# Karpasa Moola

> Karpasa Moola (Gossypium herbaceum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Decoction form pre-hydrolyzes glycosides improving aglycone absorption. Milk as Anupana (vehicle) enhances lipophilic constituent absorption and provides buffering action. Gossypol content in roots is significantly lower than seeds.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Gossypium herbaceum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Karpasa](/herb/karpasa/) Moola |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kwatha (concentrated decoction), Capsule, Phanta (hot infusion)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder twice daily with warm milk; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Root-specific [betaine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betaine) and flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate oral bioavailability. Decoction form pre-hydrolyzes glycosides improving aglycone absorption. Milk as Anupana (vehicle) enhances lipophilic constituent absorption and provides buffering action. [Gossypol](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#gossypol) content in roots is significantly lower than seeds.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm milk for [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) and uterine tonic applications; before meals for digestive indications

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 2% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as [gossypetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#gossypetin) equivalents); gossypol content <0.01% for safe internal use

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

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Protect from moisture and insect infestation. Root material is prone to fungal contamination — monitor aflatoxin levels.

**Marker Compounds:** Gossypetin, [Herbacetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#herbacetin), Betaine, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Gossypol (trace — must be quantified), [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional — reduced to 1/4th)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for thermolabile constituents
- Reflux extraction with aqueous ethanol

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) bark for uterine tonic synergy
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for galactagogue enhancement
- [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) for anti-inflammatory root combination
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) for strength and uterine support

---

Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/karpasa-moola/

## 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.