Ingudi

Names and identification

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

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Diosgenin (steroidal sapogenin)
• Yamogenin
• Balanitin-6
• Balanitin-7
• Furostanol saponins (24 types identified)
• Phenolic acids
• Flavonoids (14 identified)
• Coumarins
• Beta-sitosterol
• Polysterols
• Linoleic acid (seed oil, ~54% unsaturated)

How does it work?

• Anticancer activity via steroidal saponin (balanitin)-mediated induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in tumor cells
• 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?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Traditionally used as an anthelmintic and antiparasitic. Studies have reported molluscicidal and antischistosomal activity.
• Traditionally used on wounds. Studies have reported antimicrobial activity and promotion of tissue repair.
• Laxative: traditionally used as a laxative. Preclinical studies have reported effects on motility.
• Traditionally used for skin diseases, including leprosy and leukoderma. Preclinical studies have reported antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

What do recent studies 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. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36235487 · doi:10.3390/plants11192621
  Fruit extract demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against lung, liver and brain carcinoma cell lines with concurrent antimicrobial effects against clinical isolates.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• 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 saponins
• Phenolic acids

Dosage forms and preparation

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

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

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

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

Synergistic Combinations

• Traditionally combined with Eranda Taila in external applications for joints
• Traditionally combined with Guggulu in inflammatory conditions
• Traditionally combined with Nimba in skin conditions