# Karpasa

> Karpasa (Gossypium herbaceum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Gossypol chelates iron and calcium, reducing both mineral and gossypol absorption. Protein-rich meals reduce gossypol absorption. Refined cottonseed oil (gossypol-free) has standard lipid bioavailability.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Gossypium herbaceum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karpasa |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Beeja Churna (seed powder), Taila (cottonseed oil), Kashayam (decoction of root bark), Capsule, Pattika (cotton wick for Varti/suppository)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g seed powder twice daily; 5-10 mL cottonseed oil; 50-100 mL root bark decoction

**Bioavailability:** [Gossypol](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#gossypol) (polyphenolic aldehyde) has variable bioavailability (30-50%) influenced by dietary protein and mineral content. Gossypol chelates iron and calcium, reducing both mineral and gossypol absorption. Protein-rich meals reduce gossypol absorption. Refined cottonseed oil (gossypol-free) has standard lipid bioavailability. Cyclodextrin complexation can modulate gossypol release profile.

**Optimal Timing:** Root bark decoction: after meals; seed preparations: with meals to moderate gossypol absorption

**Standardized Extract:** Root bark extract standardized to minimum 3% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/); seed extract: gossypol content must be quantified and controlled (<0.05% for food-grade; specific higher levels for pharmaceutical research)

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for root bark powder; 24 months for refined cottonseed oil; 24 months for capsules

**Storage:** Cottonseed oil in cool, dark place (15-25°C) in amber glass or food-grade HDPE. Root bark powder in airtight containers protected from moisture. Gossypol-containing preparations require restricted storage.

**Marker Compounds:** Gossypol, Gossypin (flavonoid), [Gossypetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#gossypetin), [Herbacetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#herbacetin), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Linoleic acid, Oleic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing of seeds for oil
- Solvent extraction (hexane) for commercial oil production
- Hydroalcoholic extraction of root bark
- Selective extraction for gossypol using acetic acid-diethyl ether

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for menstrual disorder management
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for uterine health
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for [galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) formulations
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) (Castor) for anti-inflammatory combinations

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

## 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.