# Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/chirabilva
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Holoptelea integrifolia, Indian Elm, Jungle Cork Tree, Papri, Kanju, Chilbil, Papra, Waras

## Overview

Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia) is an Ayurvedic medicinal tree whose bark and leaves contain bioactive compounds including friedelin, epifriedelanol, and holoptelein that drive its therapeutic effects. These triterpenoids and flavonoids inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators, making it primarily studied for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), antidiabetic, and dermatological applications.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, comparable to indomethacin in animal studies [1][3][5]. • Potential improvement in dermatitis with topical applications, as observed in a 2018 clinical trial in Pune [2]. • Observational reports suggest reduced joint stiffness in mild osteoarthritis [2]. • Antidiabetic effects shown in preclinical studies with alloxan-induced diabetic rats [3]. • Anthelmintic activity demonstrated against Pheretima posthuma in lab studies [3].

## Mechanism of Action

The triterpenoid friedelin inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and suppresses NF-κB signaling, reducing downstream synthesis of prostaglandins and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-6. Holoptelein and related alkaloids appear to modulate alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase activity, slowing carbohydrate [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and attenuating postprandial glucose spikes. Topically, epifriedelanol is thought to downregulate histamine-mediated mast cell degranulation, contributing to its observed anti-dermatitic effects.

## Clinical Summary

Animal studies using carrageenan-induced paw edema models have demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity of Holoptelea integrifolia bark extract comparable to indomethacin at equivalent doses, though these findings require translation to human trials. A 2018 clinical trial conducted in Pune assessed topical Chirabilva formulations for dermatitis, reporting measurable symptom improvement, but sample size and blinding details have not been widely published, limiting interpretability. Observational reports note reduced joint stiffness in patients with mild osteoarthritis using bark decoctions, but no randomized controlled trials with defined endpoints have been completed to date. Overall, evidence is preliminary and largely preclinical; robust phase II or III human trials are lacking.

## Nutritional Profile

Chirabilva (Holoptelea integrifolia) is a medicinal plant rather than a dietary food source; formal macronutrient profiling is limited, but the following is known from phytochemical and partial compositional studies: Bioactive compounds (primary focus): Bark contains holoptelin-A and holoptelin-B (lapachol-type naphthoquinones, ~0.8–1.2% dry weight), identified as key [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antifungal constituents. Sitosterol and its glucoside (sitosterol-3-O-glucoside) are present in bark and leaf fractions. Friedelin (a pentacyclic triterpene) isolated from bark at trace concentrations (~0.05–0.1% dry weight). Tannins: hydrolysable tannins estimated at 4–8% in bark dry weight, contributing astringent properties. Saponins detected in leaf and stem bark extracts (~2–4% dry weight). Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives present in leaf extracts at approximately 1.5–3 mg/g dry weight. Alkaloids present in trace amounts in bark (not fully characterized). Phenolic acids: gallic acid and ellagic acid detected in bark aqueous extracts. Crude fiber (bark powder): approximately 18–24% dry weight based on proximate analysis of related Ulmaceae members. Protein content (leaf): estimated 8–12% dry weight, typical for leafy medicinal plant material, with limited bioavailability data. Minerals (leaf/bark, approximate): calcium ~1,200–1,800 mg/100g dry weight, iron ~15–25 mg/100g dry weight, potassium ~800–1,100 mg/100g dry weight, magnesium ~200–350 mg/100g dry weight; these values are extrapolated from regional phytochemical surveys. Vitamins: not systematically characterized; trace ascorbic acid reported in fresh leaf. Fixed oils from seeds contain oleic and linoleic acids as dominant fatty acids (~55–65% combined of total fatty acid fraction). Bioavailability notes: Holoptelin compounds show moderate lipophilicity, suggesting better absorption with lipid-based carriers; tannins may reduce mineral bioavailability when consumed orally; the plant is used primarily as a bark decoction or topical paste in Ayurvedic practice rather than as a food ingredient, so oral bioavailability data in humans is minimal and largely inferred from animal studies.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional dosages include 30-60 ml of bark decoction for diabetes and related ailments, and topical use of bark powder for wounds. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Chirabilva is generally considered safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses when used short-term, but systematic human safety data are absent, and high-dose oral bark extracts have shown mild gastrointestinal irritation in animal toxicity studies. Because friedelin inhibits COX enzymes, concurrent use with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin may produce additive gastric mucosal risk or unpredictable pharmacodynamic interactions. Its alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity raises a theoretical concern for additive hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetic medications including metformin or sulfonylureas, requiring [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) monitoring. Chirabilva is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to complete absence of safety data in these populations, and individuals with liver or kidney disease should avoid use without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

There are no human randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses available for Chirabilva. Evidence is primarily based on preclinical animal studies and traditional use validations, with some observational reports indicating potential benefits.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Chirabilva has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to treat conditions like localized swelling, skin diseases, and diabetes. It is also employed by Indian tribes for pain and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) relief.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Neem, Triphala, Ginger

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How does Chirabilva compare to indomethacin for inflammation?

In carrageenan-induced rat paw edema models, Holoptelea integrifolia bark extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory potency comparable to indomethacin, a standard NSAID reference drug, at equivalent milligram-per-kilogram doses. This effect is attributed primarily to friedelin-mediated COX inhibition and NF-κB suppression. However, no direct human head-to-head trials exist, so clinical equivalence cannot currently be claimed.

### What is the traditional Ayurvedic dose of Chirabilva bark powder?

Classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita reference Chirabilva bark decoction (kashaya) at approximately 50–100 mL per dose, derived from 5–10 g of dried bark, typically administered twice daily. Powdered bark (churna) doses of 3–6 g per day are also cited in traditional practice. These figures are not validated by modern clinical pharmacokinetic studies, so standardized dosing for supplement use has not been established.

### Can Chirabilva help with osteoarthritis joint stiffness?

Observational reports and traditional use suggest that Chirabilva bark decoctions may reduce joint stiffness in mild osteoarthritis, likely through COX-2 inhibition and reduction of prostaglandin E2 at synovial tissues. However, no randomized controlled trial with defined primary endpoints such as WOMAC or VAS pain scores has been published to confirm efficacy. Until clinical trial data are available, Chirabilva should be considered a complementary option rather than a first-line treatment.

### Does Chirabilva lower blood sugar levels?

Preclinical studies indicate that Holoptelea integrifolia leaf and bark extracts inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes, reducing the rate of dietary carbohydrate breakdown and blunting postprandial glucose elevation in diabetic animal models. Specific active compounds responsible include flavonoids and terpenoid fractions isolated from the bark. Human clinical evidence for antidiabetic effects is currently lacking, and anyone managing diabetes with medication should not substitute or combine Chirabilva without physician oversight due to hypoglycemia risk.

### Is Chirabilva safe to use topically for skin conditions?

A 2018 clinical trial conducted in Pune evaluated topical Chirabilva-based formulations for dermatitis and reported measurable reduction in erythema, pruritus, and lesion severity, suggesting reasonable tolerability for external use. The anti-dermatitic mechanism likely involves epifriedelanol-mediated inhibition of mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Patch testing before widespread application is advisable, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or known plant allergies, as contact sensitization data from large cohort studies are unavailable.

### Is Chirabilva safe to take with NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin?

While Chirabilva exhibits anti-inflammatory effects comparable to indomethacin in animal studies, concurrent use with prescription NSAIDs or aspirin should be discussed with a healthcare provider to avoid additive effects or potential gastrointestinal irritation. Limited clinical data exists on specific drug-drug interactions between Chirabilva and common medications, making professional medical guidance essential before combining them.

### Is Chirabilva safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Safety data for Chirabilva use during pregnancy and lactation is not well-established in clinical literature, and it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods without explicit medical clearance. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using Chirabilva to ensure there are no risks to mother or child.

### What is the difference between Chirabilva bark powder and leaf extracts?

Traditional Ayurvedic preparations predominantly use Chirabilva bark powder, which contains the concentrated anti-inflammatory compounds studied in clinical research; leaf extracts have not been as thoroughly evaluated in human trials. The bark form has stronger historical use documentation and more robust preclinical data supporting its anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties compared to leaf-based preparations.

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