Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 8 August
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

A Review on Apakwa Bilva Phala (Unripe Bael Fruit): The Magical Medicinal Fruit of Ayurveda

Trishul Dev TA1*, Shivakumar2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.8.6

1* Trishul Dev TA, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthavritta and Yoga, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

2 Shivakumar, Professor, Dept of Swasthavritta and Yoga, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

Aegle marmelos Corr. also known as Bilva, is a significant plant in the medical field, belonging to the Rutaceae family and known for its medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. Every part of the plant, including the fruit, leaves, bark, stem, and roots, is utilized to address various health issues.[1] But in which the fruit is the most valuable part. Ancient texts describe the different medicinal properties of both the unripe (Apakwa) and ripe (Pakwa) Bilva fruit. The unripe Bilva fruit is specifically used for medicinal purposes.[2] Apakwa Bilva Phala, the unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos Corr. holds significant importance in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestive effects. Modern scientific studies are increasingly validating its traditional uses, highlighting its effectiveness in addressing gastrointestinal issues, boosting immune function, and aiding in detoxification, thereby bridging the gap between ancient Ayurvedic knowledge and contemporary medical practices. The unripe Bael fruit is valued for its detoxifying properties, enhancing liver function, and promoting overall health by helping to balance the body's systems. Its high nutritional value and therapeutic qualities make it a crucial component of traditional natural medicine, and it also helps in managing digestive disturbances, such as diarrhoea and dysentery. Support overall well-being by harmonizing bodily functions. The present is a review on Apakwa Bilva Phala (Unripe Bael Fruit): The Magical Medicinal Fruit of Ayurveda.

Keywords: Apakwa Bilva Phala, Unripe Bael Fruit, Aegle marmelos Corr., Gastrointestinal issues, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Trishul Dev TA, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Swasthavritta and Yoga, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
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Trishul Dev TA, Shivakumar, A Review on Apakwa Bilva Phala (Unripe Bael Fruit): The Magical Medicinal Fruit of Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(8):30-35.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4378/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-06-19 2025-06-27 2025-07-07 2025-07-17 2025-07-27
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© 2025 by Trishul Dev TA, Shivakumar and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionMaterials and MethodsReview of LiteratureDiscussionConclusionReferences

Introduction

Bilva (Aegle marmelos Corr.), medium-sized tree from Rutaceae family, thrives in tropical & subtropical regions & is native to Indian subcont-inent. This tree is widely recognized by various names, including Stone Apple, Wood Apple, Bengal Quince & Japanese Bitter Orange. Known for its distinct aromatic fruit, Bilva holds significant cultural & medicinal value, especially in India, where it is used in traditional practices, including religious rituals.[2] It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as diarrhoea, dysentery, peptic ulcers & respiratory infections. The key medicinal properties of Bael include being antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, cardiopro-tective, anti-spermatogenic, anticancer, and radiop-rotective.[3] Bilva is often referred to as “Shiva Druma” as its fruits and leaves are not only seen as offerings to Lord Shiva but also as a symbol of continuous blessings and rewards. Bilva fruit is regarded as Sadaphala because it bears fruit throughout the year, symbolizing constant and uninterrupted benefits. It is also called Karkata, due to its tough rind, which protects the pulp inside. This hard outer shell not only gives the fruit durability but also allows it to be stored for extended periods. Additionally, the rind holds various medicinal properties, further enhancing the fruit's value. It is also known as Mahaphala - as fruits are large in size and Gandhagarbha - as the fruit pulp is aromatic. The Unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos Corr. Is in high demand in the food industry because of its nutritional and medicinal benefits. In India, the fruit pulp is used to prepare Murabba, Syrup, Jam, and Toffee. The sweet pulp is also utilized in making 'Sharabat' for a refreshing drink. Even fully grown but unripe fruits are processed into jam.[4]

The unripe or half ripe fruit is stomachic, anti-scorbutic, and digestive and it is perhaps, the most effective food remedy for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery.[5]

Materials and Methods

About Apakwa Bilva Phala material was gathered from a variety of publications, Ayurvedic Text Books, Authoritative Websites, Authoritative Literatures, Sanskrit Dictionary, and other sources.

Review of Literature

Bilwa

Aegle marmelos Corr.

Aegle - Goat-one of the Hesperides daughters of the evening golden apple

Marmelos - is a Portuguese word meaning acid pear-shaped fruit.[6]

Fruit - It can have a round, oval, pear-like, or oblong shape, with a diameter ranging from 5 to 20 cm. The fruit contains sweet pulp and is a berry with a hard, woody rind. When unripe, the woody shell is grey-green, but it turns yellowish when fully ripe. Wild tree fruits are smaller than those of cultivated varieties. The fruit shell has aromatic tiny oil glands that appear as dots. Despite this, the fruits have a high moisture content, close to 60%.[4]

Apakwa Bilva Phala

Synonym of Bala Bilwa (Apakwa Bilva) - Acc to Bp.Ni.[7]

  • Bala Bilva Peshika
  • Bala Bilva Phala
  • Bilva Karkati

Apakwa Bilva Phala References in Various Samhitha’s and Nighantu’s

ReferencesRasaGunaVeeryaVipakaKarmaEffect on Doshas
Charaka Samhitha[8]Snigdha TeekshnaUshnaDeepanaVata-Kapha hara
Sushrutha Samhitha[9]Katu Tikta KashayaTikshna SnigdhaUshnaGrahi DeepanaVata-Kapha hara
Ashtanga Hrudaya[10]Deepana GrahiVata-Kapha hara
Ashtanga Sangraha[11]Tikshna Snigdha LaghuUshnaGrahi DeepanaVata-Kapha hara-Pittala
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu[12]Katu Tikta KashayaLaghu SnigdhaUshnaGrahi Deepana -PachanaVata-Kapha hara
Dhanwantari Nighantu[13]Katu Tikta KashayaTikshna SnigdhaGrahi DeepanaVata-Kapha hara
Raja Nighantu[14]Snigdha GuruSangrahi Deepana
Madanaphala Nighantu[15]Kashaya TiktaLaghuUshnaKatuGrahi Deepana PachanaVata-Kapha hara
Kayyadeva Nighantu[16]Katu Tikta KashayaLaghu, Snigdha TikshnaUshnaGrahi Deepana Pachana HridyaVata-Kapha hara

Snigdha (Unctuous), Ushna (Hot), Teekshna (Piercing), Deepana (promoting digestion / to increase appetite), Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Grahi (absorb liquid from stool), Laghu (light for digestion), Pachana (The process of digestive / metabolic transformation occurring mainly because of the action of Agni, Guru (Heavy for digestion), Hridya (promoting cheerfulness or relish), Vata-Kaphahara (Pacifies Vata and Kapha).

Pakwa Bilva Phala References in Various Samhitha’s and Nighantu’s

ReferencesRasaGunaVeeryaVipakaKarmaEffect on Doshas
Charaka Samhitha[8]Durjara Pooti MaruthaDoshala Aggravates all the Doshas
Sushrutha Samhitha[17]Madhura AnurasaGuruVidahi Vishtambi Pooti MaruthaDoshakruth Aggravates all the Doshas
Ashtanga Hrudaya[18]Durjara Pooti Marutha GrahiDoshala – Aggravates all the Doshas
Ashtanga Sangraha[19]GuruAgnisada Pooti Marutha GrahiDoshala Aggravates all the Doshas
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu[20]MadhuraGuru SnigdhaUshnaDurjara Pooti Marutha Vidahi Vishtambi Vanhi MandyakruthAggravates Tridosha
Dhanwantari Nighantu[21]Madhura
(Anurasa)
GuruVidahi Vishtambi Pooti MaruthaExpels Dosha
Raja Nighantu[22]Katu Tikta Kashaya Madhura AnurasaGuruUshnaGrahiTridoshajith- Alleviates all the three Dosha
Madanaphala Nighantu[23]MadhuraGuruVidahi Vishtambi Pooti Marutha Durjara-
Vanhi Mandyakruth Vrishya
Tridoshakara Aggravates all the Doshas
Kayyadeva Nighantu[24]Madhura
(Anurasa)
GuruVidahi Vishtambi Pooti Marutha Durjara Grahi AgnisadaDoshala Aggravates all the Doshas

Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Grahi (absorb liquid from stool), Madhura (Sweet), Guru (Heavy for digestion), Snigdha (Unctuous), Ushna (Hot), Vidahi (Substances that produces burning sensation), Vishtambi (Stopping, impeding, what hinders or obstructs), Pooti Marutha- Produces foul smelling flatus, Durjara - Difficult for digestion, Agnisada - Lack of digestive power, Vanhi Mandyakruth (Decreases the digestive fire), Vrishya (aphrodisiac)

Discussion

After referring to the Brihatrayi and various Nighantus, it is clearly evident that Apakwa Bilva Phala possesses a combination of astringent Kashaya (astringent), Katu (pungent), and Tikta (bitter) Rasa. It has a Ushna Veerya (Potency), Katu (Pungent) Vipaka and its qualities are Laghu (light), Tikshna (sharp), and Snigdha (unctuous). The fruit is known for its digestive properties, Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (promoting digestion), and having a Grahi (absorb liquid from stool), Hridya Property. Additionally, it helps in balancing and reducing the Vata and Kapha Doshas. Properties of Pakwa Bilva Phala includes Madhura Anurasa, Guru (Heavy for digestion),

Vidahi (Substances that produces burning sensation), Vishtambi (Stopping, impeding, what hinders or obstructs), Pooti Marutha (Produces foul smelling flatus), Durjara (Difficult for digestion), Agnisada (Lack of digestive power), and aggravates Tridosha. Normally ripe fruits are considered to be superior as compared to unripe but Bilva is exception to this rule. Here unripe fruits are considered to be superior as compared to ripe.[25]

Apakwa Bilva Phala which was used in tribal folk medicine[26] and also as folklore practice in Kerala and in Sri Lanka, where Apakva Bilva Phala has been used in Amlapitta. The Deepana, Pachana and Amahara.[4] property of the Dravya helps in overcoming the condition of Amlapitta and bringing the Agni to normalcy, thereby clears the basic Samprapti of Amlapitta wherein Agnimandya is in the initial stage. Apakwa Bilva Phala is very useful in Digestive Disorders Due to its Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive) properties, unripe Bilva is useful for improving digestion, treating indigestion, and promoting appetite. It is also useful in Atisara due to its Grahi (binding) property makes it effective in controlling diarrhoea and dysentery, as it helps absorb excess moisture in the intestines.


Because of its Deepana-Pachana, Grahi and Kashaya Rasa it is useful in Grahani Roga ,Unripe Bilva fruit helps in treating respiratory disorders by balancing Kapha and Vata, reducing inflammation (Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) Rasa have anti-inflammatory properties), clearing excess mucus, acting as an expectorant (The Katu (pungent) Rasa acts as a natural expectorant)., These actions make it particularly effective in treating conditions like asthma, chronic cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues linked to Dosha imbalances. Beneficial for Skin disorders due to its ability to balance Vata and Kapha Doshas, reduce inflammation, fight infections, and purify the body. Its astringent and healing properties help in managing conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis. Unripe Bilva is known for its Krimighna (anti-worm) property, which helps in expelling intestinal worms (like roundworms, tapeworms, and pinworms) from the digestive system. Its Tikta (bitter) and Katu (pungent) tastes are known to have a vermifugal effect, helping to eliminate parasitic infections in the intestines.

Unripe Bilva fruit is indicated for several conditions such as digestive health, respiratory disorders, skin issues, fever, urinary problems, liver disorders [improving liver function due to its Tikta Rasa (bitter taste) and Pachana (digestive) property It helps detoxify the liver], intestinal worms, and chronic inflammation, and also in Obesity (Due to its Tikshna (sharp) and Ushna (heating) qualities, unripe Bilva is useful in promoting fat metabolism and reducing obesity by balancing the Kapha Dosha).

Medicinal plants are well-known for being rich in natural antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress linked to inflammation. These plants offer several benefits, including lower toxicity, affordability, and both medicinal and traditional significance. One such plant that has been used traditionally for a long time is Bilva.[27] Numerous research studies have demonstrated that Bilva fruit has pharmacological properties, including antidiarrheal, ulcer-healing, cardioprotective, anthelmintic, radioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepato-protective effects.[28]

Phytoconstituents present in Unripe fruit are Marmeline, Aegeline, Tannin and in Ripe fruit- Xanthotoxol, B-sitosterol, Tannin, Riboflavin, Vitamin’s.[29]

The analgesic (pain-relieving) effects of ethanolic extracts from unripe Aegle marmelos fruits, comparing them with standard painkillers, pentazocine and diclofenac, in albino rats. When the rats were given 200 mg/kg of the extract, there was a noticeable increase in the time it took for them to respond to pain on a hot plate test, indicating pain relief. Additionally, the rats showed a decrease in the number of writhing movements, a common indicator of pain, suggesting that the extract had a significant analgesic effect.[30]

The hot aqueous extract (decoction) made from the dried pulp of unripe Aegle marmelos Corr. Fruit was tested for its antibacterial, antigiardial, and anti-rotaviral effects. The decoction showed the ability to kill both Giardia and rotavirus. Additionally, it significantly reduced the bacteria's ability to stick to and invade Hep-2 cells.[30]

A study was conducted to assess the impact of Aegle marmelos Corr. Unripe fruit extract (AMFE) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Wistar albino rats. The results showed that AMFE exhibited anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mast cell-stabilizing effects, offering protective benefits against inflammatory bowel disease.[31]

Conclusion

Apakwa Bilva Phala (Aegle marmelos Corr.) is a potent medicinal fruit revered in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, digestive, and detoxifying properties, bridging the gap between ancient healing traditions and modern scientific validation. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its ability to balance Vata and Kapha Doshas, making it effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory conditions, skin diseases, and intestinal worms. Its Deepana (digestive stimulant), Pachana (digestive), and Grahi (binding) properties help alleviate diarrhoea, dysentery, and indigestion, while its Ushna (hot) nature aids in clearing excess Kapha and Ama (toxins).

Modern research supports these traditional uses, validating its role in improving digestion, boosting immunity, and treating infections. By combining Ayurvedic principles with contemporary scientific findings, Apakwa Bilva Phala offers a natural, holistic remedy with broad therapeutic potential, reaffirming its enduring relevance in modern wellness practices.


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