Polygonatum verticellatum All. (MAHAMEDA)

Mahameda is one of the ingredients of asta varga and jivaniya gana.  Though the identity is doubtful, at present the roots of P. verticellatum All. Are being used for mahameda by the vaids.  Bhavamisra recommended satavari as the substitute for both meda and mahameda.  Some consider younger plant root as meda and older plant root as mahameda.

Botanical description – An erect glabrous herb upto 120 cm high, root stock thick, stem zig-zag and grooved; leaves whorled, sessile, linear or lanceolate; flowers 2-3 together, white, pinkish-white or pale green, in whorled racemes; fruits berries, red when ripen.  Found in Himalayas at 5500 to 11,000 ft.

Part used –  root stock

Uses – Root stock is nutritious, aphrodisiac, tonic, galactogogue, appetizer etc.

Note : Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle is used as meda.