Bilva Majja

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Bilva Majja
Latin/Botanical	Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (fruit pulp)

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Marmelide
• Marmelosin (imperatorin)
• Psoralen
• Aegeline
• Marmin
• Beta-carotene
• Mucilage
• Pectin
• Vitamin C

How does it work?

• Marmelosin and marmelide (furocoumarins) are reported to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and to show antidiarrhoeal activity by reducing intestinal motility and enhancing water absorption in the gut
• Preclinical studies report that psoralen and imperatorin may have antidiabetic effects by enhancing insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and improving peripheral glucose uptake through GLUT4 transporter upregulation
• Pectin and mucilage in fruit pulp are reported to form a protective barrier on gastric mucosa, with gastroprotective activity against acid-induced ulceration

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Bilva Majja is traditionally used in Ayurveda for Atisara (diarrhea) and Grahani (IBS). Pharmacological studies have reported antidiarrhoeal activity.
• Traditionally used for Prameha (diabetes) in classical Ayurvedic texts. Studies of a coumarins-enriched extract have reported antidiabetic effects.
• Preclinical studies have reported radioprotective activity. This finding is not among the traditional uses.

What do recent studies show?

• Tiwari R, Mishra S, Danaboina G and others 2023. Comprehensive chemo-profiling of coumarins enriched extract derived from Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa fruit pulp, as an anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory agent. Saudi pharmaceutical journal : SPJ : the official publication of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Society. PMID 37564748 · doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101708
  Studies have reported anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activity for coumarins enriched from bael fruit pulp, suggesting potential for phytopharmaceutical development.
• Manandhar B, Paudel KR, Sharma B and others 2018. Phytochemical profile and pharmacological activity of Aegle marmelos Linn. Journal of integrative medicine. PMID 29709412 · doi:10.1016/j.joim.2018.04.007
  Fruit pulp contains bioactive coumarins, alkaloids, and terpenoids exhibiting antidiarrhoeal, antimicrobial, antiviral, radioprotective, and anticancer properties.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Fruit pulp is widely consumed as food and traditional medicine with long history of safe use
• No significant systemic toxicity reported at therapeutic doses; variability in phytochemical composition between specimens may affect dosing consistency
• Few clinical trials have assessed safety. Standardized formulations are needed for reliable therapeutic use.

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Avaleha (confection/jam), Churna (pulp powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet

Standard Dosage: 5-10g pulp (fresh or dried) twice daily; 3-6g dried pulp powder; 50-100ml decoction; as Bilva Avaleha 10-20g

Optimal Timing: Before meals for diarrhea management; after meals as digestive tonic; Avaleha can be taken anytime

Storage: Dried pulp powder in airtight containers with desiccant, highly hygroscopic. Avaleha in glass jars away from moisture. Temperature below 25°C.

Marker Compounds: Marmelosin, Marmelide, Pectin, Mucilage polysaccharides, Beta-carotene (ripe fruit), Tannins (unripe fruit), Riboflavin

Synergistic Combinations

• With Sunthi and Jaggery in traditional Bilva Avaleha
• With Kutaja for enhanced antidiarrheal effect
• With Dadima rasa for malabsorption
• With Musta and Ativisha for pediatric diarrhea formulations