# Kadamba

> Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Rubiaceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India for treatment of wounds, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers, diarrhea and urinary tract diseases.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser
- **Family:** Rubiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India for treatment of wounds, conjunctivitis, mouth ulcers, diarrhea and urinary tract diseases. No specific WHO monograph as of 2025.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kadamba |
| Latin/Botanical | *Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Cadambine (indole alkaloid)
- Dihydrocadambine
- Isodihydrocadambine
- Isocadambine
- Quinovic acid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- Chlorogenic acid
- 3-alpha-Dihydrocadambine
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Ursolic acid
- Cadamine
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) (triterpene type)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory action via inhibition of NF-kB pathway and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by cadambine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity through alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition by chlorogenic acid and alkaloid fractions
- Antimalarial activity via disruption of plasmodium cell membrane integrity by quinovic acid glycosides
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects through free radical scavenging and restoration of hepatic [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (SOD, catalase, GPx)

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity against wound-infecting pathogens validated through disc diffusion and MIC studies
- Anti-diarrheal use confirmed in castor oil-induced diarrhea models with significant reduction in stool frequency
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) activity validated in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model in rats
- Anti-inflammatory use confirmed through carrageenan-induced paw edema inhibition studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?



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

## Recent safety updates

- Traditional use profile indicates safety at recommended Ayurvedic doses; formal toxicity studies are limited and standardized safety data is still being developed
- Standardized extracts, mechanistic validation, and clinical trials are recommended before therapeutic translation; no significant adverse effects reported in available preclinical studies

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Glycosides
- Sitosterol
- Saponins
- Cadambine 
- Dihydrocadambine
- Isodihydrocadambine
- Isocadambine
- Quinovic acid 
- Chlorogenic acid
- 3-alpha-Dihydrocadambine
- Beta-
- Ursolic acid
- Cadamine
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (bark decoction), Capsule, Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g bark powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; external paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** Neolamarckia cadamba (syn. Anthocephalus cadamba) bark contains indole alkaloids (cadambine, isocadambine), [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes), and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/). Indole alkaloids generally show moderate to good oral bioavailability due to lipophilicity. Cadambine is absorbed in the small intestine. Tannin fraction may reduce absorption of co-administered compounds.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for fever and diabetes; external paste for wounds morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic bark extract standardized to 1% total alkaloids (as cadambine); aqueous extract per API decoction method

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

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

**Marker Compounds:** Cadambine, Isocadambine, 3-alpha-Dihydrocadambine, Cadamine, Beta-sitosterol, Chlorogenic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water) for alkaloid and flavonoid extraction
- Methanol extraction for comprehensive phytochemical recovery
- Chloroform extraction for alkaloid enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for gynecological disorders
- With [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for uterine tonic action
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for skin conditions and fever
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for anti-diabetic action

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

## 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.