MAMEJVA (Enicostemma littorale)

Mamejva (Enicostemma littorale Blume), also known as Indian Whitehead or Chhota Chirayata, is a small perennial herb belonging to the Gentianaceae family. It is widely distributed in India and other tropical countries. Traditionally, Mamejva has been valued for its potent antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, making it a significant herb in Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Gentianales
Family: Gentianaceae
Genus: Enicostemma
Species: Enicostemma littorale Blume

Common Names

English: Indian Whitehead, Indian Gentian
Sanskrit: Mamajjaka
Hindi: Mamejvo, Nayi
Gujarati: Mamejavo
Tamil: Vellarugu
Telugu: Vellaku
Kannada: Nelavarike

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Antidiabetic Action - Widely used in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine to manage type 2 diabetes by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels.

Hepatoprotective Properties - Protects liver tissues from damage due to toxins or oxidative stress, commonly used in jaundice and hepatitis treatments.

Anti-inflammatory & Analgesic - Reduces inflammation and pain, making it suitable for arthritic and musculoskeletal conditions.

Antioxidant Benefits - Rich in phytochemicals that scavenge free radicals, preventing cell damage.

Antimalarial and Antipyretic - Traditionally used in the treatment of malaria, fever, and intermittent fever.

Phytochemical Constituents

Mamejva contains several bioactive compounds that account for its diverse pharmacological effects:

Swertiamarin – A secoiridoid glycoside with antidiabetic action
Gentiopicroside – Bitter iridoid with liver protective properties
Enicoflavine – A unique flavonoid alkaloid
Saponins – Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
Triterpenoids – Immunomodulatory
Phenolic Compounds – Antioxidant activities
Flavonoids – Such as apigenin and luteolin

References

Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part I, Volume IV, Govt. of India, Ministry of AYUSH.

Patel, M.B., & Mishra, S.H. (2011). Hypoglycemic activity of alkaloidal fraction of Enicostemma littorale Blume leaves in normal and diabetic rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology, 43(3), 290–294.

Kar, A., & Choudhary, B.K. (2003). Prevention of thyroxine-induced hyperglycaemia by Enicostemma littorale Blume extract in rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, 41, 885–888.

Jain, A., & Soni, M. (2012). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Enicostemma littorale Blume. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 5(1), 531–533.

Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.

Kirtikar, K.R., & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian Medicinal Plants, Vol. 2. International Book Distributors.

European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe (for comparative phytochemical references).

Singh, D., & Singh, R. (2010). Pharmacognostical and phytochemical evaluation of Enicostemma littorale Blume. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 5(3), 68–72.

MAMEJVA (Enicostemma littorale)

Scientific Classification

Common Names

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Phytochemical Constituents

References

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