# Dhataki

> Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Primary traditional use is as fermentation agent in Aristha/Asava preparations. Bioavailability: Woodfordia fruticosa flowers are rich in tannins (particularly ellagitannins and gallotannins) and flavonoids.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Woodfordia fruticosa

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Dhataki |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Pushpa (flower) powder, Kashayam (decoction), Aristha/Asava (as fermentation initiator), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath Ghana

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g flower powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily. Primary traditional use is as fermentation agent in Aristha/Asava preparations.

**Bioavailability:** Woodfordia fruticosa flowers are rich in [tannins](/reference/tannins/) (particularly [ellagitannins](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ellagitannins) and gallotannins) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/). Tannin bioavailability is low in parent form but gut microbiota convert ellagitannins to urolithins (bioavailable metabolites). Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) ([myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) glycosides) have moderate oral bioavailability (10-25%). The flower's traditional use as Sandhana Dravya (fermenter) introduces beneficial [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and yeasts. Enhancement: phytosome technology for flavonoid-rich fraction; nanoparticle formulation of tannin fraction.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water for GI conditions; between meals for menstrual disorders

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract standardized to NLT 15% total tannins (as tannic acid equivalent) and NLT 2% total flavonoids (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalent). Extract ratio 6:1.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (dried flowers in airtight container); 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Dried flowers and powder in airtight, light-resistant containers below 25 deg C. Protect from moisture - high tannin content makes powder hygroscopic. Flowers for fermentation use: store in jute bags in dry, ventilated area.

**Marker Compounds:** Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, Myricetin, Quercetin, Woodfordin C, Oenothein B, Norbergenin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of dried flowers
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 ethanol:water)
- Ethyl acetate fraction for flavonoid enrichment
- Traditional use: flowers added directly to Aristha/Asava fermentation process

### Synergistic Combinations

- As Sandhana Dravya (fermentation initiator) with all Aristha/Asava preparations
- With [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for uterine tonic and menstrual regulation
- With [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for gynecological conditions
- With [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/) for [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) synergy
- With [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) for Pitta-pacifying and hemostatic combination

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

## 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.