Mamsarohini: Benefits, Evidence & Safety

TL;DR

Mamsarohini is the Ayurvedic name for Soymida febrifuga (Indian redwood), a tree whose bark is traditionally used for bleeding disorders, wounds, and fever. Modern research is limited to lab and animal studies: leaf extracts showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in vitro (PMID 18389470), and bark extract reduced paw swelling in mice. (51 words. Sources: Reddy et al. 2008; IJRIAS 2026.)

What it is

Mamsarohini is botanically identified as Soymida febrifuga A. Juss (syn. Swietenia febrifuga), family Meliaceae: a large deciduous tree of peninsular India known in English as Indian redwood (EasyAyurveda). The stem bark is the principal medicinal part, with the heartwood also used (LiveAyurved). One caveat: a critical review in the International Ayurvedic Medical Journal notes that the exact identification of "Rohini" in the classics is difficult because classical descriptions are sparse: Soymida febrifuga is the widely accepted modern identification, but the classical mapping has been debated (IAMJ critical review).

Traditional use

Classical categorization places Mamsarohini in Charaka's Balya group (strength-promoting) and Sushruta's Nyagrodhadi gana (EasyAyurveda). Its Ayurvedic pharmacology is described as katu–kashaya–madhura rasa (pungent, astringent, sweet), laghu–ruksha guna, sheeta virya (cooling), with a tridosha-balancing action and a special (prabhava) reputation as vrushya, or vigor-promoting (EasyAyurveda). Traditional indications include raktapitta (bleeding disorders), vrana (wounds, as a decoction wash), jwara (chronic fever), and atisara (diarrhea/dysentery) (LiveAyurved). The name itself derives from "mamsam rohayati": "that which heals muscle tissue" (SV Ayurveda newsletter). All of these are traditional uses, not proven clinical effects.

What modern research says

No human clinical trials of Mamsarohini were found (literature review). The modern evidence is preclinical. A 2008 study in Phytotherapy Research tested hexane, methanol, and aqueous leaf extracts of Soymida febrifuga in vitro: the methanol and aqueous extracts showed DPPH free-radical scavenging (antioxidant) activity correlated with total phenolic content, and antimicrobial activity against six bacterial and five fungal strains by agar diffusion, with the lowest MIC values against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida species (lab study, PMID 18389470). A 2026 pharmacological evaluation of bark extracts reported antibacterial zones of inhibition up to 29 mm (against Proteus vulgaris) and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan paw-edema model in BALB/c mice: 400 mg/kg gave 47.98% edema inhibition at 5 hours versus 69.31% for indomethacin (animal study) (IJRIAS 2026). A separate 2026 pharmacognostical study standardized the stem bark's physicochemical and elemental profile for quality control (Pharmacognosy Research). These findings are consistent with traditional wound and inflammation uses, but they do not prove efficacy in people.

Safety & contraindications

Safety data is limited: no human safety trials of Mamsarohini were found, so "no known adverse effects" claims should be treated with caution. Ethnobotanical references note the bark contains potent limonoids, advise against use in pregnancy, and recommend it only under qualified practitioner guidance, with excess intake linked to mild gastrointestinal upset (PlantaeDB). Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and children unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises it, and do not combine with other medicines without professional guidance.

FAQs

What is Mamsarohini?

Mamsarohini is the Ayurvedic name for Soymida febrifuga, a Meliaceae tree of peninsular India called Indian redwood in English. Its stem bark is the main part used in traditional practice, and it is classified in classical texts among strength-promoting (Balya) herbs.

What is Mamsarohini traditionally used for?

Traditional indications include bleeding disorders (raktapitta), wound care as a decoction wash, chronic fever, and diarrhea. Its Ayurvedic profile lists a cooling potency, astringent-bitter taste, and a reputation for promoting vigor. These are classical uses, not clinically proven effects.

Is there any human research on Mamsarohini?

No. A literature review found no human clinical trials. All modern evidence comes from laboratory assays and animal models, so any health benefit in people remains unproven and traditional claims should not be read as medical facts.

What did the antioxidant and antimicrobial study find?

A 2008 Phytotherapy Research lab study (PMID 18389470) found that methanol and aqueous leaf extracts scavenged free radicals and inhibited several bacteria and fungi in agar-diffusion tests, with activity tracking total phenolic content. This is in-vitro evidence only, not proof of benefit in humans.

What did the mouse inflammation study find?

A 2026 bark-extract study in mice found dose-dependent reduction of carrageenan-induced paw swelling, with the highest dose (400 mg/kg) inhibiting edema by about 48% at five hours, compared with about 69% for indomethacin. Animal results do not guarantee the same effect in people.

Is Mamsarohini safe in pregnancy?

Safety data is limited and there are no human safety trials. Ethnobotanical sources advise against use in pregnancy and recommend practitioner supervision only. Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children should avoid it unless a qualified practitioner specifically advises otherwise.

How is it traditionally prepared?

Traditional practice uses the stem bark as a powder or decoction: for example, bark powder with warm water for chronic fever, or a decoction as a wound wash. No pharmacopoeial dose is verified in this article, so preparation and amount should be set by a qualified practitioner.

Where does the name Mamsarohini come from?

The name derives from the Sanskrit phrase "mamsam rohayati," meaning "that which heals muscle tissue" (mamsa dhatu). This is a traditional etymological explanation from Ayurvedic teaching, not a scientific claim about muscle regeneration.

Sources

Tier 1 — peer-reviewed: Reddy et al. 2008, Phytother Res — antioxidant and antimicrobial leaf-extract study, PMID 18389470; IJRIAS 2026 — standardization and pharmacological evaluation of bark extracts (antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory); Pharmacognosy Research 2026 — pharmacognostical and physicochemical analysis of stem bark. Tier 3 — classical aggregators (labeled as such): EasyAyurveda — Mamsarohini botanical identity, classical categorization, rasa-panchaka; LiveAyurved — therapeutic indications and dose as listed; IAMJ critical review on Mamsarohini — classical identification debate; SV Ayurveda newsletter — etymology "mamsam rohayati"; PlantaeDB — Soymida febrifuga taxon profile.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner before using any Ayurvedic formulation.