# Granthiparni

> Granthiparni (Leonotis nepetifolia) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Limited modern dosage data - follow classical text guidelines. Bioavailability: Leonotis nepetifolia / Granthiparni (in some traditions identified with other species) - limited modern pharmacokinetic data.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Leonotis nepetifolia

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Granthiparni |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Lepa (external paste), Taila (medicated oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction twice daily; 10-15ml fresh juice; external application as needed. Limited modern dosage data - follow classical text guidelines.

**Bioavailability:** Leonotis nepetifolia / Granthiparni (in some traditions identified with other species) - limited modern pharmacokinetic data. Contains diterpenoids (leonotinin-type), [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), and [iridoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iridoids). Diterpenoids from Lamiaceae family typically have moderate oral bioavailability (20-40%). Traditional preparations as Kashayam and Swarasa optimize water-soluble constituent extraction. Limited data necessitates conservative dosing recommendations. Enhancement strategies: standard approaches for diterpenoid-rich herbs (lipid-based formulations, [piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration).

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water as per classical guidelines; external paste applied 2-3 times daily to affected areas

**Standardized Extract:** No widely standardized extract available. Hydroalcoholic extract characterized by HPTLC fingerprint, total phenolic content NLT 2% (as gallic acid equivalent), and total flavonoid content. Develop in-house reference standard from authenticated material.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: use within 6 hours; 1.5 years (powder); 2 years (tablet if formulated); 2 years (Taila)

**Storage:** Airtight containers in cool, dry place below 25 deg C. Limited stability data - conduct accelerated stability studies for any commercial formulation. Protect from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** Diterpenoids (leonotinin-type, if Leonotis sp.), Flavonoids, Iridoids, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Ursolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh plant juice expression (Swarasa)
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- [Sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) processing for Taila

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory topical applications
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immune support
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for dermatological conditions
- With Kushtha (Saussurea) for skin disease management

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

## 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.