Nagabala
Grewia hirsuta Vahl / Sida veronicifolia Lam. (syn. Sida veronicaefolia)
Nagabala (Grewia hirsuta Vahl / Sida veronicifolia Lam. (syn. Sida veronicaefolia)) is a plant drug, 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.
| Botanical name | Grewia hirsuta Vahl / Sida veronicifolia Lam. (syn. Sida veronicaefolia) |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae (Grewia) / Malvaceae (Sida) · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malvales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; significant research gaps exist for both species; no WHO monograph; needs comprehensive pharmacological evaluation and standardization |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 4259716 · Wikidata Q17812911 · NCBI Taxonomy 1357588 |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 2015 to 2023, every one with a DOI.
- 2Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
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 (flavonol)
- Melilotic acid
- Beta-sitosterol
- Tannins
- Saponins
How does it work?
- Nervine tonic: Phenolic acids (vanillic, syringic) and flavonoids have been reported in studies to show antioxidant activity; blood-brain barrier penetration, neuroprotection and BDNF effects are not established
- Anti-inflammatory: Protocatechuic acid and kaempferol inhibit COX-2, iNOS, and NF-kB-mediated inflammatory gene expression
- Cardiotonic: preliminary studies have reported a positive inotropic effect and reduced myocardial oxidative stress; the constituents responsible are not established
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Nervine tonic (Medhya): traditionally used as a nervine tonic. Studies have reported antioxidant activity in brain tissue and neuroprotective properties of phenolic constituents.
- Aphrodisiac and rejuvenative (Vajikarana-Rasayana): used in classical practice as an aphrodisiac and rejuvenative.
- Cardiac tonic (Hridya): traditionally used as a cardiac tonic. Preliminary studies have reported a positive inotropic effect and cardioprotective antioxidant activity.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Long traditional use; no significant toxicity reported in the sources reviewed at Ayurvedic therapeutic doses; modern toxicological evaluation is limited
- 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 (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
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
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, Lupeol, Friedelin, Mucilage polysaccharides, Ephedrine (species-dependent, must be declared)
Synergistic Combinations
- Bala and Mahabala (graduated Bala triad - Bala < Nagabala < Mahabala)
- Ashwagandha (musculoskeletal and adaptogenic)
- Dashamula (anti-Vata polyherbal)
- Rasna (joint health combination)
- Eranda Taila (Vata-pacifying and joint care)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 2023. Insights into diversity and L-asparaginase activity of fungal endophytes associated with medicinal plant Grewia hirsutaBrazilian journal of microbiology : [publication of the Brazilian Society for Microbiology]. PMID 37480457 · doi:10.1007/s42770-023-01045-8
- 2015. Molecular docking studies of (4Z, 12Z)-cyclopentadeca-4, 12-dienone from Grewia hirsuta with some targets related to type 2 diabetesBMC complementary and alternative medicine. PMID 25885803 · doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0588-5
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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