# Akhuparni

> Akhuparni (Ipomoea reniformis Choisy (syn. Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f.)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Convolvulaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Dravyaguna texts; recognized in Indian folk medicine traditions.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Ipomoea reniformis Choisy (syn. Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f.)
- **Family:** Convolvulaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Dravyaguna texts; recognized in Indian folk medicine traditions

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Akhuparni |
| Latin/Botanical | *Ipomoea reniformis Choisy (syn. Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f.)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Scopoletin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scopoletin) ([coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin))
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) ([flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/))
- Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid esters
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)
- [Glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) and [steroids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#steroids)

## How does it work?

- [Antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive) activity via ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitory action of scopoletin and flavonoids
- Nephroprotective effect through attenuation of oxidative stress (SOD, CAT upregulation) and inflammatory markers in diabetic kidneys
- Anticonvulsant activity through GABAergic potentiation and modulation of ion channel conductance
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) activity via cytotoxicity against HeLa (cervical) and MCF-7 (breast) cancer cell lines through apoptosis induction

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Epilepsy and seizure management (Apasmara) - partially validated through anticonvulsant studies; leaf powder traditionally used as snuff during seizures
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and kidney remedy (Mutrala) - supported by diuretic and nephroprotective pharmacological data
- Fever reduction (Jvarahara) - confirmed [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) activity in preclinical models
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) (Yakrit Roga) - validated through studies showing liver protection against chemical toxins

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Juice of the plant acts as a purgative in higher doses; recommended to use under practitioner guidance for internal administration
- Limited formal toxicological studies; traditional use suggests safety at recommended doses; not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine effects

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Phanta (hot infusion), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20ml fresh juice twice daily; 2-5g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. This herb (Ipomoea reniformis / Merremia emarginata) contains glycosides and flavonoids with moderate oral bioavailability. Fresh juice preparation retains more bioactive compounds. Traditional anupana with honey or warm water is recommended for improved absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach with honey for Medhya ([nootropic](/glossary/pharmacology/#nootropic)) action; before meals for digestive complaints

**Standardized Extract:** Limited standardization data. Recommend development of HPTLC fingerprint as primary identity/quality tool. Aqueous extract yield 10-16%.

**Shelf Life:** 1 day (fresh juice); 18 months (powder); 2 years (capsules/tablets)

**Storage:** Fresh material processed immediately. Dried material in airtight containers, cool and dry, below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Total flavonoids, Scopoletin (if present), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Emarginatine (species-specific)

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh juice expression (Swarasa)
- Aqueous decoction (1:8 ratio, reduced to 1/4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
- Cold maceration (Sheeta Kashaya)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) for cognitive enhancement (Medhya [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/))
- With Shankhapushpi for memory and intellect
- With Mandukaparni for [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) action
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for voice and throat health

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/akhuparni/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.