Bhurja
Betula utilis
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.
| Botanical name | Betula utilis |
|---|---|
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5332157 · Wikidata Q930814 · NCBI Taxonomy 228163 |
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 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 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, Oleanolic acid, Beta-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 for anti-inflammatory and wound healing
- With Haridra for skin conditions
- With Manjishtha for blood purification
- With Lodhra for astringent formulations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews2
- 2024. Impact of climate change on the Himalayan alpine treeline vegetationHeliyon. PMID 39698095 · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40797
- 2002. Common environmental allergens causing respiratory allergy in IndiaIndian journal of pediatrics. PMID 12003301 · doi:10.1007/BF02734234
Laboratory and animal studies10
- 2024. Exploring water relations and phenological traits of Betula utilis (D. Don) in western Himalayan treeline ecotoneScientific reports. PMID 39242651 · doi:10.1038/s41598-024-66682-x
- 2024. Accelerated succession in Himalayan alpine treelines under climatic warmingNature plants. PMID 39558135 · doi:10.1038/s41477-024-01855-0
- 2023. Phytochemical investigation, structural elucidation, in silico study and anti-psoriatic activity of potent bioactive from Betula utilisJournal of biomolecular structure & dynamics. PMID 36214696 · doi:10.1080/07391102.2022.2130981
- 2023. Biochemical characterization of extremozyme L-asparaginase from Pseudomonas sp. PCH199 for therapeuticsAMB Express. PMID 36828987 · doi:10.1186/s13568-023-01521-2
- 2022. Vegetation dynamics and soil nutrient availability in a temperate forest along altitudinal gradient of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya, IndiaPloS one. PMID 36206256 · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0275051
- 2020. Betula utilis extract prolongs life expectancy, protects against amyloid-β toxicity and reduces Alpha Synuclien in Caenorhabditis elegans via DAF-16 and SKN-1Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Toxicology & pharmacology : CBP. PMID 31669661 · doi:10.1016/j.cbpc.2019.108647
- 2020. Anti-obesity efficacy of the selected high altitude Himalayan herbs: in vitro studiesJournal of food science and technology. PMID 32624610 · doi:10.1007/s13197-020-04341-5
- 2019. Ecological correlates of Himalayan musk deer Moschus leucogasterEcology and evolution. PMID 30680091 · doi:10.1002/ece3.4435
- 2018. Identification of birch pollen species using FTIR spectroscopyAerobiologia. PMID 30532346 · doi:10.1007/s10453-018-9528-4
- 2016. Isolation, Characterization and Anticancer Potential of Cytotoxic Triterpenes from Betula utilis BarkPloS one. PMID 27453990 · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159430
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