# Kamala Kesara

> Kamala Kesara (Nelumbo nucifera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Enhancement strategies include co-administration with Pippali (piperine source) or formulation with lipid-based carriers (self-emulsifying systems) to improve absorption of lipophilic pigments like kaempferol glycosides.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Nelumbo nucifera

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Kamala](/herb/kamala/) Kesara |

## 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) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Lepa (paste for external use), Taila (oil), Kashayam (decoction)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g of powder twice daily; 5-10 mL decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Contains [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and [carotenoids](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carotenoids) with moderate oral bioavailability. Enhancement strategies include co-administration with [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) ([piperine](/reference/piperine/) source) or formulation with lipid-based carriers (self-emulsifying systems) to improve absorption of lipophilic pigments like [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides).

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for gastrointestinal comfort; morning and evening for reproductive health applications

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 2% total flavonoids (as kaempferol equivalents) and 0.5% total carotenoids by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder in airtight containers; 18 months for capsules; 36 months for oil preparations

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25°C. Relative humidity below 60%. Protect from direct sunlight to prevent degradation of carotenoid pigments.

**Marker Compounds:** Kaempferol, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin) glycosides, Beta-carotene, [Nuciferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nuciferine) (trace from associated tissues)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for carotenoid-rich fractions
- Cold maceration in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) for Taila preparations
- Sequential water-ethanol extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kumkuma ([Saffron](/herb/saffron/)) for uterine tonic effects
- [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/) for [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) activity
- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for menorrhagia management
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for gynecological formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/kamala-kesara/

## 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.