# Karira

> Karira (Capparis decidua) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates are activated by myrosinase enzyme during mastication/processing. Gentle drying preserves myrosinase activity. Lipid-based formulations enhance absorption of steroidal sapogenins. Isothiocyanate content degrades at higher temperatures; refrigerated storage extends potency.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Capparis decidua

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karira |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Kwatha concentrate, Swarasa (fresh juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice

**Bioavailability:** Spermidine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) and isothiocyanate precursors have moderate bioavailability. Glucosinolate-derived [isothiocyanates](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isothiocyanates) are activated by [myrosinase](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myrosinase) enzyme during mastication/processing. Gentle drying preserves myrosinase activity. Lipid-based formulations enhance absorption of steroidal sapogenins.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for digestive and hepatic applications; with meals to reduce GI irritation from isothiocyanates

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 0.3% total alkaloids (as spermidine) and 1% total [glucosinolates](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucosinolates) (as [sinigrin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sinigrin) equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for powder; 24 months for capsules; decoction consumed within 24 hours

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-25°C, protected from moisture. Isothiocyanate content degrades at higher temperatures; refrigerated storage extends potency.

**Marker Compounds:** Spermidine, [Stachydrine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stachydrine), Cappariloside A, Cappariloside B, [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Isothiocyanates, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold aqueous extraction to preserve enzymatic activity
- Sequential extraction for alkaloid fractionation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and anti-edema activity
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for urinary disorders
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) for urinary calculi dissolution
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for liver protection

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

## 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.