# Kapittha

> Kapittha (Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Rutaceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kapittha.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle)
- **Family:** Rutaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kapittha. Traditional use documented in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. No WHO monograph. Fruit is consumed as food across South and Southeast Asia.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kapittha |
| Latin/Botanical | *Limonia acidissima Groff (syn. Feronia limonia (L.) Swingle)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Psoralen](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#psoralen) (furanocoumarin)
- [Bergapten](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#bergapten)
- [Xanthotoxin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#xanthotoxin)
- [Luvangetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luvangetin)
- [Limonin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#limonin) (limonoid)
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- [Orientin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#orientin)
- Vitedin ([vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin))
- Saponarin
- Osthenol
- [Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)-O-beta-D-glucoside
- [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins) (dictamnine)
- 2,6-Dimethoxybenzoquinone

## How does it work?

- Antiulcer activity via [coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin)-mediated (luvangetin) enhancement of gastric mucosal defense and inhibition of acid secretion
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and antifungal action through furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten) disrupting microbial DNA replication upon photoactivation
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) activity via flavonoid-mediated (orientin, vitedin) alpha-glucosidase inhibition and insulin sensitization
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects through coumarin and flavonoid-mediated [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection and restoration of hepatic [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes)

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-diarrheal and dysentery treatment validated through antimicrobial and anti-motility preclinical studies
- Peptic ulcer treatment confirmed through aspirin/ethanol-induced ulcer models
- Hepatoprotective use supported by CCl4-induced liver damage models with significant restoration of liver function markers
- Respiratory ailment use supported by antihistaminic and bronchodilatory effects in preclinical studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Mohanty S, Pattnaik A 2025. [Ethnobotanical Significance, Phytopharmacology, and Toxicological Profile of Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae): A Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38676498/). *Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening*. PMID [38676498](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38676498/) · [doi:10.2174/0113862073285538240417051928](https://doi.org/10.2174/0113862073285538240417051928)  
  Comprehensive review documented [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), antidiabetic, anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, antiulcer, wound healing, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/), antispermatogenic, [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/), and adsorbent activities.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Fruit pulp is widely consumed as food in India and is generally safe; however, furanocoumarins (psoralen, bergapten) may cause photosensitivity upon topical exposure
- Antispermatogenic activity has been documented in animal models; male fertility impact should be considered. Pregnancy use not recommended without supervision.

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (juice), Avaleha (fruit confection), Churna (powder), Capsule, Murabba (preserve)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20 mL fruit juice twice daily; 10-20 g Avaleha; 3-5 g powder with honey

**Bioavailability:** Fruit pulp constituents ([marmelosin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#marmelosin), psoralen derivatives) show moderate oral bioavailability. Coumarins and furocoumarins are lipophilic and benefit from co-administration with fat-containing foods. Avaleha form (with ghee and sugar) traditionally optimizes absorption of lipophilic actives. Nanosuspension technology can enhance aqueous delivery.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for appetite stimulation; after meals for digestive support; Avaleha can be taken anytime

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 0.2% marmelosin and 5% total [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols); fruit pulp standardized to minimum 15% total organic acids

**Shelf Life:** 12 months for powder; 18 months for Avaleha and Murabba (sugar-preserved); 24 hours for fresh juice (refrigerated); 24 months for capsules

**Storage:** Fresh fruit pulp and juice require refrigeration (2-8°C). Avaleha and Murabba store at ambient temperature in airtight glass jars. Powder in moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Marmelosin, Psoralen, Bergapten, [Citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid), Tartaric acid, Tyramine, Feronia lactone

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing of ripe fruit pulp
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Water extraction for [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage)-rich fractions
- Sequential extraction: petroleum ether then ethanol then water

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) (Aegle marmelos) for digestive disorders
- [Dadima](/herb/dadima/) (pomegranate) for anti-diarrheal synergy
- [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) (grape) in Avaleha for nutritive formulations
- Ela (cardamom) for flavor and carminative enhancement

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.