# Japa

> Japa (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Anthocyanins have low bioavailability (~1-2%) but are active in the GI tract. Quercetin bioavailability ~5-10%. Hibiscus acid and hydroxycitric acid are well absorbed.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Japa |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya, Madhura | 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 (flower powder), Capsule, Tablet, Swarasa (fresh flower juice), Taila (hair oil), Kwath (decoction), Gulkand-like preserve

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g dried flower powder twice daily; 500mg extract; 10-20ml fresh flower juice; external oil as needed

**Bioavailability:** Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers contain [anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins) (cyanidin-3-sophoroside, cyanidin-3-glucoside), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), and [vitamins](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitamins). Anthocyanins have low bioavailability (~1-2%) but are active in the GI tract. [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) bioavailability ~5-10%. Hibiscus acid and hydroxycitric acid are well absorbed. [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) fraction acts locally. Lipid-based delivery or phospholipid complexation may enhance flavonoid absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for internal use; hair oil application at night before washing

**Standardized Extract:** Flower extract standardized to 5% anthocyanins (as cyanidin-3-glucoside); aqueous extract standardized to 10% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols)

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (flower powder); 2 years (standardized extract capsule); 2 years (hair oil); 6 months (fresh juice)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C, protected from light (critical for anthocyanin stability). Amber containers. Nitrogen-flushed packaging for extract powder.

**Marker Compounds:** Cyanidin-3-sophoroside, Cyanidin-3-glucoside, Quercetin, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Hibiscus acid, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Mucilage [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction (for mucilage and water-soluble polyphenols)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 for flavonoid-rich extract)
- Acidified ethanol for anthocyanin preservation
- Cold pressing of fresh flowers for Swarasa
- Oil infusion in coconut/[sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) for Taila

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Bhringaraj for hair growth (external)
- With Amalaki for [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) action
- With [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for female reproductive health
- With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) oil for hair vitality (external)

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

## 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.