# Ingudi

> Ingudi (Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Zygophyllaceae family. Recognized in WHO/UNICEF vector control programs for molluscicidal properties against bilharzia snails.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile
- **Family:** Zygophyllaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Recognized in WHO/UNICEF vector control programs for molluscicidal properties against bilharzia snails. Listed in African and Indian traditional pharmacopeias. Listed in Ayurvedic texts as Ingudi. Used in AYUSH systems.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ingudi |
| Latin/Botanical | *Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin) (steroidal sapogenin)
- [Yamogenin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#yamogenin)
- Balanitin-6
- Balanitin-7
- Furostanol [saponins](/reference/saponins/) (24 types identified)
- Phenolic acids
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (14 identified)
- [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Polysterols
- Linoleic acid (seed oil, ~54% unsaturated)

## How does it work?

- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) activity via steroidal saponin (balanitin)-mediated induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in tumor cells
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) action through diosgenin-mediated enhancement of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell protection
- Molluscicidal activity through saponin-mediated disruption of snail cell membranes (bilharzia/schistosomiasis vector control)
- Anti-inflammatory effects via phenolic acid and flavonoid-mediated inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anthelmintic and antiparasitic use validated through molluscicidal and antischistosomal studies
- Wound healing validated through [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and tissue repair promotion studies
- [Laxative](/reference/laxative/) use confirmed through preclinical motility studies
- Skin disease treatment (leprosy, leukoderma) supported by antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory preclinical evidence

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Ibrahim OHM, Al-Qurashi AD, Asiry KA and others 2022. [Investigation of Potential In Vitro Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile Fruit Extract and Its Phytochemical Components](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235487/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [36235487](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36235487/) · [doi:10.3390/plants11192621](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192621)  
  Fruit extract demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against lung, liver and brain carcinoma cell lines with concurrent antimicrobial effects against clinical isolates.

*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

- Toxicological studies have confirmed safety for medicinal purposes at recommended doses; fruit mesocarp is traditionally consumed as food
- Saponin-rich kernel preparations should be used cautiously as high saponin concentrations may cause hemolysis; seed kernel detoxification processing required before consumption

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Diosgenin
- Yamogenin
- Saponins
- Flavonoids
- Coumarins
- Sitosterol
- Balanitin-6
- Balanitin-7
- Furostanol 
- Phenolic acids
- 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Taila (oil), Churna (seed powder), Lepa (external paste), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5g seed kernel powder; 5-10ml oil for external application; 1-3g purified seed powder internally

**Bioavailability:** Balanites aegyptiaca (desert date) contains saponins (diosgenin-type), fixed oils, and flavonoids. Diosgenin has moderate oral bioavailability (~15-20%); co-administration with lipids enhances absorption. Saponin [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) are hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to absorbable aglycones. Oil fraction is well absorbed.

**Optimal Timing:** External oil application morning and evening; internal use under physician guidance only, before meals

**Standardized Extract:** Cold-pressed seed oil; Shodhita (purified) seed extract with controlled saponin content

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (cold-pressed oil); 2 years (powder); 3 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Oil: cool place, away from light, in dark glass bottles. Powder: airtight container below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Diosgenin, Yamogenin, Balanitin, Beta-sitosterol, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing (seed oil)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) for saponin fraction
- Aqueous extraction for water-soluble components
- Shodhana processing with cow's milk before internal use

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila for joint pain (external)
- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for anti-inflammatory action
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for skin conditions

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

## 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.