S.N.D college of pharmacy, Babhulgaon, Yeola, Nashik 423401
According to estimates, 8–12% of couples worldwide suffer from infertility, which varies by area. India's overall primary infertility prevalence, according to WHO estimates, ranges from 3.9% to 16.8%. Because Ayurveda is highly respected and trusted in this field, couples who are experiencing infertility turn to the traditional treatment that has been utilised for ages for assistance. Herbal medications are less expensive, more readily accessible, and have a low risk of adverse effects. Many infertility-helping medicines are also utilised in folk medicine, which is frequently overlooked. One such underappreciated folk remedy that effectively combats infertility is shivlingi beej. It is a uterine tonic that increases infertile women's chances of getting pregnant. This study attempts to analyse the scientific literature and provide a theoretical explanation of the involvement of Shivlingi seeds in infertility of either sex.
Infertility has been a global problem from the beginning of time and may continue to exist for as long as there are people on the planet. Every individual has a deep-seated, innate urge to carry on their own race. According to estimates, 8–12% of couples worldwide suffer from infertility, which varies by area. India's total primary infertility prevalence, according to WHO estimates, ranges from 3.9% to 16.8%. [7] Acharya said in the Ayurvedic Samhita that natural conception only occurs when Garbhasambhava Samagri is in a healthy and regular state. Vandhyatava (infertility) results from irregularities in any one of the Garbhasambhava Samagri, as these are the sole variables that induce Garbhasthapana [1]. As the primary cause of Garbhasthapana, we may be able to corelate the Beeja in Samagri as ovum or sperm in this case. [2] According to data, one in six people worldwide—that is, 8–12% of couples of reproductive age and 15-20 million individuals of reproductive age in India—experience infertility. [3] Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year or more of regular, unprotected sexual activity. [4] Shivlingi is a traditional medicine with a variety of natural actions. Bhavaprakasha explained Shivlingi beeja under Punsavana Vidhi dravya [5]. However, its scientific mode of action is thought to be anti-infertility, aphrodisiac, and in correction of the hormonal cascade of hormones. According to Tikakar Dalhana, there are three ways to employ Punsavana Vidhi dravya. They stated that we can take the medications to conceive as Garbha-prapti dravya before Garbha exists and to establish pregnancy as Garbhasthapaka dravya after conception. [6]
AIM AND OBJECTIVE
1. To examine and assess Shivlingi (Bryonia lacinosa) seeds' ability to prevent infertility.
2. To analyse Shivlingi's hypothetical behaviour in Vandhyatva in both males and females.
3. To examine how Shivlingi affects the beeja element of Vandhyatva in both men and women.
Basic Information
In Ayurvedic scriptures, the plant Bryonia laciniosa is classified under the Vrishya rasayana category. Known locally as Shivlingi, B. laciniosa Linn Syn Diplocyclos palmatus (Linn.) Jeffrey (Cucurbitaceae) is found all across India. Because of their shape and markings that resemble the "Shivling" emblem of Lord Shiva, a widely worshipped Hindu deity, the seeds of B. laciniosa are known as "Shivlingi." According to reports, the seeds can help to treat sterility [19] Additionally, it is a component in the ancient text's "Strirativallabhpugpak" Ayurvedic formulation, which is used as a general tonic and to enhance sexual activity. [20]
MORPHOLOGY
Shivlingi bee (seed) morphology is yellowish-brown, 5-6 mm long, and smooth and globose with a characteristic top surface that looks like a "Shivling" (a symbolic image of Shiva). The seed comes from the plant Bryonia laciniosa (also called Bryonopsis laciniosa), which has globose, pale blue-green fruits with vertical lines, 5-lobed membranous leaves, and a thin, grooved stem.
|
Botanical Name |
Bryonia Laciniosa |
|
Latin name |
Bryonopsis Laciniosa Naud.[8], Diplocyclos Palmatus |
|
Sanskrit synonymns |
Lingini, Bahupatra, Ishwari, Shaivamallika, Swayambhu, Lingasambhuta, Lingi, Chitraphala, Amruta, Pandoli, Lingaja, Devi, Chanda, Apstambhini, Shivaja, Shivvalli.[9,10] |
|
Common Name |
Shivlingi, Gargumaru |
|
Plant Family |
Cucurbitaceae – gourds or squashes. [8] |
|
Genus |
Bryonia |
|
Chemical constituent |
Main constituent: -
|
Ethnobotany
In addition to being utilised in many natural treatment techniques, the plants are significant in tribal life. In India, it is referred to as "Shivlingi" and "Gargumaru," a yearly climber with lovely red organic products that are reputed to have many medicinal properties. Its seeds are utilised to increase a woman's fertility in India. [21] In India, it is referred to as "Shivlingi" and "Gargumaru," an annual climber with a reputation for being highly therapeutic with a bright red fruit. Its seeds are used locally in India to encourage women to conceive. [22] Easily recognised by its bloom, natural products, and seeds, Shivlingi is a twinner. The plant can also be recognised by its unpleasant and just distinct aroma. [23]
Medicinal Properties [8][9] [10] [11] [12]
The following are some of Shivlingi Beej's therapeutic qualities.
• Aphrodisiac
• Spermatogenic
• Antioxidant
• Anodyne
• Anti-inflammatory
• Carminative
• Antimicrobial
• Antihyperlipidemic
• Anti-diabetic
• Antipyretic
• Uterine tonic
• Fertility enhancer
|
Rasa (Taste) |
Katu(pungent), tikta(bitter) |
|
Guna (Main quality) |
Laghu(light), ruksha(dry), tikshna(sharp) |
|
Virya (Potency) |
Ushna(hot) |
|
Vipaka (Resultant) |
Katu(pungent) |
|
Prabhava (Specific action) |
Uterine tonic |
|
Dosha Karma (Effect on Humors) |
Pacifies KaphaDosha increases Pitta Dosha |
|
Karma |
Rasayana, Sidhma, Kushthahara |
|
Organs effect |
Uterus, ovaries and testes |
|
Main indication |
Infertility |
Prabhava – Uterine tonic
Useful part – Leaves, Fruits, Seeds (Especially seeds)
Karma – Rasayana.[11]
Dosage [12]
Shivlingi Beeja Churna's general dose.
Adult: 1–3 grams.
Maximum Possible Dosage: 6 grams Per Day (in divided doses).
Doses: Twice a day with milk; warm water for weight loss.
Best Time to Take: 3 hours after meal.
Recommended Treatment Duration: Minimum 3 months (some patients may require treatment with Shivlingi for 6 months or more depending on the health condition).
Properties of Milk (cow milk)-
Shivlingi beej indications [24]
Probable Mode of Action of Shivlingi Beeja
Male Infertility
Acharya Sushruta described the characteristics of Shuddha Shukra and Dushta Shukra in Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta explained the 11 different kinds of anomalies (dushti) in Shukra (Beeja factor). He said that all of those sorts of Dushta Shukra will not be able to fertilise and will result in Vandhyatva, which indicates that the beeja factor is an important part of the conception process. [15] In addition to offering other health benefits, DHEA supplementation can aid in restoring hormone levels that have been depleted due to ageing. [16]
Female Infertility
The female body naturally produces the hormone DHEA, which is converted into androgens, namely testosterone. Male hormones, or androgens, are found in both sexes. They are necessary for the growth and production of healthy eggs in the female body. [17]
Thus, Shivlingi's androgenic action increases DHEA supplementation, which enhances responsiveness to gonadotropin-induced ovarian stimulation by raising the quantity and quality of eggs and oocytes as well as the number of embryos. Additionally, it increases the likelihood of conception and lowers the risk of miscarriages in women with DOR. [18]
CONCLUSION
Herbal therapy for sexual diseases and debilities, which consists of simple therapeutic procedures established over time via numerous trial-and-error approaches, continues to play a significant role in several tribal communities. [25] Various ethnobotanical herbs have been repeatedly used to treat infertility. Many of them have shown extraordinary effects on treating infertility of either sex. Shivlingi is effective on sperm and ovum factor i.e., beeja factor, which is important for Garbhasthapana; conception. In this review shavlingi beej have been use for many disorders and treatment shows result in other pharmacological activities also along with infertility but there is need to do clinical trials for prove its efficacy.
REFERENCE
Guruprasad Rajule*, Akansha Punekar, Shivling Beej In Reproductive Health: A Review on Ethnobotany and Pharmacological Perspective, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (10), 537-541. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17479948
10.5281/zenodo.17479948
