Dhava
Anogeissus latifolia
Dhava (Anogeissus latifolia) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Tannin-rich fraction has low systemic bioavailability but effective local GI action (astringent, anti-diarrheal). Ellagic acid undergoes gut microbial metabolism to urolithins. Flavonoid fraction has moderate bioavailability (15-30%).
| Botanical name | Anogeissus latifolia |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Terminalia anogeissiana Gere & Boatwr. — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Combretaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3189413 · Wikidata Q45166 · NCBI Taxonomy 1068672 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dhava |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Tablet, Capsule
Standard Dosage: 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily
Bioavailability: Anogeissus latifolia (Dhava) bark contains tannins, flavonoids, and ellagic acid derivatives. Tannin-rich fraction has low systemic bioavailability but effective local GI action (astringent, anti-diarrheal). Ellagic acid undergoes gut microbial metabolism to urolithins. Flavonoid fraction has moderate bioavailability (15-30%). Enhancement: co-administration with lipid vehicles improves flavonoid absorption; the traditional practice of preparing Kashayam with jaggery (Guda) may enhance palatability and provide matrix for improved absorption.
Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water or honey for digestive conditions; after meals for diarrhea management
Standardized Extract: Aqueous bark extract standardized to NLT 10% total tannins (as tannic acid equivalent) and NLT 1% ellagic acid. Extract ratio 5:1 to 8:1.
Shelf Life: 2 years (powder); 2.5 years (tablet/capsule); 3 years (Kwath Ghana in sealed container)
Storage: Airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Tannin-rich bark powder is hygroscopic - use moisture-proof packaging with desiccant.
Marker Compounds: Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, 3,3’-di-O-methylellagic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Anogeissinin, Quercetin
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction of stem bark (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Hot water extraction under reflux (80 deg C, 3 hours)
- Spray-drying for Kwath Ghana production
Synergistic Combinations
- With Kutaja for enhanced anti-diarrheal action
- With Dadima Twak for astringent synergy in dysentery
- With Musta for digestive disorder management
- With Lodhra for hemostatic and wound-healing applications
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 reviews4
- 2024. Anogeissus Latifolia: A Comprehensive Review from Ethanobotanical Insights to Future Pharmacological FrontiersChemistry & biodiversity. PMID 39196821 · doi:10.1002/cbdv.202401378
- 2024. Gum Ghatti: A Comprehensive Review on Production, Processing, Remarkable Properties, and Diverse ApplicationsACS omega. PMID 38463282 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c08198
- 2017. Comparative evaluation of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of various extract of Anogeissus latifolia bark in streptozotocin-induced diabetic ratsJournal of complementary & integrative medicine. PMID 28889731 · doi:10.1515/jcim-2016-0130
- 2016. The genus Anogeissus: A review on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacologyJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 27566202 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.08.025
Laboratory and animal studies8
- 2021. The heparin-mimicking arabinogalactan sulfates from Anogeissus latifolia gum: Production, structures, and anti-herpes simplex virus activityInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 34022307 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.05.107
- 2021. Nephroprotective potential of Anogeissus latifolia Roxb. (Dhava) against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in ratsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 33705920 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114001
- 2020. Thermodynamic Properties and State Diagram of Gum Ghatti-Based Edible Films: Effects of Glycerol and NisinPolymers. PMID 32074987 · doi:10.3390/polym12020449
- 2017. Development of smart hydrogels of etherified gum ghatti for sustained oral delivery of ropinirole hydrochlorideInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 28457956 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.04.059
- 2013. Identification of Anogeissus latifolia Wallich and analysis of refined gum ghattiJournal of natural medicines. PMID 22730002 · doi:10.1007/s11418-012-0678-3
- 2009. Hepatoprotective evaluation of Anogeissus latifolia: in vitro and in vivo studiesWorld journal of gastroenterology. PMID 19824117 · doi:10.3748/wjg.15.4816
- 2006. Antiulcer and antimicrobial activity of Anogeissus latifoliaJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 16413714 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.12.002
- 2004. Antioxidant potential of Anogeissus latifoliaBiological & pharmaceutical bulletin. PMID 15305034 · doi:10.1248/bpb.27.1266
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