Dugdhika
Euphorbia prostrata
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.
| Botanical name | Euphorbia prostrata |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: DUGDHIKA (Whole Plant) |
| Also called | Euphorbia thymifolia (attribution recorded without a cited source) Euphorbia hirta (attribution recorded without a cited source) Euphorbia thymifolia / Euphorbia hirta (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3067891 · Wikidata Q1023705 · NCBI Taxonomy 212836 |
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 (quercetin, kaempferol glycosides), tannins, and 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 (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 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, 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 for hemostatic synergy in bleeding disorders
- With Yashtimadhu for galactagogue (milk-promoting) combination
- With Durva for hemostatic and wound-healing applications
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