# Kamalakanda

> Kamalakanda (Nelumbo nucifera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Co-administration with long pepper or ginger enhances absorption. Nanoparticle encapsulation improves delivery of aporphine alkaloids. Powder is hygroscopic and must be protected from humidity (RH < 55%).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Nelumbo nucifera

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kamalakanda |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kalka (paste), Capsule, Swarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g of powder twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice once daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Rhizome [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) ([nuciferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nuciferine), [neferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#neferine)) show moderate bioavailability with significant first-pass metabolism. Co-administration with long pepper or [ginger](/herb/ginger/) enhances absorption. Nanoparticle encapsulation improves delivery of aporphine alkaloids.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals on empty stomach for maximum alkaloid absorption; with meals for digestive applications

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 0.5% total alkaloids (as nuciferine equivalents) and 15% total [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for powder; 12 months for capsules; fresh juice must be consumed within 6 hours or lyophilized (24 months stability)

**Storage:** Store in cool, dry place at 15-25°C in moisture-proof containers. Powder is hygroscopic and must be protected from humidity (RH < 55%).

**Marker Compounds:** Nuciferine, Neferine, [Liensinine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#liensinine), [Isoliensinine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoliensinine), Armepavine, [Starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) polysaccharides

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional Kashayam)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold pressing for fresh juice (Swarasa)
- Acid-base extraction for alkaloid isolation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Musta (Cyperus rotundus) for digestive disorders
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) (Acorus calamus) for cognitive enhancement
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) for blood purification
- [Padmaka](/herb/padmaka/) for cardiac support

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

## 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.