# Bimbi

> Bimbi (Coccinia grandis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Triterpenoids (cephalandrin) show moderate oral bioavailability. Beta-sitosterol is moderately absorbed (10-15%). Pectin and fiber in the fruit may slow absorption. Fresh juice provides direct exposure of water-soluble insulin-like compounds to GI mucosa.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Coccinia grandis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bimbi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20ml fresh juice twice daily; 3-6g powder; 50-100ml decoction; applied externally as paste for skin conditions

**Bioavailability:** Limited pharmacokinetic data for Coccinia grandis/indica. [Triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) (cephalandrin) show moderate oral bioavailability. Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) is moderately absorbed (10-15%). [Pectin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#pectin) and fiber in the fruit may slow absorption. Fresh juice provides direct exposure of water-soluble insulin-like compounds to GI mucosa. Co-administration with lipids enhances triterpenoid absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach for blood sugar management; before meals for metabolic effects; juice ideally consumed fresh

**Standardized Extract:** Aerial part extract standardized to beta-sitosterol NLT 1%; total triterpenoids NLT 3%. Lyophilized juice extract preferred for maximum activity.

**Shelf Life:** 3 days (fresh juice, refrigerated); 18 months (powder); 2 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Fresh juice refrigerated at 2-8°C. Dried preparations in airtight containers. Cool, dry place below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Cephalandrin A and B, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmast-7-en-3-one, [Taraxerol](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#taraxerol), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Cucurbitacin B, Ombuin

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh juice extraction from aerial parts and fruit
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) for triterpenoid-rich fraction
- Aqueous decoction for traditional preparation
- Ethanol extraction (95%) for alkaloid-rich fractions
- Petroleum ether extraction for lipophilic [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Meshashringi (Gymnema) for [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) synergy
- With [Karela](/herb/karela/) ([bitter gourd](/herb/bitter-gourd/)) for blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) management
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for metabolic syndrome
- With [Vijaysar](/herb/vijaysar/) for diabetic formulations

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- 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.