# Jivaka

> Jivaka (Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze / Malaxis acuminata D. Don) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Orchidaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; classified as endangered/critically endangered in IUCN categories; conservation priority species in Himalayan biodiversity programs.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze / Malaxis acuminata D. Don
- **Family:** Orchidaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; classified as endangered/critically endangered in IUCN categories; conservation priority species in Himalayan biodiversity programs

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Jivaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze / Malaxis acuminata D. Don* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Bitter principles ([alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids))
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)
- [Glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- Phenolic compounds
- [Steroids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#steroids)
- [Terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids)
- [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) and [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)
- Minerals (calcium, [phosphorus](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phosphorus))

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory mechanism involving inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzyme pathways (COX-2, 5-LOX) and cytokine production, as demonstrated in recent metabolite profiling studies
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and photoprotective action through free radical scavenging and UV-damage protection, mediated by phenolic and flavonoid constituents
- Rejuvenating and [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) mechanism through modulation of stress response pathways and enhancement of cellular energy metabolism

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and photoprotective properties validated through in vitro enzyme inhibition assays, supporting traditional topical applications
- Rejuvenating ([Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)) role partially validated through antioxidant profiling showing potent free radical scavenging activity
- [Aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac) traditional use indirectly supported by adaptogenic properties demonstrated in related species of Ashtavarga

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bose B, Choudhury H, Tandon P and others 2017. [Studies on secondary metabolite profiling, anti-inflammatory potential, in vitro photoprotective and skin-aging related enzyme inhibitory activities of Malaxis acuminata, a threatened orchid of nutraceutical importance](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28743100/). *Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology*. PMID [28743100](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28743100/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.07.010](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.07.010)  
  Demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory potential and photoprotective activity with skin anti-aging enzyme inhibition properties of the metabolite profile.

*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

- Traditionally used safely as an Ashtavarga component in [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) and other classical formulations; no documented toxicity in Ayurvedic literature
- Critically endangered orchid species with severe habitat loss; most commercial products contain substitutes, making safety evaluation of actual Jivaka specimens difficult

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (tuber powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Avaleha (confection), [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) ingredient

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g tuber powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; as per [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) dosage

**Bioavailability:** Microstylis wallichii (syn. Malaxis acuminata) tuber is one of the Ashtavarga (eight rare Ayurvedic herbs). Contains mucilage, glucosides, and [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch). Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Mucilaginous polysaccharides act locally in GI tract with demulcent properties. Glucoside components likely have moderate oral absorption after enzymatic hydrolysis.

**Optimal Timing:** With warm milk or ghee as Rasayana (rejuvenative tonic); as part of Chyawanprash, 1-2 teaspoons daily

**Standardized Extract:** No standardized extract established due to rarity. Aqueous extract with HPTLC/DNA barcode authentication if authentic material obtained.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (dried tuber powder); 2 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture (mucilaginous material is hygroscopic). Airtight containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Glucosides (general profiling), Mucilage polysaccharides, DNA barcode authentication (ITS/matK regions) is primary identification method

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
- Traditional processing as part of Ashtavarga for Chyawanprash

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Rishabhaka](/herb/rishabhaka/) (paired with Jivaka in Ashtavarga)
- With Ashtavarga group herbs for comprehensive Rasayana (rejuvenation)
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for strength and vitality
- As ingredient in Chyawanprash formulation

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

## 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.