# Dugdhika

> Dugdhika (Euphorbia prostrata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Latex: topical application as directed. Bioavailability: Euphorbia thymifolia/hirta (Dugdhika) contains flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol glycosides), tannins, and terpenoids. The milky latex contains diterpene esters with moderate dermal absorption for topical use.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Euphorbia prostrata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Dugdhika |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh plant juice/latex), Churna (whole plant powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Lepa (external paste)

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

**Bioavailability:** Euphorbia thymifolia/hirta (Dugdhika) contains [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)), [tannins](/reference/tannins/), and [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids). The milky latex contains diterpene esters with moderate dermal absorption for topical use. Oral bioavailability of flavonoid glycosides is moderate (15-25%); tannins act locally in GI tract. The latex [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) ([enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes)) are denatured by gastric acid. Enhancement: nanoparticle encapsulation of flavonoid-rich extract for improved oral delivery; liposomal gel for enhanced topical penetration of latex components.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for GI conditions; topical application of latex/paste 2-3 times daily for skin conditions and warts

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract standardized to NLT 2% total flavonoids (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalent). Extract ratio 8:1. Total tannin content NLT 5% (as tannic acid equivalent).

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: use within 4 hours; 1.5 years (powder); 2 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Dried herb in airtight containers below 25 deg C. Protect from moisture and light. Fresh plant: refrigerate and use promptly. Latex: cannot be stored long-term in native form.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, [Quercitrin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#quercitrin), Kaempferol, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Euphorbol, Beta-amyrin

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh plant juice expression (Swarasa)
- Aqueous decoction (whole plant)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 ethanol:water)
- Methanol extraction for research-grade profiling
- Shade-drying followed by pulverization for Churna

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Kutaja for anti-diarrheal and anti-dysenteric action
- With [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/) for [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) synergy in bleeding disorders
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) (milk-promoting) combination
- With [Durva](/herb/durva/) for hemostatic and [wound-healing](/reference/wound-healing/) applications

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

## 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.