# Murva

> Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Asclepiadaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Tong-Guan-Teng; recognized in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon
- **Family:** Asclepiadaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Tong-Guan-Teng; recognized in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine systems

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Murva |
| Latin/Botanical | *Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- C21 steroidal [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (tenacissoside A-P, marsdenoside A-M)
- Tenacigenoside A-L
- Tenacigenin A-D
- Eudesmane [sesquiterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sesquiterpenoids)
- Nor-sesquiterpenoids
- Pyrrole glycosides
- Phenolic glycosides
- Gallic acid
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

## How does it work?

- C21 steroidal glycosides induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and YAP pathway inhibition
- Anti-angiogenic activity through inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation by blocking G1 to S cell cycle progression
- Multidrug resistance reversal in cancer cells through modulation of P-glycoprotein efflux pump activity
- Immunomodulation via TLR4-MyD88-NF-kB pathway activation by polysaccharide fractions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-tumor and anti-cancer activity validated through extensive in vitro and in vivo studies showing inhibition of multiple cancer cell lines (A549, HepG2, Caco-2, K562)
- Anti-HIV activity confirmed through laboratory studies demonstrating inhibition of viral replication
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) properties validated through polysaccharide-mediated activation of immune signaling pathways

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Du TT, Fan MH, Liu JL and others 2024. [Three New Steroids from the Roots of Marsdenia tenacissima](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39211952/). *Chemistry & biodiversity*. PMID [39211952](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39211952/) · [doi:10.1002/cbdv.202401801](https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202401801)  
  Isolated two formerly undescribed eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and six known nor-sesquiterpenoids, along with an unreported pyrrole glycoside and two phenolic glycosides from the roots.
- Li C, Wang K, Wang C and others 2024. [A glucose-rich heteropolysaccharide from Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Wight et Arn. and its zinc-modified complex enhance immunoregulation by regulating TLR4-Myd88-NF-κB pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39537046/). *International journal of biological macromolecules*. PMID [39537046](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39537046/) · [doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137529](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.137529)  
  Demonstrated that a glucose-rich heteropolysaccharide and its zinc-modified complex enhance immunoregulation by activating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-kB signaling pathway.
- Li R, Li L, Li R and others 2025. [Biomarker Discovery and Molecular Docking Reveal Marsdenia tenacissima Fermentation Product's Anti-Lung Cancer Components](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40699827/). *Current issues in molecular biology*. PMID [40699827](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40699827/) · [doi:10.3390/cimb47060427](https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47060427)  
  Identified key anti-lung cancer bioactive components from fermentation products of M. tenacissima through biomarker discovery and molecular docking approaches.

## Recent safety updates

- Xiao-Ai-Ping injection (M. tenacissima-based) has been authorized in China for decades with no significant side effects reported in clinical settings when used alone or combined with chemotherapy/radiotherapy
- Preliminary clinical studies suggest wide-ranging anti-cancer properties with minimal toxicity; however, standardization and quality control of C21 steroid content remain essential for safety

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Glycosides
- Sesquiterpenoids
- Quercetin
- Sitosterol
- Tenacigenoside A-L
- Tenacigenin A-D
- Eudesmane 
- Nor-sesquiterpenoids
- Pyrrole glycosides
- Phenolic glycosides
- Gallic acid
- 
- Beta-

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root/fiber powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Lepa (topical paste), Taila (medicated oil)

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

**Bioavailability:** Moderate bioavailability of [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/). Periplocin (cardiac glycoside) shows variable oral absorption (20-40%) with significant individual variation. [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/) and other [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) are better absorbed with lipid co-administration. Fiber components act locally in GI tract.

**Optimal Timing:** Between meals for anti-inflammatory and [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) effects; morning for digestive stimulation; topical application twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 1% total alkaloids and controlled cardiac glycoside content (below 0.5% periplocin for safety). Fiber preparation for wound management applications. Aqueous extract for mild diuretic formulations.

**Shelf Life:** Dried root: 24 months. Root powder: 18 months. Capsules/tablets: 24 months. Fiber preparations: 36 months (dry). Topical oil: 24 months.

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Protect from moisture and light. Fiber preparations in dry conditions. Cardiac glycoside-containing preparations require restricted access storage.

**Marker Compounds:** Periplocin, Periplocymarin, Lupeol, Beta-amyrin, Marsdekoiside, Conduritol, Tenacigenin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Fiber extraction for cordage/suture applications
- Oil infusion for topical preparations

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory)
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) (blood purification and cooling)
- Musta (digestive and anti-inflammatory)
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (diuretic and anti-inflammatory)
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (renal protective combination)

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

## 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.