# Amra Haridra

> Amra Haridra (Curcuma amada) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Curcuma amada (mango ginger) contains curcuminoids similar to turmeric but in lower concentrations, plus unique difurocumenonol. Curcuminoid bioavailability is inherently low (<5%) but enhanced by piperine (20-fold increase) or lipid formulations.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Curcuma amada

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Amra [Haridra](/herb/haridra/)|[Amra](/herb/amra/) Haridra |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Kashayam (decoction), Lepa (paste for topical use)

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4g powder twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily; topical paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability. Curcuma amada (mango [ginger](/herb/ginger/)) contains curcuminoids similar to [turmeric](/herb/turmeric/) but in lower concentrations, plus unique difurocumenonol. Curcuminoid bioavailability is inherently low (<5%) but enhanced by [piperine](/reference/piperine/) (20-fold increase) or lipid formulations. The volatile oil content aids absorption. Phospholipid complexation (phytosome) technology can increase bioavailability 5-10x.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals containing fat/oil for enhanced curcuminoid absorption; with warm milk at bedtime for anti-inflammatory and immune benefits

**Standardized Extract:** Rhizome extract standardized to minimum 1% total curcuminoids (as [curcumin](/herb/curcumin/)). Essential oil standardized to minimum 30% [myrcene](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myrcene). Oleoresin with minimum 3% curcuminoids.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 3 years (essential oil); 18 months (oleoresin)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light (curcuminoids are photosensitive). Airtight containers. Essential oil in amber glass.

**Marker Compounds:** [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/), [Demethoxycurcumin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#demethoxycurcumin), [Bisdemethoxycurcumin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bisdemethoxycurcumin), Difurocumenonol, Myrcene, Beta-pinene, [Ocimene](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#ocimene), [Curdione](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#curdione)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20 ethanol-water) for curcuminoids
- Steam distillation for essential oil (yield 1-3%)
- Supercritical CO2 for curcuminoid and oil co-extraction
- Aqueous decoction for traditional preparation
- Hexane extraction for oleoresin

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Maricha ([black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/)) for piperine-enhanced curcuminoid absorption
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (common [turmeric](/herb/turmeric/)) for enhanced anti-inflammatory action
- With Sunthi for digestive and anti-inflammatory synergy
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune modulation

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/amra-haridra/

## 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.