Murva मूर्वा
Marsdenia tenacissima
Also known as: Marorphali (Murva)
Part used: Root, Fruit
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Marsdenia tenacissima
- Part used: Root, Fruit
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root or stem powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily.
Murva in other languages
Introduction
Murva (Marsdenia tenacissima) is a twining shrub of Indian forest whose fibrous stem was once used for bowstrings — the classical texts name it among the drugs of that lineage.
It is a bitter, cooling drug used in fever, thirst, diabetes and skin disease. Its botanical identity has been disputed for centuries and several unrelated climbers are traded under the name.
Classification
Family Apocynaceae. Root and stem are officinal. Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given in fever with burning, in Prameha, and in chronic skin disease and itching. Classical texts also list it in Raktapitta and in worm infestation. In this catalogue it appears in Mahayograj Guggulu and Mahamanjishthadi Kwath.
Murva in fever and thirst
Bitter and cooling, it is used in fevers with heat and thirst, and appears in the classical fever and blood-cleansing decoctions.
Murva in Prameha
Classical texts list it among the Pramehahara drugs, given in metabolic and urinary disorders within compound preparations.
Dosage — how much to take
Root or stem powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Usually within a compound.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Murva?
The citations held for Murva in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Murva).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Murva?
Murva listed among the bitter drugs; identity debated in later commentaries. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Murva?
Tikta-kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; jwaraghna and pramehahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Murva.
What is Murva traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in fever with burning, in Prameha, and in chronic skin disease and itching. Classical texts also list it in Raktapitta and in worm infestation. In this catalogue it appears in Mahayograj Guggulu and Mahamanjishthadi Kwath.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Murva?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Murva classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Murva carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Murva is used medicinally?
The part used is Root, Fruit.
How much Murva is taken, and how?
Root or stem powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. Usually within a compound. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Murva be avoided?
Well tolerated at classical doses. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Substitution is a real problem with this drug — several unrelated climbers, including Chonemorpha and Clematis species, are sold as Murva. Confirm the botanical name on the label.
Where does Murva grow?
A climber of deciduous forest and scrub in central and southern India and the sub-Himalayan tract.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Murva
Tikta-kashaya rasa, sheeta virya; jwaraghna and pramehahara. - Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4
Murva listed among the bitter drugs; identity debated in later commentaries.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated at classical doses. Consult a physician in pregnancy. Substitution is a real problem with this drug — several unrelated climbers, including Chonemorpha and Clematis species, are sold as Murva. Confirm the botanical name on the label.
Where it grows
A climber of deciduous forest and scrub in central and southern India and the sub-Himalayan tract.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Murva's identity disputed?
The classical description fits several fibrous climbers, and regional practice settled on different plants. Marsdenia tenacissima is the identity used in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and on this site.
Which part is used?
The root and stem. Trade material varies in quality, so botanical confirmation matters more than usual with this drug.
