Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Kataka

Strychnos potatorum L.f.

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 nameStrychnos potatorum L.f.
FamilyLoganiaceae
OrderGentianales
Pharmacopoeia statusNot in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as Kataka (Nirmali); WHO acknowledges natural coagulants for water purification in developing countries
Taxon identifiersGBIF 7725922 · Wikidata Q3595916 · NCBI Taxonomy 85835

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishKataka
Latin/BotanicalStrychnos potatorum L.f.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

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-mediated protection of renal tubular cells against chemical toxins
  • 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 agent for water treatment; extensively studied
  • Eye health (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 reduction

What do recent clinical trials show?

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, Beta-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 for eye wash formulations (Netra Prakshalana)
  • Saptamrit Lauha for ophthalmic combination
  • Lodhra for water purification enhancement
  • Neem for water disinfection synergy

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Other clinical studies and reviews1

  1. Yadav KN, Kadam PV, Patel JA and others. 2014. Strychnos potatorum: Phytochemical and pharmacological reviewPharmacognosy reviews. PMID 24600197 · doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125533

Laboratory and animal studies11

  1. Nagaraja K, Hemalatha D, Ansar S and others. 2023. Novel, Biosynthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles using Strychnos Potatorum Polysaccharide as a Green sustainable approach; and their effective Catalytic Hydrogenation of 4-NitrophenolInternational journal of biological macromolecules. PMID 37739284 · doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126983
  2. Pruthi Z, Kotekar AS, Saranya K. 2022. Effect of Ayurveda water purification method on total dissolved solutes in waterAyu. PMID 37554414 · doi:10.4103/ayu.ayu_366_20
  3. Abirami A, Sinsinwar S, Rajalakshmi P and others. 2022. Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of loganic acid isolated from seeds of Strychnos potatorum L. against heavy metal induced toxicity in PBMC modelDrug and chemical toxicology. PMID 31645139 · doi:10.1080/01480545.2019.1681445
  4. Nagaraja K, Rao KM, Hemalatha D and others. 2022. Strychnos Potatorum L. Seed Polysaccharide-Based Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels and Their Silver Nanocomposites for the Controlled Release of Chemotherapeutics and Antimicrobial ApplicationsACS omega. PMID 35474817 · doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c00131
  5. Vishali S, Mullai P, Mahboob S and others. 2022. Elucidation the influence of design variables on coagulation-flocculation mechanisms in the lab-scale bio-coagulation on toxic industrial effluent treatmentEnvironmental research. PMID 35405132 · doi:10.1016/j.envres.2022.113224
  6. Palshetkar A, Pathare N, Jadhav N and others. 2020. In vitro anti-HIV activity of some Indian medicinal plant extractsBMC complementary medicine and therapies. PMID 32143607 · doi:10.1186/s12906-020-2816-x
  7. Neelamkavil SV, Thoppil JE. 2015. Genotoxic assessment of calcium hypochlorite and Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds-two commonly used water purifying agentsReviews on environmental health. PMID 25411981 · doi:10.1515/reveh-2014-0066
  8. Kagithoju S, Godishala V, Nanna RS. 2015. Eco-friendly and green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Strychnos potatorum Linn.F. and their bactericidal activities3 Biotech. PMID 28324525 · doi:10.1007/s13205-014-0272-3
  9. Biswas A, Chatterjee S, Chowdhury R and others. 2012. Antidiabetic effect of seeds of Strychnos potatorum Linn. in a streptozotocin-induced model of diabetesActa poloniae pharmaceutica. PMID 23061291
  10. Patil UJ, Savali AS, Jirankali MC. 2011. Antianaphylactic and mast cell stabilization activity of Strychnos potatorum Linn. seedPharmacognosy research. PMID 22022171 · doi:10.4103/0974-8490.85011
  11. Sanmugapriya E, Venkataraman S. 2006. Studies on hepatoprotective and antioxidant actions of Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury in experimental ratsJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 16388923 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.10.028

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