# Karnikara

> Karnikara is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Flavonoid constituents benefit from lipid co-administration. Self-microemulsifying formulations enhance bioavailability of lipophilic terpenoids. Decoction form provides pre-hydrolyzed glycosides with improved absorption. Oil preparations in amber glass bottles.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karnikara |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | 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), Taila (oil), Lepa (external paste), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4 g powder twice daily; 50-80 mL decoction twice daily; external oil application as needed

**Bioavailability:** Iridoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate oral bioavailability with significant hepatic first-pass metabolism. Flavonoid constituents benefit from lipid co-administration. Self-microemulsifying formulations enhance bioavailability of lipophilic [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids). Decoction form provides pre-hydrolyzed glycosides with improved absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water; external application twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 2% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as [luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin) equivalents) and 1% iridoid glycosides

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

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-30°C. Oil preparations in amber glass bottles. Protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Luteolin, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin), Pterospermone, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) glycosides

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) for Taila
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol for standardized extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Shirisha](/herb/shirisha/) (Albizia lebbeck) for anti-allergic formulations
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory synergy
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for immunomodulation
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) for blood purification

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

## 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.