# Nagabala

> Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta Vahl / Sida veronicifolia Lam. (syn. Sida veronicaefolia)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Malvaceae (Grewia) / Malvaceae (Sida) family. Referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; significant research gaps exist for both species; no WHO monograph; needs comprehensive pharmacological evaluation and standardization.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Grewia hirsuta Vahl / Sida veronicifolia Lam. (syn. Sida veronicaefolia)
- **Family:** Malvaceae (Grewia) / Malvaceae (Sida)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; significant research gaps exist for both species; no WHO monograph; needs comprehensive pharmacological evaluation and standardization

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Nagabala |
| Latin/Botanical | *Grewia hirsuta Vahl / Sida veronicifolia Lam. (syn. Sida veronicaefolia)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Vanillic acid (phenolic acid)
- Syringic acid
- Protocatechuic acid
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) (flavonol)
- Melilotic acid
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/)

## How does it work?

- Nervine tonic: Phenolic acids (vanillic, syringic) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) cross the blood-brain barrier and provide neuroprotection through [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity and BDNF upregulation
- Anti-inflammatory: Protocatechuic acid and kaempferol inhibit COX-2, iNOS, and NF-kB-mediated inflammatory gene expression
- Cardiotonic: Beta-sitosterol and flavonoids improve cardiac function through positive inotropic effect and reduction of myocardial oxidative stress

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Nervine tonic (Medhya) use partially supported by antioxidant activity in brain tissue and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) properties of phenolic constituents
- [Aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac) and rejuvenative ([Vajikarana](/glossary/pharmacology/#vajikarana)-[Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)) use based on traditional clinical evidence; awaits modern clinical validation
- Cardiac tonic (Hridya) use supported by preliminary evidence of positive inotropic effect and [cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/) antioxidant activity

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 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

- Long history of traditional use with good safety record; no significant toxicity reported at Ayurvedic therapeutic doses; limited modern toxicological evaluation
- Dual identity (Grewia hirsuta vs. Sida veronicifolia) used as Nagabala creates potential for botanical confusion; ensure correct identification for safe use

## Dosage forms and preparation

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

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

**Bioavailability:** Ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone) show limited but consistent oral bioavailability (~10-15%). [Ephedrine](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ephedrine)-type alkaloids (if present in the species) have high oral bioavailability (~85-95%). Mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) provide local GI effects. Oil-based preparations (Taila, Ghrita) enhance absorption of lipophilic [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) and steroids by 2-3 fold.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning for tonic and strength-building effects; with warm milk for Rasayana; Taila massage in evening before bed for Vata pacification; Ghrita with meals

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 0.3% [ecdysterone](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ecdysterone). [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage)-free dry extract for capsule filling. Nagabala Taila prepared per classical Sneha Paka method. Ghrita meeting classical endpoint criteria.

**Shelf Life:** Root powder: 24 months. Capsules/tablets: 24 months. Taila: 36 months. Ghrita: 24 months. Avaleha: 24 months.

**Storage:** Root powder below 25 deg C in airtight containers with desiccant (hygroscopic due to mucilage). Taila in amber glass at room temperature. Ghrita in clean glass containers. Protect all forms from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** 20-Hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone), Beta-sitosterol, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin), Mucilage polysaccharides, Ephedrine (species-dependent, must be declared)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Taila Paka method for oil preparations
- Ghrita Paka for medicated ghee
- Cold maceration for mucilage extraction
- Alkaloid-selective acid-water extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Bala](/herb/bala/) and [Mahabala](/herb/mahabala/) (graduated Bala triad - Bala < Nagabala < Mahabala)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (musculoskeletal and [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/))
- Dashamula (anti-Vata polyherbal)
- [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) (joint health combination)
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila (Vata-pacifying and joint care)

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

## 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.