# Bilwa Patra

> Bilwa Patra (Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (leaves)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Rutaceae family. Referenced in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia; Bilwa Patra is one of the most commonly prescribed single herbs in Ayurvedic formulary.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (leaves)
- **Family:** Rutaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Referenced in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; listed in Indian Pharmacopoeia; Bilwa Patra is one of the most commonly prescribed single herbs in Ayurvedic formulary

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Bilwa Patra](/herb/bilwa-patra/) |
| Latin/Botanical | *Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (leaves)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Aegeline](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#aegeline)
- Fragrine
- Aegelenine
- [Skimmianine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#skimmianine)
- Marmesin
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin)
- [Eugenol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#eugenol)
- Marmesinin
- [Luvangetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luvangetin)
- Essential oils ([cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole), caryophyllene)

## How does it work?

- Aegeline activates PPAR-gamma receptors in adipose and muscle tissue, enhancing insulin sensitivity and [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) uptake, providing the mechanistic basis for hypoglycemic activity
- Skimmianine and marmesin exhibit [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity through inhibition of bacterial DNA gyrase and disruption of fungal [ergosterol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ergosterol) biosynthesis
- Leaf essential oils (eugenol, cineole) provide anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of COX-2 and LOX [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and suppression of NF-kB nuclear translocation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hypoglycemic/[antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity of bael leaves validated through multiple in vivo studies and limited clinical evidence supporting traditional use for Prameha (diabetes) in Ayurveda
- Antimicrobial and anti-infective properties confirmed in vitro against multiple pathogens, supporting traditional use of leaf paste/decoction for infectious diseases
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effects validated in carrageenan-induced paw edema models, supporting traditional use for Shotha (inflammation) and pain conditions

## 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)  
  Bioactive compounds from bael leaves including [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), and essential oils show therapeutic potential for neurological disorders through [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) and anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms.
- Dey M, Rao S, Pl R and others 2024. [Evaluation of the Effect of Aegle marmelos (Bael Leaf) Extract on Human Fibroblast Viability: An In Vitro Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39600753/). *Cureus*. PMID [39600753](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39600753/) · [doi:10.7759/cureus.72466](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.72466)  
  Bael leaf extract exhibited minimal cytotoxicity on gingival fibroblasts at low concentrations, supporting safety for potential dental applications.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Leaf preparations have been used safely in traditional medicine for centuries; in vitro study (2024) confirmed minimal cytotoxicity on human fibroblasts at therapeutic concentrations
- Aegeline was flagged by FDA in 2013 regarding certain commercial supplements (OxyElite Pro), though this involved synthetic/concentrated forms rather than traditional leaf preparations
- Leaf decoctions and infusions considered safe at standard Ayurvedic doses; avoid high-dose concentrated extracts during pregnancy

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (leaf powder), Swarasa (fresh leaf juice), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (leaf-infused oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5g leaf powder twice daily; 10-20ml fresh juice; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Leaf [coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins) (marmesin, [imperatorin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#imperatorin)) show moderate to good oral bioavailability (35-50%). Skimmianine crosses the blood-brain barrier. Essential oil components ([limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene), alpha-phellandrene) are rapidly absorbed. Caution: furanocoumarins can inhibit CYP3A4, potentially altering bioavailability of co-administered drugs. Fresh juice provides highest bioavailability of volatile constituents.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for diabetic support; before meals with honey for respiratory conditions; fresh juice early morning

**Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract standardized to skimmianine NLT 0.5%; total coumarins NLT 2%; essential oil content NLT 0.5%

**Shelf Life:** 18 months (leaf powder); 2.5 years (capsule/tablet); 3 days (fresh juice, refrigerated)

**Storage:** Leaf powder in airtight, light-protected containers. Fresh juice refrigerated. Essential oil in amber glass. Protect from UV light due to furanocoumarins.

**Marker Compounds:** Skimmianine, Aegeline, Marmesin, Imperatorin, Limonene, Alpha-phellandrene, Eugenol, Cineole, Rutin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of dried leaves
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) for alkaloid and [coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin) enrichment
- Steam distillation for leaf essential oil
- Fresh juice expression (Swarasa)
- Ethanol maceration for research-grade extracts

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) leaves for respiratory and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) formulations
- With [Neem](/herb/neem/) leaves for antidiabetic synergy
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for Jwara (fever) management
- With [Karela](/herb/karela/) for blood sugar management

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/bilwa-patra/

## 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.