# Adhaki

> Adhaki (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Fabaceae family. aureus including MDR strains Hepatoprotective effects validated through safety assessment studies showing protection of liver and kidney function markers Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized as an important food legume by FAO; GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for food use.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.
- **Family:** Fabaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized as an important food legume by FAO; GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for food use

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Adhaki |
| Latin/Botanical | *Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Cajanol
- Cajaninstilbene acid
- [Genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein)
- Pinostrobin
- Cajanuslactone
- Longistylin A
- Biochanin A
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Isowighteone
- [Vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin)

## How does it work?

- [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) (cajanol, genistein) inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and reduce nitric oxide production via suppression of iNOS expression
- Cajaninstilbene acid and longistylin derivatives exert [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) effects through free radical scavenging and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (SOD, catalase)
- Prenylated isoflavonoids exhibit antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity validated through in vivo studies showing hypoglycemic effects consistent with traditional use for diabetes management
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) properties confirmed by bioassay-guided isolation of isoflavonoids, [anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones), and pterocarpanoids effective against S. aureus including MDR strains
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects validated through safety assessment studies showing protection of liver and kidney function markers

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Gajurel G, Sharma AR, Abdel-Karim S and others 2025. [Enhanced Production of Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Prenylated Isoflavonoids in Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan) Hairy Root Cultures](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40009762/). *Journal of agricultural and food chemistry*. PMID [40009762](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40009762/) · [doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.4c12406](https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.4c12406)  
  Three new prenylated isoflavonoids (cajaisoflavanone A, cajaisoflavanone B, and cajasan) were isolated from hairy root cultures; cajasan exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitrite and IL-6 levels.
- Vo TL, Cai XM, Liao JW and others 2023. [Safety Assessment and Hepatic-Renal Protection of Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Root and Its Soy Isoflavone Contents](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37764747/). *Nutrients*. PMID [37764747](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37764747/) · [doi:10.3390/nu15183963](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15183963)  
  No mutagenic or cytotoxic effects found in ethanolic extract of C. cajan roots in 90-day Wistar rat study; safe daily human intake estimated at 972 mg/60 kg person/day.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- 90-day subchronic toxicity study (2023) in Wistar rats at doses up to 1.0 g/kg body weight showed no adverse effects on behavior, organ weights, hematological parameters, or histopathology
- Five soy [isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones) (genistein, biochanin A, [daidzein](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#daidzein), genistin, cajanol) identified in root extract demonstrated hepatorenal protective effects rather than toxicity
- Leaves are widely consumed as food/vegetable with long safety history; no significant drug interactions documented

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kwatha (decoction concentrate), Capsule, Swarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability due to presence of [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and [tannins](/reference/tannins/). Enhancement strategies include co-administration with [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (long pepper) or honey as anupana (vehicle). Tannin content may reduce absorption of co-administered drugs; stagger dosing recommended.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for digestive indications; after meals for general health

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 2% total flavonoids (as cajanol equivalent). Aqueous extract yield typically 12-18%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder in airtight container); 3 years (tablets/capsules); 6 months (liquid decoction with preservative)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place (below 25°C), away from direct light and moisture. Relative humidity below 60%.

**Marker Compounds:** Cajanol, Cajanone, Pinostrobin, Vitexin, [Orientin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#orientin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:8 herb-to-water, reduced to 1/4)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 ethanol-water)
- Cold maceration for heat-sensitive constituents

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for digestive disorders
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for anti-inflammatory action
- With Musta for diarrhea management

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/adhaki/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.