# Bandhuka

> Bandhuka is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Flavonoid glycosides likely undergo hepatic first-pass metabolism. Traditional use with honey (Madhu) or ghee as Anupana may enhance mucosal absorption. Anthocyanin pigments show moderate oral bioavailability (15-25%).

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bandhuka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | 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:** Churna (powder), Swarasa (fresh juice), Kashayam (decoction), Lepa (paste for external use), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g flower powder twice daily; 10-20ml fresh juice; 50-100ml decoction; external paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) likely undergo hepatic first-pass metabolism. Traditional use with honey ([Madhu](/herb/madhu/)) or ghee as Anupana may enhance mucosal absorption. Anthocyanin pigments show moderate oral bioavailability (15-25%). Note: limited modern evidence available for this herb.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for general health; flower juice early morning on empty stomach for menstrual health; paste applied externally as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Flower extract standardized to total flavonoid content NLT 5%; anthocyanin content NLT 1%. Limited standardization data available—further R&D recommended.

**Shelf Life:** 1.5 years (powder); 2.5 years (capsule/tablet)

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-protected containers. Anthocyanin pigments degrade with light and heat exposure. Maintain temperature below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Pelargonidin, Cyanidin glycosides, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Octacosanol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction for flower decoctions
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for flavonoid-rich fractions
- Cold maceration to preserve color pigments
- Acidified ethanol extraction for [anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for menstrual disorders
- With [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for uterine health
- With Nagakeshara for bleeding disorders
- With [Durva](/herb/durva/) (Cynodon) for Pitta-related conditions

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

## 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.