# Bhadra

> Bhadra (Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Amaranthaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and AYUSH system; listed in regional ethnobotanical databases.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.
- **Family:** Amaranthaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; documented in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and AYUSH system; listed in regional ethnobotanical databases

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bhadra |
| Latin/Botanical | *Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Aervine
- Methylaervine
- Aervoside
- Ervolanine
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Isorhamnetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isorhamnetin)
- [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/)
- Methyl grevillate
- Beta-sitosteryl acetate

## How does it work?

- Canthin-6-one [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) exhibit anti-urolithiatic activity by inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation in renal tubules, preventing kidney stone formation
- Kaempferol and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) provide nephroprotective effects through [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated reduction of oxidative stress and inhibition of NF-kB-driven inflammatory pathways in renal tissue
- Beta-carboline alkaloids demonstrate [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity by intercalating with bacterial DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, disrupting cell division

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-urolithiasis (kidney stone dissolution) activity validated through in vivo and in vitro studies confirming traditional Ayurvedic use of [Pashanabheda](/herb/pashanabheda/) for Ashmari (urinary calculi)
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) activity confirmed through pharmacological studies supporting traditional use for strangury and urinary disorders in Ayurveda
- Anti-asthmatic and bronchodilatory effects validated in preclinical models consistent with traditional use for respiratory conditions

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Goyal M, Pareek A, Nagori BP and others 2011. [Aerva lanata: A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22279378/). *Pharmacognosy reviews*. PMID [22279378](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22279378/) · [doi:10.4103/0973-7847.91120](https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.91120)  
  Documented diuretic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/), anti-urolithiasis, and antifertility properties with identification of key alkaloids and flavonoids.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Traditional use as a common weed consumed as vegetable and herbal tea suggests good general safety profile; however, formal toxicity studies in humans are limited
- Antifertility effects documented in animal studies; should be avoided during pregnancy and by couples trying to conceive
- Diuretic effects may potentiate action of prescription diuretics; monitor electrolyte levels when used concurrently with diuretic medications

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Kaempferol
- Quercetin
- Isorhamnetin
- Lupeol
- Aervine
- Methylaervine
- Aervoside
- Ervolanine
- 
- Methyl grevillate
- Beta-sitosteryl acetate

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Asava/Arishta

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data available. Traditional texts recommend administration with warm water or honey to enhance absorption. Aromatic volatile constituents show rapid absorption but short half-life. Decoction form provides better bioavailability for water-soluble [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) than dry powder.

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

**Standardized Extract:** Whole herb extract standardized to total phenolic content NLT 3%. Further analytical method development needed for robust standardization.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from light and moisture. Airtight packaging recommended.

**Marker Compounds:** Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Betulin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betulin), Gallic acid, Kaempferol, Flavonoid glycosides

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kashayam method)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Steam distillation for volatile fractions
- Hydrodistillation for essential oil components

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Musta (Cyperus rotundus) for digestive formulations
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory effects
- With [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) for cognitive enhancement
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for respiratory support

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

## 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.