# Katphala

> Katphala (Myrica esculenta) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Proanthocyanidin oligomers show better absorption profiles. Nasya (nasal) administration bypasses first-pass metabolism and provides rapid CNS delivery. Phospholipid complexation of myricetin improves bioavailability 4-fold.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Myrica esculenta

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Katphala |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya, Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Nasya (nasal drops), Capsule, Taila (infused oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g bark powder twice daily; 30-50 mL decoction; Nasya: 2-4 drops per nostril; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin) (primary flavonoid) has low oral bioavailability (~10-15%) due to extensive Phase II metabolism (glucuronidation and sulfation). Proanthocyanidin oligomers show better absorption profiles. Nasya (nasal) administration bypasses first-pass metabolism and provides rapid CNS delivery. Phospholipid complexation of myricetin improves bioavailability 4-fold.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for internal use; Nasya: morning on empty stomach (classical timing); decoction for gargling: as needed for throat conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 5% myricetin and 15% total [tannins](/reference/tannins/) (as tannic acid equivalents); Nasya oil standardized to minimum 0.1% myricetin by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for bark powder; 18 months for capsules; 24 months for Nasya oil; 48 hours for fresh decoction

**Storage:** Store bark powder in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Nasya oil in amber glass dropper bottles. Protect from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** Myricetin, Myricitrin, Gallic acid, Epigallocatechin gallate, [Proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins), Myricanol, [Taraxerol](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#taraxerol), Beta-amyrin

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Infusion in sesame/[Anu Taila](/formulation/anu-taila/) for Nasya preparation
- Supercritical CO2 for myricitrin-enriched fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic synergy
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for bioavailability enhancement and respiratory conditions
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) for Nasya formulations (cognitive and sinus)
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) for enhanced absorption
- [Shirisha](/herb/shirisha/) for allergic rhinitis

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

## 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.