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Shivlingi

Shivlingi is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for fertility, sexual health, and 'masculinity.' Part of the Vrishya rasayana (aphrodisiac/rejuvenation) category in Ayurveda. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is extremely limited and mostly preclinical. Some animal studies suggest testosterone and fertility effects, but no human clinical trials. Used traditionally in combination formulas. Not widely available or researched outside traditional Ayurvedic practice.

Quick Answer

What it is

Shivlingi is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for fertility, sexual health, and 'masculinity.' Part of the Vrishya rasayana (aphrodisiac/rejuvenation) category in Ayurveda. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - research is extremely limited and mostly preclinical.

Key findings

  • Grade D: Sperm Parameters and Male Fertility
  • Grade D: Antioxidant Status
  • Grade D: Testosterone

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Shivlingi

Quick Facts: Shivlingi

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:6
  • Key Effect:Antioxidant Status
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D6
1 conditions · 6 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

D
Sperm Parameters and Male Fertility
Multiple animal studies show Bryonia laciniosa seed extract increases sperm count, motility, and spermatogenesis in rats and zebrafish. A zebrafish infertility model showed dose-dependent restoration of fertility and fecundity. In vitro studies on bull spermatozoa also showed beneficial effects on sperm parameters.
moderate↑Improves
D
Testosterone
In rodent models, ethanolic extract of Bryonia laciniosa seeds (50-150 mg/kg for 28 days) significantly increased serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels in healthy male rats, diabetic male rats, and cadmium-exposed rats. No human trials exist.
moderate↑Improves
D
Liver Protection
Luffa echinata fruit extracts showed hepatoprotective activity comparable to silymarin against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. A separate study found Bryonia laciniosa phytosome suspension protected against alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis in rats, restoring hepatic histoarchitecture and antioxidant defenses.
small↑Improves
D
Sexual Behavior (Male)
In male albino rats, Bryonia laciniosa seed extract (50-150 mg/kg/day for 28 days) significantly increased mount frequency and intromission frequency while reducing mount and intromission latencies, indicating enhanced sexual behavior and libido.
moderate↑Improves
D
Blood Glucose
In neonatally streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, ethanol extract of B. laciniosa seeds (250-500 mg/kg) and its saponin fraction (100-200 mg/kg) administered for 10 weeks significantly decreased blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels.
moderate↓Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
In vitro and animal studies across all three Shivlingi-related species show antioxidant activity. Diplocyclos palmatus fruits demonstrated scavenging activity against hydroxyl, nitric oxide, and DPPH radicals. Bryonia laciniosa reduced MDA levels and enhanced catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in cadmium-exposed rats.
small↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

DAntioxidant Status
1
↑Antioxidant StatusImproves

Research Citations (8)

Ameliorative effect of Bryonia laciniosa L. on the reproductive functions of diabetic male rats: combined in vivo and molecular dynamics study
(2025)
PMID: 40840731
Super-critical fluid extract of Bryonopsis laciniosa (Shivlingi) seeds restores fertility in zebrafish models through revival of cytological and anatomical features
(2022)
PMID: 35477469
Phyto-constituents profiling of Luffa echinata and in vitro assessment of antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anticancer and anti-acetylcholine esterase activities
(2021)
PMID: 34220238
Efficient extraction of cucurbitacins from Diplocyclos palmatus: Optimization using response surface methodology, extraction methods and study of some important bioactivities
(2020)
PMID: 32034276
Anti-diabetic effects of ethanol extract of Bryonia laciniosa seeds and its saponins rich fraction in neonatally streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
(2014)
PMID: 25598641
Anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Bryonia laciniosa seed extract and its saponin fraction in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats
(2012)
PMID: 23112536
Effects of Bryonia laciniosa seeds on sexual behaviour of male rats
(2010)
PMID: 20032987
Hepatoprotective activity of Luffa echinata fruits
(2001)
PMID: 11390135

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