# Dadrughna

> Dadrughna is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Oil-based formulations (Taila) enhance dermal penetration of lipophilic actives. For internal use, limited pharmacokinetic data available. Traditional practice emphasizes external application. Enhancement: incorporation into liposomal gels or nanostructured lipid carriers for improved dermal delivery.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Dadrughna |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | 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:** Lepa (topical paste), Taila (medicated oil), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction for external wash), Ointment

**Standard Dosage:** External use: paste applied to affected area 2-3 times daily; Internal: 3-5g powder twice daily with honey or warm water (limited internal use data)

**Bioavailability:** Primarily used topically; percutaneous absorption of antifungal constituents depends on vehicle and skin integrity. Oil-based formulations (Taila) enhance dermal penetration of lipophilic actives. For internal use, limited pharmacokinetic data available. Traditional practice emphasizes external application. Enhancement: incorporation into liposomal gels or nanostructured lipid carriers for improved dermal delivery.

**Optimal Timing:** Topical application after bathing on clean, dry skin; internal use before meals if prescribed

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract standardized by TLC fingerprint and total phenolic content (NLT 3% as gallic acid equivalent). Extract ratio 5:1 typical.

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (powder); 1.5 years (ointment); 2 years (Taila/medicated oil)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Topical preparations stored below 30 deg C. Fresh paste to be used within 24 hours of preparation.

**Marker Compounds:** Total phenolics (gallic acid equivalents), [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), [Anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones) (where applicable)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold-pressed juice of fresh plant
- Aqueous paste (Kalka) preparation
- [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila)-based Taila Paka (traditional oil processing)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) (Pongamia) oil for enhanced antifungal action
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) ([turmeric](/herb/turmeric/)) for anti-inflammatory and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) synergy
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) ([neem](/herb/neem/)) for broad-spectrum dermatological use
- With [Chakramarda](/herb/chakramarda/) (Cassia tora) for ringworm treatment

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

## 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.