# Kataka

> Kataka (Strychnos potatorum L.f.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Loganiaceae family. Not in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kataka (Nirmali); WHO acknowledges natural coagulants for water purification in developing countries.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Strychnos potatorum L.f.
- **Family:** Loganiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kataka (Nirmali); WHO acknowledges natural coagulants for water purification in developing countries

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kataka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Strychnos potatorum L.f.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) (most abundant phytochemical class)
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) ([galactomannan](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#galactomannan)-based)
- [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (strychnine-related, in lower amounts than S. nux-vomica)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and phenols
- Lignins
- [Sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols) and [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)

## How does it work?

- Water purification via galactomannan protein-mediated coagulation and flocculation of suspended particles and microbes
- Anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic action through inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization by tannin-rich fractions
- Nephroprotective effect via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)-mediated protection of renal tubular cells against chemical toxins
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) mechanism through alpha-glucosidase inhibition and improvement of insulin sensitivity

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Water purification (Jala-shodhana) - strongly validated as natural coagulant and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) agent for water treatment; extensively studied
- Eye health ([Chakshushya](/herb/chakshushya/)) - traditional eye drops (Kataka seed water) supported by antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory data
- Anti-diarrheal (Atisara-nashaka) - validated through tannin-mediated astringent and antimicrobial activity
- Diabetes management (Prameha) - supported by preclinical antidiabetic studies showing blood [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) reduction

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Yadav KN, Kadam PV, Patel JA and others 2014. [Strychnos potatorum: Phytochemical and pharmacological review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24600197/). *Pharmacognosy reviews*. PMID [24600197](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24600197/) · [doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125533](https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.125533)  
  Documented comprehensive phytochemical profile with tannins, saponins, and alkaloids as major classes; validated antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/), and contraceptive 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

- Seeds used for water purification are generally considered non-toxic and safe; unlike Strychnos nux-vomica, S. potatorum contains much lower levels of strychnine
- Traditional processing (rubbing seeds on stone vessel) leaves minimal residue in purified water; internal medicinal use should follow Ayurvedic dosage guidelines; excessive use may cause astringent-related constipation

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Tannins
- Saponins
- Galactomannan
- Alkaloids
- Flavonoids
- Sterols
- Glycosides
- Lignins
- 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Beeja Churna (seed powder), Anjana (collyrium for eyes), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Water purification agent (traditional)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder twice daily; Anjana: as per ophthalmologist direction; 30-50 mL decoction; for water purification: 50-150 mg/L turbid water

**Bioavailability:** Seed proteins (cationic polyelectrolytes) act as flocculants and are not intended for systemic absorption in water purification use. For internal medicinal use, the bioactive dimorphic acid and flavonoids show moderate absorption. Oleic acid-rich seed oil enhances co-administered lipophilic drug absorption. Nanosuspension of seed extract improves ophthalmic bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive and ocular health; water treatment: add to water and allow 1-2 hours settling time

**Standardized Extract:** Seed extract standardized to minimum 5% coagulant protein fraction; medicinal extract to minimum 2% total flavonoids

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for seed powder; 18 months for capsules; 12 months for Anjana preparations

**Storage:** Store seeds and powder in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Protein-based extracts require refrigeration (2-8°C). Protect from insect infestation.

**Marker Compounds:** Dimorphic acid, Mannose-specific lectin, Cationic polypeptides, Brucine (must be absent — distinguishes from S. nux-vomica), Diaboline, [Loganin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#loganin), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction for coagulant protein fraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) for medicinal applications
- Cold pressing for seed oil (Ben oil)
- Protein precipitation and purification for water treatment applications

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for eye wash formulations (Netra Prakshalana)
- Saptamrit Lauha for ophthalmic combination
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for water purification enhancement
- [Neem](/herb/neem/) for water disinfection synergy

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

## 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.