Enicostoma littorale (Mamajjaka) is an uncommon drug described in Ayurvedic sculptures as “Rishyagandha” belongs to the family Gentianaceae. In Ayurveda it is used solely or in different medicinal preparations as an ingredient, proven its immense medicinal potential. Though it is a popular drug of Ayurvedic doctors but Its detail description found only in Nighantus (Ancient ayurvedic herbal pharmacopeia). Majmajjaka is a very bitter drug prescribed mostly in Madhumeha (Diabetes mellitus), Medoroga (obesity), Jwara (Fever), Kamala (Jaundice), Panduroga (Anaemia) and Amlapitta (Acid peptic disorders) by clinicians. Now scientists try to reestablish all the qualities of Enicostoma littorale on modern parameters as said by Ayurveda. They extracted several chemical constituents from this plant and saw various therapeutic effects of Enicostoma littorale in animal models. Common medicinal properties of Enicostoma littorale which has bees established by different preclinical studies are anti-diabetic, antiulcer, anti-oxidant, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, radioprotective, anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral activities. In this presented review summarizes the medicinal property described by Ayurveda and its relevant modern co-relation based on different scientific works.
