# Gojihva

> Gojihva (Onosma bracteatum Wall.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Boraginaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopeias; classified as a controversial drug (Sandigdha Dravya) in some Ayurvedic texts due to identity confusion with related species.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Onosma bracteatum Wall.
- **Family:** Boraginaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopeias; classified as a controversial drug (Sandigdha Dravya) in some Ayurvedic texts due to identity confusion with related species

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gojihva |
| Latin/Botanical | *Onosma bracteatum Wall.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Shikonins and onosmins (naphthoquinones - most significant)
- Naphthazarins and benzoquinones
- Lycopsamine and supindine viridiflorate (pyrrolizidine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) in leaves)
- Choline and [tannins](/reference/tannins/)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and phenolic compounds
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) and [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## How does it work?

- Anti-asthmatic effect through mast cell stabilization and reduction of bronchial hyper-responsiveness via hydro-alcoholic extract
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) activity through dose-dependent increase in latency period (258.9% at 500 mg/kg at 3h) via central pain modulation
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) mechanisms through shikonin/onosmin-mediated topoisomerase inhibition, ROS generation, and apoptosis induction
- Anti-inflammatory action via inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and stabilization of lysosomal membranes

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-asthmatic and respiratory tonic (Shvasa-hara) - validated through mast cell stabilization and bronchial hyper-responsiveness reduction studies
- Cooling and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) (Jvarahara) - confirmed antipyretic activity in traditional Unani and Ayurvedic usage
- Throat and oral health (Mukha-roga) - supported by [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and anti-inflammatory studies
- Cardiotonic (Hridya) - traditional claim as heart tonic partially supported by pharmacological studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Jabbar AA, Abdullah FO, Hassan AO and others 2022. [Ethnobotanical, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activity of Onosma (Boraginaceae): An Updated Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36557820/). *Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [36557820](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36557820/) · [doi:10.3390/molecules27248687](https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248687)  
  Comprehensive review identifying shikonins and onosmins as the most significant bioactive constituents with potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
- Kumar A, Attri S, Kaur S and others 2022. [Onosma L. as a source of anticancer agents: phytochemistry to mechanistic insight](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36338520/). *Exploration of targeted anti-tumor therapy*. PMID [36338520](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36338520/) · [doi:10.37349/etat.2022.00109](https://doi.org/10.37349/etat.2022.00109)  
  Reviewed anticancer potential of Onosma species with mechanistic insights into naphthoquinone-mediated apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, supindine viridiflorate) in leaves which are hepatotoxic with chronic use; should not be used long-term internally
- External use generally considered safe; internal use should be limited in duration and supervised; contraindicated in liver disease patients

## Dosage forms and preparation

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

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20ml fresh juice; 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Onosma bracteatum (Gojihva) contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs - safety concern), flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). PAs are well absorbed orally and undergo hepatic activation to toxic pyrrolic metabolites - this is a significant safety consideration. Traditional preparations (aqueous decoction/Kashayam) extract fewer PAs than alcoholic preparations. The mucilaginous nature of the plant may slow GI absorption. Enhancement not applicable due to PA safety concerns - focus should be on PA reduction strategies.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water for respiratory and urinary conditions; traditionally used as a component in compound formulations rather than standalone

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous extract with PA content verified below regulatory limits (<1 microgram PA/day at recommended dose). Total flavonoid content NLT 1.5% (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalent). Extract ratio 5:1. HPTLC fingerprint required.

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

**Storage:** Airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture and light. Label must carry appropriate PA-related warnings if applicable to jurisdiction.

**Marker Compounds:** Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA content - SAFETY MONITORING, must be below limits), Anchusine (naphthoquinone), Onosmin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Flavonoids, [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) content

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (preferred - lower PA extraction)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) - with PA monitoring
- Fresh juice expression
- Cold water maceration for mucilage-rich fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda) for respiratory and bronchial conditions
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for demulcent and anti-tussive synergy
- With Behman (Centaurea behen) for cardiac tonic combination (Unani use)
- With Khatmi (Althaea) for soothing urinary tract conditions

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.