Dronapushpi
Leucas cephalotes
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.
| Botanical name | Leucas cephalotes |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. II: DRONAPUSPI (Whole Plant) |
| Also called | Leucas aspera (regional usage) |
| Family | Lamiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5606847 · Wikidata Q3630307 · NCBI Taxonomy 1260214 |
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 (luteolin, apigenin glycosides), 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 and 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, 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 (Ocimum) for respiratory and antipyretic synergy
- With Shirisha (Albizia) for anti-allergic combination
- With Haridra for anti-inflammatory and wound-healing applications
- With Kantakari for cough and bronchial conditions
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