# Bilva

> Bilva (Aegle marmelos) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP, 2021), and United States Pharmacopoeia-Herbal Medicines Compendium (USP, 2021).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Aegle marmelos
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Monographed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP, 2021), and United States Pharmacopoeia-Herbal Medicines Compendium (USP, 2021). Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission developed a PPI monograph quantifying five phytocompounds: marmelosin, marmesin, psoralen, scopoletin, and umbelliferone, with limits on negative marker aegeline. No dedicated WHO monograph identified. Recognized in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani traditional medicine systems.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bilva |

## How does it work?

- Antidiarrheal bidirectional motility modulation: Slows intestinal motility during diarrhea and eases it in constipation, attributed to balance of [tannins](/reference/tannins/) and [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) -- a rare bidirectional property.
- Anti-inflammatory: Marmelosin ([imperatorin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#imperatorin)) inhibits TNF-alpha mediated inflammatory markers and possesses [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) properties.
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/): Aegeline and marmelosin improve insulin signaling and reduce fasting [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose); oral extract increases body weight, pancreas weight, and insulin levels with improved beta-cell functional state.
- [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins) (marmelosin, imperatorin, psoralen) are the most frequently reported bioactive class linked to antidiabetic, antioxidant, and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activities.
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/): Network pharmacology identifies multi-target mechanisms against Alzheimer's disease-related [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins).
- Antimicrobial and anti-biofilm: Fruit extract demonstrates activity against multi-drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sharma A, Gugulothu D, Virmani T and others 2025. [Ethnopharmacological Profile, Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Potential of Aegle marmelos L. for the Treatment of Neurological Disorders](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40535825/). *Journal of nutrition and metabolism*. PMID [40535825](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40535825/) · [doi:10.1155/jnme/2275526](https://doi.org/10.1155/jnme/2275526)  
  Comprehensive review highlighting neuroprotective potential of A. marmelos bioactive compounds including marmelosin, aegeline, and imperatorin, while emphasizing the need for more clinical trials to validate potency and safety in neurological applications.
- Chopra NK, Mehta V, Nagu P 2026. [Unraveling the neuroprotective potential of Aegle marmelos in Alzheimer's disease: a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41613637/). *In silico pharmacology*. PMID [41613637](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41613637/) · [doi:10.1007/s40203-026-00559-x](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40203-026-00559-x)  
  Network pharmacology and molecular docking study identified multiple targets for neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting multi-target therapeutic potential.

*4 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

- Insufficient reliable evidence to confirm safety when used as oral medicine; most safety data derive from traditional use rather than controlled trials.
- Large amounts may cause stomach upset, constipation, dehydration, dryness of mouth, stomach cramps, or nausea.
- Consuming large amounts of unripe fruit may irritate the intestines.
- Pregnancy contraindication: Traditionally used to stimulate uterine contractions; excessive use may pose risk of preterm labor. Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- May lower blood sugar -- caution with concurrent diabetes medications due to additive hypoglycemic risk.
- Surgical precaution: Discontinue use at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery due to blood sugar interference.
- Aegeline (alkaloid in bael) is monitored as a negative marker (toxic compound) in pharmacopoeia monographs.
- Bael fruits are prone to aflatoxin contamination; aflatoxin analysis is recommended before consumption as food or medicine.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Taila (oil), Bilva Avaleha, Panchamrita (compound preparation)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g fruit pulp powder twice daily; 500mg extract capsule; 50-100ml decoction; Bilva Avaleha 10-20g; unripe fruit preferred for diarrhea

**Bioavailability:** Marmelosin shows moderate oral bioavailability (30-40%). Coumarins are generally well absorbed from the GI tract. Mucilage from ripe fruit may slow absorption but provide sustained release. [Skimmianine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#skimmianine) has good lipid solubility and crosses BBB. Psoralen-type furanocoumarins are photosensitizing—relevant for topical formulations. Decoction provides optimal extraction of antidiarrheal mucilaginous compounds.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with buttermilk for diarrhea; after meals for digestive support; Avaleha anytime as a tonic

**Standardized Extract:** Unripe fruit extract standardized to marmelosin NLT 1%; total coumarins NLT 3%. Leaf extract standardized to skimmianine NLT 0.3%. Ripe fruit pulp: total mucilage NLT 15%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 1 year (Avaleha); 5 years (oil)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from light (furanocoumarins are photosensitive). Powder in airtight containers with desiccant. Avaleha in glass jars.

**Marker Compounds:** Marmelosin, [Marmelide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#marmelide), Skimmianine, Aegeline, Marmeline, Psoralen, Imperatorin, [Luvangetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luvangetin), Umbelliferone

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of unripe fruit for antidiarrheal use
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for [coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin)-rich extract
- Ethanol extraction (95%) for alkaloid-rich fractions from leaves
- Cold pressing of ripe fruit for pulp extract
- Steam distillation of leaves for essential oil

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Kutaja (Holarrhena) for chronic diarrhea and IBS
- With Musta for digestive disorders
- With Sunthi (dry [ginger](/herb/ginger/)) for appetizer formulations
- With [Dadima](/herb/dadima/) for malabsorption syndromes
- With [Dhanyaka](/herb/dhanyaka/) ([coriander](/herb/coriander/)) for GI health

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

## 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.