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. 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. 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, Gallic acid, Quercetin, 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, 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 Churna
- Shatavari Churna
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