# Mahanimba

> Mahanimba (Melia azedarach) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Ailanthone undergoes significant hepatic first-pass metabolism. Quassinoids are better absorbed in fasting state. Bitter compounds stimulate bile secretion which paradoxically enhances absorption of subsequent doses.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Melia azedarach

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Mahanimba |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (topical paste), Svarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder per day; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 500-1000 mg standardized extract daily; external application as directed

**Bioavailability:** Limonoids and quassinoids show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). Ailanthone undergoes significant hepatic first-pass metabolism. Quassinoids are better absorbed in fasting state. Bitter compounds stimulate bile secretion which paradoxically enhances absorption of subsequent doses. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) may reduce bioavailability of co-administered iron and [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins).

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for antiparasitic and appetite-stimulating effects; after meals for [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) action; topical application twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 1% quassinoids (as ailanthone equivalents) and maximum 0.1% meliatoxins (safety limit). Leaf extract standardized to minimum 3% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/).

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for bark powder; 30 months for tablets/capsules; 18 months for liquid preparations; 24 months for topical oil

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-resistant containers. Bark powder in moisture-proof containers. Topical oils in amber bottles at room temperature. Mark clearly as 'Not for unsupervised use' for internal formulations.

**Marker Compounds:** Ailanthone, Melianone, [Nimbolide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbolide), Meliatoxin (control for safety), [Vanillin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vanillin), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Scopoletin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#scopoletin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for bitter principles
- Soxhlet extraction with methanol
- Sequential extraction for quassinoid isolation
- Oil infusion for topical preparations

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/)/[Neem](/herb/neem/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and antidermatosis synergy)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory combination)
- [Khadira](/herb/khadira/) (blood purification and skin diseases)
- Kutaja (antidiarrheal and antiparasitic)
- [Patola](/herb/patola/) ([Pitta-balancing](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#pitta-balancing) skin formulation)

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- 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.