# Jivanti

> Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; listed in IUCN Red List as vulnerable species; documented in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; key ingredient in marketed formulations (Speman, Chyawanprash).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.
- **Family:** Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; listed in IUCN Red List as vulnerable species; documented in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; key ingredient in marketed formulations (Speman, Chyawanprash)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Jivanti |
| Latin/Botanical | *Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Gamma-sitosterol
- [Phytol](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytol)
- Alpha-amyrin
- Beta-amyrin
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin)
- Reticulin
- Deniculatin
- Leptaculatin
- Diosmetin
- [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin)

## How does it work?

- Reticulin and deniculatin modulate prolactin secretion through dopamine D2 receptor antagonism, enhancing lactogenesis - validated through in-silico molecular docking studies (2024)
- Beta-amyrin and alpha-amyrin [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK inflammatory signaling pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and providing anti-inflammatory effects
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) and diosmetin exhibit [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated cytoprotective effects through Nrf2 pathway activation and upregulation of HO-1, protecting tissues from oxidative damage

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) (Stanyajanana) activity validated through pharmacological studies and molecular docking confirming prolactin-modulating mechanism, supporting traditional Ayurvedic use for enhancing lactation
- [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenating/[adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/)) properties partially validated through [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and antioxidant studies supporting traditional classification as a life-giving (Jivanti) herb
- Anti-abortifacient activity validated through preclinical studies, supporting traditional use for prevention of threatened abortion and as a uterine tonic

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Kumari S, Saini R, Bhatnagar A and others 2024. [A comprehensive review on ayurvedic herb Leptadenia reticulata (Jeevanti): a phytochemistry and pharmacological perspective](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37990540/). *Natural product research*. PMID [37990540](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37990540/) · [doi:10.1080/14786419.2023.2282119](https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2282119)  
  Comprehensive review documenting diverse pharmacological activities including [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/), [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/), antioxidant, anti-abortifacient, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/), [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/), anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer properties.

*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 toxicity studies showed aqueous extract safely tolerated up to 3.125 g/kg in rats with no mortality or adverse effects over the observation period
- Leptaden (commercial formulation) described as non-hormonal and safe herbal drug, found safe for both mother and child with no toxic side effects
- Listed as endangered/vulnerable species in India due to over-harvesting; sustainable sourcing is a critical concern; further formal human clinical trials needed to establish safety parameters

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Swarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 500mg-1g extract; 50-100ml decoction; 10-20ml fresh juice

**Bioavailability:** Leptadenia reticulata contains [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) ([stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), beta-sitosterol), and pregnane [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) with moderate oral bioavailability. Beta-sitosterol has ~5% oral bioavailability limited by crystallinity and lipophilicity; micronization and lipid formulations improve absorption. Pregnane glycosides (leptadenol) are hydrolyzed by gut bacteria. Traditional Ghrita preparation (ghee base) enhances lipophilic compound absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** With warm milk for galactagogue effect (lactating mothers); before meals with water for general tonic use

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract standardized to 1% beta-sitosterol; aqueous extract per API monograph specifications

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (capsule/tablet); 1 year (Ghrita); 3 months (Swarasa, preserved)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture. Airtight containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Leptadenol, Reticulin, Alpha-amyrin, Hentriacontanol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Methanol extraction for pregnane glycoside fraction
- Traditional Ghrita (ghee) preparation for lipophilic compound extraction
- Fresh plant juice (Swarasa)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for galactagogue (lactation-promoting) action
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for Rasayana (rejuvenative) effect
- With [Bala](/herb/bala/) for strength and Vata management
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for soothing and nutritive action

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

## 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.