Akhuparni
Ipomoea reniformis Choisy (syn. Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f.)
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.
| Botanical name | Ipomoea reniformis Choisy (syn. Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f.) |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Merremia emarginata (Burm.fil.) Hallier fil. — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Convolvulaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Solanales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not listed in WHO monographs; referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Dravyaguna texts; recognized in Indian folk medicine traditions |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 4927220 · Wikidata Q87633641 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Akhuparni |
| Latin/Botanical | Ipomoea reniformis Choisy (syn. Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hallier f.) |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Scopoletin (coumarin)
- Quercetin and kaempferol (flavonoids)
- Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid esters
- Alkaloids
- Glycosides and steroids
How does it work?
- 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 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 and kidney remedy (Mutrala) - supported by diuretic and nephroprotective pharmacological data
- Fever reduction (Jvarahara) - confirmed antipyretic activity in preclinical models
- 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) 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, 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 for cognitive enhancement (Medhya Rasayana)
- With Shankhapushpi for memory and intellect
- With Mandukaparni for neuroprotective action
- With Yashtimadhu for voice and throat health
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.