# Kadara

> Kadara is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Catechin has moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) with Tmax of ~2 hours. Epicatechin shows better bioavailability (~30-40%). Condensed tannins have poor absorption but act locally in GI and oral mucosa.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kadara |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (heartwood powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Asava/Arishta

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g heartwood powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 15-30ml Asava

**Bioavailability:** Acacia catechu ([Khadira](/herb/khadira/)/Kadara) heartwood contains [catechins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#catechins) ([catechin](/reference/catechin/), [epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin)) and [tannins](/reference/tannins/) (catechu-tannic acid). Catechin has moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) with Tmax of ~2 hours. Epicatechin shows better bioavailability (~30-40%). Condensed tannins have poor absorption but act locally in GI and oral mucosa. Khadirarishta (fermented preparation) may enhance polyphenol extraction and absorption via self-generated alcohol.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for skin conditions; as mouth rinse for oral health; Khadirarishta after meals with equal water

**Standardized Extract:** Heartwood aqueous extract (Katha/Catechu) standardized to minimum 50% catechin; hydroalcoholic extract standardized to 30% total catechins

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (heartwood powder); 3 years (Katha solid extract); 5 years (Khadirarishta); 3 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place below 25°C. Katha in airtight containers (hygroscopic). Arishta in glass bottles away from light.

**Marker Compounds:** Catechin, Epicatechin, Catechu-tannic acid, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Fisetin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#fisetinfisetin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of heartwood (traditional Kashayam)
- Hot water extraction to produce Katha/Catechu (concentrated aqueous extract)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50 to 70:30)
- Fermentation (Khadirarishta preparation)
- Acetone-water extraction for condensed tannin fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/) for skin disorders
- With [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) ([neem](/herb/neem/)) for blood purification
- With [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) for skin health
- With [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) for parasitic infections

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

## 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.