# Dronapushpi

> Dronapushpi (Leucas cephalotes) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate oral bioavailability (15-30%) with gut deglycosylation releasing more permeable aglycones. Volatile terpenoid fraction is well absorbed but rapidly metabolized.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Leucas cephalotes

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Dronapushpi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Taila (medicated oil)

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

**Bioavailability:** Leucas cephalotes contains [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), [apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)), [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids), and phenolic acids. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate oral bioavailability (15-30%) with gut deglycosylation releasing more permeable aglycones. Volatile terpenoid fraction is well absorbed but rapidly metabolized. Fresh juice (Swarasa) provides complete phytochemical matrix including labile compounds lost during drying. Enhancement: phospholipid complexation of flavonoid fraction; nano-emulsion of essential oil components.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for respiratory conditions; fresh juice on empty stomach for [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) use

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract standardized to NLT 2% total flavonoids (as luteolin equivalent) by HPLC. Extract ratio 6:1. HPTLC fingerprint with characteristic bands at Rf values specific to luteolin and apigenin.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: use within 6 hours; 1.5 years (powder); 2 years (tablet/capsule); 2 years (Taila)

**Storage:** Dried herb and powder in airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Fresh plant: refrigerate and process promptly. Taila in amber glass bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Luteolin, Apigenin, Oleanolic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Leucolactone, Nicotiflorin

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh plant juice (Swarasa - traditional)
- Aqueous decoction (whole plant)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Steam distillation for essential oil fraction
- Spray-dried juice for stable powder form

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) (Ocimum) for respiratory and antipyretic synergy
- With [Shirisha](/herb/shirisha/) (Albizia) for anti-allergic combination
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory and [wound-healing](/reference/wound-healing/) applications
- With [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) for cough and bronchial conditions

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

## 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.