# Kankataka

> Kankataka is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Traditional co-processing with Trikatu (Pippali, Maricha, Shunthi) enhances bioavailability of active alkaloids. Emulsification with sesame oil improves lipophilic constituent delivery. Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kankataka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Amla | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Amla | 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 (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Swarasa (fresh juice), Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4 g powder twice daily; 30-60 mL decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) show moderate oral absorption. Traditional co-processing with [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) ([Pippali](/herb/pippali/), Maricha, Shunthi) enhances bioavailability of active alkaloids. Emulsification with [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) improves lipophilic constituent delivery.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water; for skin conditions, external application twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 1.5% total alkaloids and 3% total phenolics (as gallic acid equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder; 18 months for capsules; decoction to be consumed same day

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at ambient temperature (15-30°C). Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for thermolabile constituents
- Soxhlet extraction with methanol for analytical purposes

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) enhancement
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory synergy
- Amalaki for [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) potentiation
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for skin disorders

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

## 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.