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 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%). 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, Quercetin, Beta-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
Synergistic Combinations
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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