# Jalavetasa

> Jalavetasa (Vallisneria spiralis L. (aquatic medicinal plant grouped under Jalaj Aushadhi)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Hydrocharitaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; very limited formal recognition in pharmacopeias; referenced under 'Jalaj Aushadhi' (water-born medicines) category in older Ayurvedic texts like Vrikshayurveda.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Vallisneria spiralis L. (aquatic medicinal plant grouped under Jalaj Aushadhi)
- **Family:** Hydrocharitaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; very limited formal recognition in pharmacopeias; referenced under 'Jalaj Aushadhi' (water-born medicines) category in older Ayurvedic texts like Vrikshayurveda

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Jalavetasa |
| Latin/Botanical | *Vallisneria spiralis L. (aquatic medicinal plant grouped under Jalaj Aushadhi)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and derivatives)
- Trace minerals
- Cellulose and hemicellulose
- [Chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll) pigments

## How does it work?

- Demulcent action through mucilaginous polysaccharide coating of inflamed mucosal surfaces in throat, gut, and urinary tract
- Mild [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) effect through flavonoid-mediated modulation of renal tubular function
- Anti-inflammatory mechanism via [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)-mediated inhibition of inflammatory mediators in local tissues

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Cooling and demulcent (Sheeta Virya) - supported by mucilaginous polysaccharide content providing soothing properties
- Mild diuretic (Mutrala) - partially supported by traditional reports from Kerala healers; limited scientific validation
- Skin soothing (Tvak Doshahara) - traditional topical use supported by anti-inflammatory flavonoid content

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*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

- Very limited pharmacological and toxicological data available; considered relatively safe based on traditional use as food and medicine in aquatic-rich regions
- May accumulate heavy metals from contaminated water bodies; sourcing from clean water environments is essential for safety

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Polysaccharides
- Flavonoids
- Quercetin
- Chlorophyll
- Mucilaginous 
- Trace minerals
- Cellulose and hemicellulose
- 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Salix caprea (goat willow) bark contains [salicin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#salicin) (a prodrug of salicylic acid) with well-characterized bioavailability. Salicin is hydrolyzed to saligenin in the GI tract and oxidized to salicylic acid in the liver with overall bioavailability of ~80% for the active salicylic acid metabolite. Slower onset but longer duration compared to synthetic aspirin.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water to reduce gastric irritation; for pain relief, as needed up to 3 times daily

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to 15-25% salicin (European standard for Salix preparations); aqueous extract per traditional Kashayam method

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (bark powder); 3 years (standardized extract tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture. Bark powder in airtight containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Salicin, Salicortin, Tremulacin, [Catechin](/reference/catechin/), Flavonoids

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (bark)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water) for salicin-enriched extract
- Dried aqueous extract (spray-dried)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for anti-inflammatory action
- With [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) for [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) synergy
- With [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) for rheumatic conditions

---

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

## 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.