Gangeruki
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori
Gangeruki (Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Tiliaceae (Malvaceae sensu lato) family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Ayurvedic and Siddha pharmacopoeias; recognized in African traditional medicine systems for iron deficiency management.
| Botanical name | Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori |
|---|---|
| Family | Tiliaceae (Malvaceae sensu lato) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malvales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Ayurvedic and Siddha pharmacopoeias; recognized in African traditional medicine systems for iron deficiency management |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7311070 · Wikidata Q3116556 · NCBI Taxonomy 2695409 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Gangeruki |
| Latin/Botanical | Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Lupenone
- Betulin
- Beta-sitosterol
- Beta-amyrin
- Triacontan
- Vitamin E (tocopherols)
- 6,6-Dideutero-nonen-1-ol-3
- 3-Deoxy-d-mannoic lactone
- Methyl furfural
- Phytosterols
How does it work?
- Betulin and lupenone triterpenes exhibit hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, catalase) and normalizing serum hepatic enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) in CCl4-induced liver damage models
- Flavonoids and phytosterols provide antioxidant and radioprotective effects through scavenging of free radicals and upregulation of cellular defense enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase)
- Fruit extract mediates gut relaxant effects through calcium channel blocking mechanism and modulation of intestinal smooth muscle contractility
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Anti-anemia (iron supplementation) validated through comparative clinical study demonstrating efficacy similar to ferrous gluconate in women with iron deficiency anemia
- Antidiarrhoeal and gut-soothing effects validated through in vivo and ex vivo pharmacodynamic studies supporting traditional Ayurvedic use for Atisara (diarrhea)
- Hepatoprotective activity validated in CCl4-induced liver damage models, supporting traditional use for liver-related conditions
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Rehman NU, Ansari MN, Ahmad W and others 2022. The Detailed Pharmacodynamics of the Gut Relaxant Effect and GC-MS Analysis of the Grewia tenax Fruit Extract: In Vivo and Ex Vivo Approach. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36558012 · doi:10.3390/molecules27248880
G. tenax fruit extract showed dose-mediated antidiarrheal effect by inhibiting castor-oil-evoked diarrhea; GC-MS analysis identified key bioactive constituents responsible for gut relaxant activity.
2 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
- Acute oral toxicity studies showed no adverse effects at 5000 mg/kg extract administration in animal models, indicating excellent oral safety profile
- Traditionally consumed as food (fruits eaten fresh, dried, or as flour) with long safety history across Africa and India
- No significant drug interactions documented; root extract used traditionally for fertility enhancement was found to be orally safe in preclinical evaluation
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath Ghana (solid extract)
Standard Dosage: 3-6g root powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily
Bioavailability: Grewia tenax / Grewia hirsuta (Gangeruki/Nagabalaa) root contains flavonoids, tannins, and mucilaginous polysaccharides. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). Mucilage components are not systemically absorbed but act as prebiotic in the colon and modulate GI absorption of other constituents. Traditional Kashayam preparation extracts both flavonoids and mucilage effectively. Limited modern pharmacokinetic data available. Enhancement: standard approaches for flavonoid-rich herbs (phospholipid complexation, piperine co-administration).
Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water for general tonic effect; Kashayam morning and evening
Standardized Extract: Aqueous or hydroalcoholic root extract characterized by HPTLC fingerprint. Total flavonoid content NLT 1.5% (as quercetin equivalent). Mucilage content NLT 5%. Extract ratio 5:1 to 8:1.
Shelf Life: 2 years (root powder); 2.5 years (tablet/capsule); 3 years (Kwath Ghana sealed)
Storage: Airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Mucilaginous root powder is hygroscopic - use moisture-barrier packaging.
Marker Compounds: Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol glycosides), Beta-sitosterol, Mucilage (polysaccharides), Tannins (total tannin content), Friedelin
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction of dried root (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 ethanol:water)
- Cold maceration for mucilage extraction
- Spray-dried aqueous extract
Synergistic Combinations
- With Bala (Sida cordifolia) for strength-building Rasayana
- With Ashwagandha for adaptogenic and tonic synergy
- With Gokshura for urinary and reproductive tonic combination
- With Shatavari for nutritive and rejuvenative formulation
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.
Laboratory and animal studies8
- 2026. Biofabrication of Gold Nanoparticles Using Grewia tenax Stem Bark Extract and Assessment of Their Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer PropertiesApplied biochemistry and biotechnology. PMID 42490011 · doi:10.1007/s12010-026-05849-w
- 2025. Nutraceutical Potential of Oilseeds and By-Products (Cakes) of Three Underutilized Malvaceae Trees Grown in SudanFood science & nutrition. PMID 40051604 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.70080
- 2022. The Detailed Pharmacodynamics of the Gut Relaxant Effect and GC-MS Analysis of the Grewia tenax Fruit Extract: In Vivo and Ex Vivo ApproachMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36558012 · doi:10.3390/molecules27248880
- 2022. Pollen morphology of selected melliferous plants and its taxonomic implications using microscopyMicroscopy research and technique. PMID 35247018 · doi:10.1002/jemt.24091
- 2017. Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of malaria in Soon Valley, Khushab, PakistanJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 28192202 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.02.005
- 2016. Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia with the natural hematinic CarbaodeimSudanese journal of paediatrics. PMID 27651552
- 2011. Ameliorative effect of Grewia tenax (Forssk) fiori fruit extract on CCl(4)-induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in ratsJournal of food science. PMID 22416728 · doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02381.x
- 2006. Study of the effect of aqueous extract of Grewia tenax fruit on iron absorption by everted gut sacJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 16169169 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.017
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