# Meda

> Meda (Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. / Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Liliaceae (Asparagaceae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs; classified as endangered/critically endangered in IUCN Red List categories across its Himalayan range; included in Indian medicinal plant conservation priority lists.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. / Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle
- **Family:** Liliaceae (Asparagaceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; classified as endangered/critically endangered in IUCN Red List categories across its Himalayan range; included in Indian medicinal plant conservation priority lists

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Meda |
| Latin/Botanical | *Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. / Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Steroidal [saponins](/reference/saponins/) (including [diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin))
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Phenols and [tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- [Anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones)
- [Terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids)
- Lysine and serine (amino acids)
- Aspartic acid
- Phytohormones

## How does it work?

- Hypoglycemic activity through enhancement of insulin secretion and improvement of [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) uptake by peripheral tissues, mediated by saponin fraction
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) mechanisms involving inhibition of lipoxygenase pathway and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators
- Bronchodilatory action through tracheorelaxant effect on bronchial smooth muscle, with [antispasmodic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antispasmodic) properties mediated by calcium channel modulation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Antimalarial and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) properties validated through in vivo studies using Plasmodium models and fever-inducing paradigms
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) activity confirmed through experimental models, supporting traditional use in urinary disorders and as a body purifier
- Antibacterial and antifungal activity validated against multiple pathogenic organisms, confirming traditional use in infection management

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Suyal R, Jugran AK, Rawal RS and others 2021. [Morphological, phytochemical and genetic diversity of threatened Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. populations of different altitudes and habitat types in Himalayan region](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34539117/). *Physiology and molecular biology of plants : an international journal of functional plant biology*. PMID [34539117](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34539117/) · [doi:10.1007/s12298-021-01044-9](https://doi.org/10.1007/s12298-021-01044-9)  
  Documented significant phytochemical variation across altitudinal populations, with higher altitude specimens showing elevated saponin and phenolic content, providing insights for conservation and standardization.

*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

- Traditional Ayurvedic usage suggests a favorable safety profile when consumed as part of Ashtavarga formulations at recommended doses; no documented adverse effects in classical literature
- Critically endangered status means most commercial products may contain adulterants or substitutes; authentication and quality control are essential safety considerations

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Avaleha (confection), Lehya

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g tuber powder per day; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 500-1000 mg extract capsules daily

**Bioavailability:** Steroidal saponins show moderate oral bioavailability (15-25%). Sapogenins released by intestinal hydrolysis are better absorbed than glycosylated forms. Mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) are not absorbed but provide prebiotic and gut-protective effects. Ghrita-based preparations enhance sapogenin bioavailability by 40-60%.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals or with milk for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) and nutritive effects; morning for tonic action; with Ghrita for reproductive health

**Standardized Extract:** Tuber extract (8:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 5% total steroidal saponins (as diosgenin equivalents). [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage)-rich aqueous extract for GI applications. Ghrita preparation per classical Ashtavarga Ghrita formula.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh tubers: 7-10 days refrigerated. Dried powder: 18 months. Extract capsules: 24 months. Ghrita: 24 months.

**Storage:** Fresh tubers at 5-10 deg C. Dried material below 25 deg C in airtight containers with desiccant due to hygroscopic mucilage. Ghrita in glass containers at room temperature. Protect from light and excessive heat.

**Marker Compounds:** Diosgenin, Polygonatum saponins, Convallarin, Convallamarin, Polysaccharides (fructans), Beta-sitosterol, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Ghrita Paka method for classical preparation
- Ethanol extraction for saponin enrichment
- Cold maceration for mucilage

### Synergistic Combinations

- Mahameda (complementary Ashtavarga pair)
- [Riddhi](/herb/riddhi/)-[Vriddhi](/herb/vriddhi/) (Ashtavarga group combination)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (Rasayana and reproductive tonic)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and nutritive)
- [Vidari](/herb/vidari/) (nutritive and [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue))

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

## 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.