Common Names: Striped cucumber, Bryonia Laciniosa, Diplocyclos Palmatus, Byrony Root, Native bryony
Scientific Names: Bryonopsis laciniosa
Bryonia laciniosa, commonly known as Shivlingi, is a plant highly regarded in Ayurveda and folk medicine for its wide range of medicinal uses. The seeds of this plant, resembling the 'Shivling' icon of Lord Shiva, are notably used in Ayurvedic formulations for treating various ailments including cholera, bronchitis, constipation, diabetes, inflammation, and snake bites. They are also famed for their aphrodisiac properties. In homeopathy, Shivlingi is utilized for its anti-inflammatory effects. The plant possesses significant therapeutic potential, exhibiting a spectrum of pharmacological activities like analgesic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, androgenic, antitumor, fertility-enhancing, and antipyretic properties.
Recent scientific studies have further bolstered Shivlingi's traditional use, especially in enhancing fertility. Research involving zebrafish models demonstrated the fertility-boosting potential of Shivlingi seed oil (SLSO), showing improvements in both male and female reproductive health. This oil, rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, along with β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, led to enhanced fertility and fecundity, improved ovarian anatomy, and increased sperm count and motility. Its efficacy was comparable to Letrozole, a conventional infertility drug, without exhibiting any toxicity. Additionally, ethanolic extracts of Shivlingi seeds have shown androgenic activity and positive effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in male albino rats, further underscoring its role in sexual health and fertility. Despite its promising medicinal properties, Shivlingi requires further scientific exploration and is considered an endangered species due to overexploitation.