Jivanti is called as shaakshreshtha (Wholesome vegetable) in Ayurveda. It has many therapeutic properties such as rejuvenation, immunomodulation, expectorant, and alleviation of all three metaphysiological humors ( doshas ). The botanical identity of Jivanti remains controversial to date. To review classical and modern evidence regarding the identity and therapeutic relevance of plant species traded as Jivanti in Ayurveda and to propose a standard botanical source while emphasizing sustainability. Information was compiled from Ayurvedic texts, scientific journals, pharmacognostical manuals, and pharmacopeial references, focusing on six species commonly used as Jivanti : Leptadenia reticulata W and A, Holostemma ada-kodien Schult., Dendrobium macraei Lindl . , Dregea volubilis Benth. , and others. A comparative analysis was performed, evaluating Ayurvedic textual alignment, morphological features, traditional usage, phytochemical composition, pharmacognostical traits, and pharmacological efficacy. Results: L. reticulata W and A. aligns most closely with classical Ayurvedic descriptions and shows strong pharmacological evidence. However, overharvesting has made it ecologically vulnerable. H. ada-kodien Schult. and D. macraei Lindl . exhibit comparable therapeutic actions and are regionally accepted substitutes with validated phytochemistry and pharmacognosy. Other species such as D. volubilis Benth. and Telosma pallida Craib show ethnomedicinal use and morphological similarities but lack comprehensive scientific validation. L. reticulata W and A. is proposed as the primary source of Jivanti , supported by traditional and scientific evidence. However, to ensure long-term availability, conservation efforts, sustainable cultivation, and clear pharmacopeial guidelines are essential. Validated regional substitutes, such as H. ada-kodien and D. macraei , may serve as alternatives under regulated use, while other candidate species require further evaluation.
Jain et al. (Tue,) studied this question.