Enicostemma Littorale

Botanical

What is it

Enicostemma littorale, known as Mamejava in Ayurveda, is a small flowering herb used traditionally in India for diabetes, fever, and digestive complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Type 2 diabetes glucose control

Limited Evidence

Small open-label and animal studies suggest blood glucose-lowering effects, but well-controlled human trials are lacking.

How it works

The herb contains the bitter glycoside swertiamarin, the alkaloid enicoflavine, and various flavonoids. Animal studies report improvements in fasting glucose, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity, possibly through enhanced insulin secretion and reduced gluconeogenesis. Human evidence is limited to a small number of open-label and pilot studies in type 2 diabetes that suggest modest glucose-lowering effects. High-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking.

Dosage

Traditional doses use 1-3 g of whole herb powder daily. Concentrated extracts vary; the DSLD does not list a single standardized dose. No RDA or upper limit exists.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken before meals to support digestion and glucose response.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Whole herb powder

Whole dried herb ground into powder, used in churna or capsules.

Traditional Ayurvedic preparation

Standardized extract

Concentrated extract found in modern blends.

Variable swertiamarin content

Safety

Short-term use in traditional doses is generally well tolerated. Bitter taste may cause stomach upset. Concentrated extracts in animal studies appear safe, but human long-term safety has not been rigorously studied.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People on diabetes medications should monitor blood sugar carefully and consult a clinician.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with diabetes medications and insulin; monitor blood glucose closely if combined.

Frequently asked questions

Can it replace diabetes medication?⌄

No. Even if it has glucose-lowering activity, current evidence does not support replacing prescribed medication. Discuss any addition with a clinician.

Is Mamejava the same plant?⌄

Yes, Mamejava is the common name for Enicostemma littorale in Ayurveda.

References

Enicostemma Littorale on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Enicostemma Littorale (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.