of ''Aegle marmelos'' across various tissues has identified over 100 secondary metabolites.<ref name="Dhankhar2011" /><ref name="Baliga2011" /> The principal active phytochemical groups include:
 
* '''Coumarins and furanocoumarins:''' Marmelosin (imperatorin), marmin, umbelliferone, scopoletin, psoralen, aurapten, and xanthotoxol. Marmelosin represents the primary bio-marker constituent responsible for gastroprotective and anti-diarrheal activity.<ref name="Sharma2011" />
* '''Alkaloids:''' Aegeline, marmeline, shahimspine, fragrine, O-methylhalfordinol, and aegelenine.<ref name="Dhankhar2011" /> Aegeline exhibits metabolic regulatory effects.
* '''Triterpenoids and sterols:''' β-sitosterol, lupeol, and γ-sitosterol.
* '''Phenolics and flavonoids:''' Rutin, quercetin, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, tannic acid, and gallic acid.<ref name="Pathirana2020" />
* '''Polysaccharides and essential oils:''' Mucilage and pectins (fruit pulp); limonene, α-phellandrene, ''p''-cymene, and cineole (leaf essential oil).
 
== Therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological profile ==
 
=== Anti-diarrheal, anti-dysenteric, and gastroprotective activity ===
The primary historical clinical use of unripe ''Bilva'' fruit is in managing inflammatory bowel conditions, infectious diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
 
* '''Mechanisms of action:''' Unripe fruit extracts rich in marmelosin, tannins, and mucilage exhibit antisecretory and antimotility effects. Research demonstrates that aqueous and methanolic extracts significantly reduce castor oil-induced and enterotoxin-induced intestinal fluid accumulation and peristalsis.<ref name="Bhowmik2012" />
* '''Antimicrobial action against enteropathogens:''' ''A. marmelos'' extracts inhibit colonization and toxin production of enteropathogenic bacteria including ''Escherichia coli'', ''Vibrio cholerae'', ''Shigella dysenteriae'', and ''Salmonella typhimurium''.<ref name="Rajan2011" />
* '''Ulcer protective effect:''' Marmelosin and mucosal polysaccharides enhance gastric mucosal resistance, stimulate mucin secretion, and neutralize gastric hyperacidity, showing efficacy comparable to ranitidine in ethanol- and indomethacin-induced ulcer models.<ref name="Baliga2011" />
 
=== Antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activity ===
Leaf and fruit extracts of ''Aegle marmelos'' possess potent blood-glucose-lowering properties, validating its use in traditional management of ''Prameha'' (metabolic syndrome).
 
* '''Mechanisms of action:''' Aqueous leaf extract improves systemic glucose tolerance by increasing peripheral glucose uptake, enhancing hepatic glycogen synthesis, and suppressing gluconeogenic enzymes (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase).<ref name="Gandhi2012" />
* '''Pancreatic beta-cell protection:''' Histopathological evaluations show that administration of ''A. marmelos'' extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic models promotes regeneration of pancreatic β-cells and increases serum insulin secretion.<ref name="Sharma2011" />
* '''Enzyme inhibition:''' Extracts demonstrate strong competitive inhibition against α-glucosidase and α-amylase, delaying postprandial glucose absorption.<ref name="Pathirana2020" />
 
=== Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties ===
The root bark and leaf preparations suppress systemic inflammation, joint pain, and fever.
 
* '''Mechanisms of action:''' Methanolic leaf and root extracts inhibit carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in animal models.<ref name="Patel2012" /> Bioactive coumarins (marmin and umbelliferone) downregulate key inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).<ref name="Baliga2011" />
 
=== Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity ===
Free radical damage drives many chronic hepatic and systemic pathologies. ''A. marmelos'' leaves and fruit pulp contain high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids that scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS).
 
* '''Mechanisms of action:''' Administration of ''A. marmelos'' restores depleted endogenous antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)—while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in lipid peroxidation assays.<ref name="Jagetia2005" />
* '''Hepatoprotection:''' In carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>)- and alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity models, ''Bilva'' extract significantly reduces elevated serum biomarkers: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin, restoring normal liver architecture.<ref name="Sharma2011" />
 
=== Cardioprotective and antihyperlipidemic activity ===
* '''Cardioprotection:''' Pre-treatment with ''A. marmelos'' leaf extract attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by preventing membrane phospholipid degradation, maintaining intracellular enzyme leakage (CK-MB, LDH), and mitigating oxidative stress.<ref name="Prince2005" />
* '''Lipid modulation:''' Extracts lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides while elevating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in hyperlipidemic models.<ref name="Gandhi2012" />
 
== Dosage, formulations, and safety profile ==
 
=== Classical formulations ===
# '''Bilvadi Churna:''' Powdered combination of unripe ''Bilva'', ''Mocharasa'', ''Musta'', and ''Dhataki'' used for acute diarrhea, dysentery, and IBS.
# '''Bilvashtaka Churna:''' Traditional polyherbal formulation prescribed for intestinal malabsorption (''Grahani'') and sluggish digestion.
# '''Bilvadilehya (Bilvadi Lehya):''' Herbal jam formulation indicated for chronic diarrhea, hyperacidity, vomiting, and nausea.
# '''Dashamularishta / Dashamula Kwatha:''' Complex decoction and fermented tonic incorporating ''Bilva'' root as a primary anti-inflammatory agent.
# '''Bilva Taila:''' Medicated sesame oil infused with ''Bilva'' fruit processed for ear ailments (''Karnaroga''), particularly tinnitus and hard of hearing.
 
=== Recommended posology (raw drug) ===
* '''Unripe fruit powder (''Churna''):''' 2–6 grams daily with warm water or buttermilk.
* '''Leaf powder (''Churna''):''' 3–6 grams daily.
* '''Leaf juice (''Swarasa''):''' 10–20 mL daily.
* '''Root bark decoction (''Kwatha''):''' 50–100 mL daily in divided doses.
* '''Fresh fruit pulp (ripe):''' 50–100 grams (used as a seasonal cooling beverage).
 
=== Toxicology and safety ===
''Aegle marmelos'' exhibits a broad therapeutic window and high safety profile. Acute toxicity studies in rodents with aqueous and alcoholic leaf/fruit extracts showed no mortality or adverse behavioral parameters up to single doses of 2000 mg/kg body weight (NOAEL).<ref name="Baliga2011" />
 
* '''Precautions:''' Ripe fruit pulp is heavy to digest (''Guru'') and, if consumed excessively over prolonged periods, can cause intestinal bloating and constipation due to high pectin and mucosal content. Unripe fruit formulations should be discontinued once acute diarrhea or dysentery resolves to avoid excessive astringent (''Stambhana'') activity.
 
== References ==
{{reflist|refs=
<ref name="Baliga2011">Baliga, M. S., Thilak, C., Haniadka, R., Rao, S., & Arora, R. (2011). Evaluation of the antiinflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities of ''Aegle marmelos'' (L.) Correa. ''Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine'', 17(11), 1023–1029. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2010.0534</ref>
 
<ref name="Bhowmik2012">Bhowmik, D., Kumar, K. S., Yadav, A., Srivastava, S., Paswan, S., & Dutta, A. S. (2012). Recent trends in Indian traditional herb ''Aegle marmelos'' and its medicinal potential. ''The Pharma Innovation'', 1(4), 12–22.</ref>
 
<ref name="Dhankhar2011">Dhankhar, S., Ruhil, S., Balhara, M., Dhankhar, S., & Chhillar, A. K. (2011). ''Aegle marmelos'' (Linn.) Correa: A potential source of phytomedicine. ''Journal of Medicinal Plants Research'', 5(9), 1497–1507.</ref>
 
<ref name="Gandhi2012">Gandhi, G. R., & Sasikumar, P. (2012). Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of ''Aegle marmelos'' (L.) Corr. leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. ''Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine'', 2(3), S115–S122. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60140-1</ref>
 
<ref name="Jagetia2005">Jagetia, G. C., Venkatesh, P., & Baliga, M. S. (2005). Evaluation of the radioprotective effect of ''Aegle marmelos'' (L.) Correa in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes. ''Phytomedicine'', 12(1-2), 112–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2003.09.006</ref>
 
<ref name="Patel2012">Patel, P. K., Patel, M. A., Vyas, B. A., Shah, D. R., & Gandhi, T. R. (2012). Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of ''Aegle marmelos'' leaves. ''International Journal of Green Pharmacy'', 6(1), 23–28.</ref>
 
<ref name="Pathirana2020">Pathirana, C. K., Madhujith, T., & Eeswara, J. (2020). Bael (''Aegle marmelos'' (L.) Corrêa), a versatile medicinal plant: A review on chemical constituents and bioactivities. ''Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry'', 9(2), 1619–1629.</ref>
 
<ref name="Prince2005">Prince, P. S. M., & Rajadurai, M. (2005). Preventive effect of ''Aegle marmelos'' leaf extract on isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats. ''Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology'', 57(10), 1353–1358. https://doi.org/10.1211/jpp.57.10.0015</ref>
 
<ref name="Rajan2011">Rajan, S., Gokila, M., Jancy, P., Brindha, P., & Sujatha, R. (2011). Antioxidant and phytochemical properties of ''Aegle marmelos'' fruit pulp. ''International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences'', 3(2), 159–163.</ref>
 
<ref name="Sharma2011">Sharma, G. N., Dubey, S. K., Sati, N., & Sanadya, J. (2011). ''Aegle marmelos'' (Linn.) Correa: A potential medicinal plant for pharmaceuticals. ''World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research'', 1(1), 10–30.</ref>
}}
 
== External links==
* [https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Aegle%20marmelos IMPPAT database]
*
[[Category:Herbs]]
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