# Atibala

> Atibala (Abutilon indicum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Abutilon indicum (Atibala) contains mucilage (which provides sustained-release matrix), beta-sitosterol (5-10% absorbed), and flavonoids. Asparagine (an amino acid present abundantly) has near-complete oral bioavailability.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Abutilon indicum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Atibala |

## 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 |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root/whole plant powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil — Atibala Taila), Swarasa (fresh juice), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg-1g extract capsule; 10-20ml fresh juice; Taila for external Abhyanga

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability. Abutilon indicum (Atibala) contains [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) (which provides sustained-release matrix), beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) (5-10% absorbed), and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/). Asparagine (an amino acid present abundantly) has near-complete oral bioavailability. Mucilage creates gel matrix that slows but prolongs drug release — natural sustained-release mechanism. Oil-based preparations (Taila, Ghrita) enhance lipophilic constituent absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** With warm milk at bedtime for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) and strength-building. Before meals with warm water for urinary and digestive indications. Taila for external Abhyanga (oil massage) — morning preferred.

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (10:1) standardized to minimum 2% beta-sitosterol and minimum 5% total flavonoids. Mucilage content minimum 15% in whole plant material.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (capsules/tablets); 3 years (Taila); 2 years (Ghrita)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Mucilaginous powders are hygroscopic — use desiccant in packaging. Oil preparations in amber glass.

**Marker Compounds:** Beta-sitosterol, Asparagine, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, p-Coumaric acid, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), Mucilage [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kashaya)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Fresh juice expression
- [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) infusion (Taila Paka vidhi) for external preparation
- Ghee processing for Ghrita preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Sida cordifolia) for Balya (strength-promoting) action — classical pair
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and strengthening effects
- With [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for urinary tract support
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for ulcers and gastric mucosal protection

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

## 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.