# Bhurja

> Bhurja (Betula utilis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes or amorphous solid dispersions improve betulinic acid bioavailability by 4-8x. Lipid-based delivery (with ghee) moderately enhances absorption. Nanoformulations (PLGA nanoparticles) show significant improvement in preclinical models.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Betula utilis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bhurja |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Lepa (paste), Taila (oil), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml bark decoction; external paste as needed for wound care

**Bioavailability:** [Betulin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betulin) and betulinic acid show low oral bioavailability (<5%) due to poor aqueous solubility. Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes or amorphous solid dispersions improve betulinic acid bioavailability by 4-8x. Lipid-based delivery (with ghee) moderately enhances absorption. Nanoformulations (PLGA nanoparticles) show significant improvement in preclinical models.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for general use; external paste applied morning and evening for skin conditions; decoction before meals for urinary disorders

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to betulin NLT 15%; betulinic acid NLT 3%. Total [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes) NLT 20%.

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

**Storage:** Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Bark powder is relatively stable but protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Betulin, Betulinic acid, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Oleanolic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Methyl salicylate (bark oil)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30) for bark
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol for betulin enrichment
- Supercritical CO2 for betulinic acid
- Aqueous decoction for traditional preparations
- Bark oil extraction by hydrodistillation

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for anti-inflammatory and wound healing
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for skin conditions
- With [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) for blood purification
- With [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for astringent formulations

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

## 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.