Bimbi
Coccinia grandis
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.
| Botanical name | Coccinia grandis |
|---|---|
| Family | Cucurbitaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2874564 · Wikidata Q727330 · NCBI Taxonomy 387127 |
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 (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. 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, 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
Synergistic Combinations
- With Meshashringi (Gymnema) for antidiabetic synergy
- With Karela (bitter gourd) for blood glucose management
- With Haridra for metabolic syndrome
- With Vijaysar for diabetic formulations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews2
- 2020. Traditional Herbal Medicines Against CNS Disorders from BangladeshNatural products and bioprospecting. PMID 33057963 · doi:10.1007/s13659-020-00269-7
- 2003. Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis Voigt, Coccinia cordifolia, Coccinia indica) in human nutrition and traditional applicationsWorld review of nutrition and dietetics. PMID 12747088 · doi:10.1159/000069929
Laboratory and animal studies10
- 2024. Anti-Hyperglycemic Effects of Thai Herbal MedicinesPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39458809 · doi:10.3390/plants13202862
- 2024. Antidiabetic effect of combined extract of Coccinia grandis and Blumea balsamifera on streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic ratsJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 39079440 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101021
- 2024. Synthesis and bioactivity assessment of Coccinia grandis L. extract encapsulated alginate nanoparticles as an antidiabetic drug leadJournal of microencapsulation. PMID 37966469 · doi:10.1080/02652048.2023.2282964
- 2022. Coccinia grandis alleviates flavor-enhancing high-lipid diet induced hepatocellular inflammation and apoptosisJournal of food biochemistry. PMID 35092065 · doi:10.1111/jfbc.14092
- 2022. The evolution of huge Y chromosomes in Coccinia grandis and its sister, Coccinia schimperiPhilosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences. PMID 35306898 · doi:10.1098/rstb.2021.0294
- 2022. Mucilage of Coccinia grandis as an Efficient Natural Polymer-Based Pharmaceutical ExcipientPolymers. PMID 35012237 · doi:10.3390/polym14010215
- 2022. Identification and Quantification of Key Phytochemicals, Phytohormones, and Antioxidant Properties in Coccinia grandis during Fruit RipeningAntioxidants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36358590 · doi:10.3390/antiox11112218
- 2021. Efficacy of Coccinia grandis against monosodium glutamate induced hepato-cardiac anomalies by inhibiting NF-kB and caspase 3 mediated signalling in rat modelHuman & experimental toxicology. PMID 33887972 · doi:10.1177/09603271211010895
- 2020. Potential anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of Coccinia grandis plant extract in LPS stimulated-THP-1 cellsEnvironmental science and pollution research international. PMID 32285384 · doi:10.1007/s11356-020-08445-5
- 2017. Antibacterial, antioxidant and cell proliferative properties of Coccinia grandis fruitsAvicenna journal of phytomedicine. PMID 28884080
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