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/Kadara) heartwood contains catechins (catechin, epicatechin) and 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, Kaempferol, Fisetin
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 for skin disorders
- With Nimba (neem) for blood purification
- With Manjishtha for skin health
- With Vidanga for parasitic infections
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