# Indrayava

> Indrayava (Holarrhena pubescens) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Conessine shows ~40-50% oral bioavailability with Tmax of 2-4 hours. Alkaloids are well absorbed in alkaline intestinal pH.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Holarrhena pubescens

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Indrayava |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g seed powder twice daily; 250-500mg extract; 30-60ml decoction

**Bioavailability:** Holarrhena antidysenterica (Kutaja seeds = Indrayava) contains steroidal [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), primarily conessine, with good oral absorption due to lipophilicity and basic nature. Conessine shows ~40-50% oral bioavailability with Tmax of 2-4 hours. Alkaloids are well absorbed in alkaline intestinal pH.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with buttermilk (traditional) or warm water for GI disorders

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract standardized to 5-8% total alkaloids (as conessine); aqueous extract per API monograph

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (standardized extract tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from moisture and light. Store in airtight containers.

**Marker Compounds:** Conessine, Conessimine, Isoconessimine, Kurchine, Holarrhimine, Conamine

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol) for alkaloid-rich extract
- Acid-base extraction for alkaloid isolation
- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Methanol extraction for total alkaloid content

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Ativisha for antidiarrheal action
- With [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) for dysentery management
- With Musta for digestive disorders
- With Kutaja bark for comprehensive anti-amoebic therapy

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

## 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.