# Gavedhuka

> Gavedhuka (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Coixenolide has moderate oral bioavailability with good GI absorption. Coixol (a benzoxazinone) has moderate bioavailability (~30%). As a cereal grain, the starch matrix provides slow release of embedded bioactives.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Coix lacryma-jobi

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gavedhuka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (grain/seed powder), Kashayam (decoction), Yavagu (medicated gruel), Tablet, Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10g grain powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; Yavagu as directed (as dietary preparation); 500-1000mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Coix lacryma-jobi (Job's tears / Gavedhuka) seeds contain coixenolide, coixol, [stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), and high-quality protein. Coixenolide has moderate oral bioavailability with good GI absorption. Coixol (a benzoxazinone) has moderate bioavailability (~30%). As a cereal grain, the [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) matrix provides slow release of embedded bioactives. Cooking (as in Yavagu preparation) gelatinizes starch and improves digestibility and nutrient bioavailability. Lipid content (5-8%) provides a natural vehicle for lipophilic constituents. Enhancement: de-hulled seeds have higher bioactive accessibility than hulled.

**Optimal Timing:** Yavagu (gruel) in the morning as breakfast or meal replacement; powder/capsule before meals with warm water; traditionally consumed as part of therapeutic diet

**Standardized Extract:** Seed extract standardized to NLT 1% coixenolide by HPLC. Seed oil: cold-pressed, standardized to fatty acid profile. Aqueous extract ratio 5:1. Protein content NLT 15% for nutraceutical grade.

**Shelf Life:** Whole grain: 1-2 years; 1.5 years (powder); 2 years (tablet/capsule); 1 year (seed oil)

**Storage:** Whole grain: cool, dry, ventilated area, protected from insects. Powder and extracts: airtight containers below 25 deg C. Seed oil: refrigerate after opening, use within 6 months. Protect from moisture and pest infestation.

**Marker Compounds:** Coixenolide, Coixol, Stigmasterol, [Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Oleic acid, Linoleic acid, Coixan A/B/C ([polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides))

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of seeds
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Traditional Yavagu preparation (grain cooked in water/milk to gruel consistency)
- Supercritical CO2 for coixenolide extraction
- Oil extraction (cold-press) for seed oil

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Yava](/herb/yava/) (barley) for [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and nutritive gruel
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune support and fever management
- With Musta for digestive and anti-diarrheal combination
- With [Bala](/herb/bala/) for strength-building formulation

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

## 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.