# Gulakanda

> Gulakanda is a classical Ayurvedic avaleha, a semi-solid herbal confection. Gallic acid and geraniol are well-absorbed orally. Rose phenolics have moderate-to-good oral bioavailability. Slow maceration process extracts water-soluble antioxidants effectively. Optimal Timing: After meals as a digestive, or at bedtime for its cooling (Sheeta Virya) properties.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gulakanda |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Lehya/Gulkand (rose petal confection), Capsules (modern), Spread (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20 g (1-2 teaspoons) once or twice daily, as per Unani/Ayurvedic classical texts

**Bioavailability:** Sugar matrix provides instant energy and acts as carrier for rose [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols). Gallic acid and [geraniol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#geraniol) are well-absorbed orally. Rose phenolics have moderate-to-good oral bioavailability. Slow maceration process extracts water-soluble antioxidants effectively.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals as a digestive, or at bedtime for its cooling (Sheeta Virya) properties. Especially useful in Pitta conditions and summer season.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years from date of manufacture if properly prepared and stored

**Storage:** Store in airtight glass jars in a cool, dry place. Sun-set preparation should be sealed after maturation. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Refrigeration extends shelf life.

**Marker Compounds:** Geraniol, [Citronellol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citronellol), Gallic acid, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside

**Quality Parameters:** Total solids (NLT 70%), pH (3.5-5.0), moisture (<25%), total sugar, gallic acid content, total phenolics, total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), cyanidin content (rose pigments), geraniol content, microbial limits (TBC, yeast, mould), heavy metals, pesticide residues (rose petals are heavily sprayed — organic sourcing preferred)

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Can be taken with warm milk or cold water. Often mixed into paan (betel leaf).

### Synergistic Combinations

- Praval Pishti
- Muktashukti Bhasma
- [Avipattikar](/herb/avipattikar/) Churna
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) Churna

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/gulakanda/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.