# Draksha

> Draksha (Vitis vinifera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Resveratrol has low oral bioavailability (<1% as free resveratrol) due to rapid glucuronidation and sulfation. However, resveratrol metabolites (resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide, resveratrol-3-sulfate) retain partial biological activity.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Vitis vinifera

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Draksha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Amla | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (juice), Churna (dried fruit powder), Avaleha (confection/jam), Kashayam (decoction), Mridvika preparation, Capsule, Tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20g dried grapes (Munakka) soaked and consumed; 50-100ml fresh juice; 5-10g powder twice daily; 1-2 teaspoons Avaleha twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Vitis vinifera (grape/raisin) contains [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) including [resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol), [proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins) (OPCs), and [anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins). [Resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) has low oral bioavailability (<1% as free resveratrol) due to rapid glucuronidation and sulfation. However, resveratrol metabolites (resveratrol-3-O-glucuronide, resveratrol-3-sulfate) retain partial biological activity. OPCs have moderate bioavailability (10-15% for monomers/dimers; lower for oligomers). Enhancement: trans-resveratrol in [piperine](/reference/piperine/) combination increases bioavailability 1544% (clinical data); cyclodextrin complexation improves aqueous solubility 400x; nanoparticle formulation; liposomal delivery. Traditional [Drakshavaleha](/herb/drakshavaleha/) preparation with ghee may enhance lipophilic compound absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Soaked Munakka in the morning on empty stomach for mild [laxative](/reference/laxative/) effect; juice/Avaleha after meals for digestive and tonic purposes; at bedtime with milk for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) effect

**Standardized Extract:** Grape seed extract (GSE): standardized to NLT 95% total polyphenols and NLT 80% OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) by UV spectrophotometry. Resveratrol extract: NLT 50% trans-resveratrol. Whole fruit extract ratio 4:1.

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (whole dried fruit in sealed pack); 2 years (powder); 3 years (GSE capsule/tablet); 1 year (Avaleha)

**Storage:** Dried fruit: airtight, moisture-proof packaging below 25 deg C - susceptible to moisture absorption and microbial growth. Extracts and capsules: cool, dry place, light-protected. Avaleha: airtight glass/food-grade container at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** trans-Resveratrol, Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), [Catechin](/reference/catechin/), [Epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)-3-glucoside, Malvidin-3-glucoside (anthocyanin), Gallic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Cold-pressing of fresh grapes for juice
- Hydroalcoholic extraction of dried fruit (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Ethyl acetate extraction for polyphenol-rich fraction
- Supercritical CO2 for resveratrol extraction from grape seeds/skin
- Enzymatic extraction for enhanced OPC yield

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Amalaki for [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) synergy and Rasayana effect
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for respiratory and GI soothing combination
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for enhanced resveratrol bioavailability
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune-tonic (Rasayana) formulation
- Used as Anupana (vehicle) for many formulations due to mild, sweet nature

---

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

## 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.