# Devadali

> Devadali is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Cucurbitacins are lipophilic triterpenoids that absorb well from the GI tract but undergo hepatic metabolism. Fresh juice (Swarasa) provides highest bioavailability of volatile and labile constituents.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Devadali |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | 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:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10ml fresh juice twice daily; 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Luffa echinata (Devadali) contains [cucurbitacins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cucurbitacins) and [saponins](/reference/saponins/) with moderate oral bioavailability. Cucurbitacins are lipophilic [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) that absorb well from the GI tract but undergo hepatic metabolism. Fresh juice (Swarasa) provides highest bioavailability of volatile and labile constituents. Enhancement: lipid-based formulations or self-emulsifying systems improve cucurbitacin absorption. Co-administration with healthy fats (ghee, milk) as per traditional Anupana enhances lipophilic constituent uptake.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for hepatic conditions; fresh juice on empty stomach for maximum therapeutic effect

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract standardized to NLT 2% total cucurbitacins by HPLC. Extract ratio 8:1. Fresh juice standardized by total saponin content.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: use within 4-6 hours; 18 months (powder); 2 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Powder and extracts: airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture and light. Fresh material: refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Colocynthin, Saponins, Luffin (ribosome-inactivating protein)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold-pressed fresh fruit juice (Swarasa)
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Ethyl acetate fraction for cucurbitacin enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Katuki](/herb/katuki/) (Picrorhiza) for [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) synergy
- With [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for purgative and liver-cleansing action
- With Bhringaraj for jaundice management
- With [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for hepatorenal protective combination

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

## 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.