Grewia optiva

Grewia optiva, commonly known as Bhimji, is a versatile deciduous shrub native to the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it is extensively used in traditional Ayurveda to treat ailments like inflammation and skin disorders. Additionally, its bark and leaves are vital for producing high-quality, eco-friendly mucilage.

  • Scientific name: Grewia optiva
  • Family: Malvaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malvales, it is classified under the family Malvaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Grewia and the specific species name optiva.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Malvaceae WCVP
Genus Grewia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Grewia optiva, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Hindi, it is widely known as Bhimji, while in Sanskrit, it is called Bhimji. In the Marathi language, the plant is commonly called Bhimji, and in Gujarati, it is referred to as Bhimji. Additionally, it is known by the name Bhimji in the Odia language.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of the Indian Subcontinent. It is specifically documented to grow within the East Himalaya and the West Himalaya mountain ranges. Its natural habitat extends through the diverse landscapes found throughout India. Furthermore, the species is frequently encountered in the mountainous terrain of Nepal. Finally, its geographical range also encompasses the territories of Pakistan.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Pakistan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Grewia optiva, commonly known as Bhimal, possesses various parts that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The stem bark is often employed in traditional medicine for its astringent qualities and is frequently used to treat inflammatory conditions. The roots are highly valued for their ability to act as a restorative tonic and are sometimes processed to alleviate digestive ailments. Additionally, the leaves are widely used in various preparations to manage skin issues and promote healing, making the entire botanical structure a significant resource in herbal medicine.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Grewia optiva has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include astragalin, cis-tiliroside, glutaric acid, hexanedioic acid, trans-tiliroside.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
astragalin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cis-tiliroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glutaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hexanedioic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
trans-tiliroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Grewia optiva has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Grewia optiva has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anthelmintic, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, eczema.

Total uses
11
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cough 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysentery 1 ★☆☆☆☆
eczema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
smallpox 1 ★☆☆☆☆