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 |
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
Optimal Timing: After meals for skin conditions; as mouth rinse for oral health; Khadirarishta after meals with equal water
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
Synergistic Combinations
- With Daruharidra, traditionally used in skin disorders
- With Nimba (neem), traditionally used for blood purification
- With Manjishtha, traditionally used for skin health
- With Vidanga, traditionally used in parasitic infections
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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