Kembuka
Costus speciosus
Kembuka (Costus speciosus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Traditional preparation with Trikatu enhances absorption of lipophilic constituents. Decoction form provides hydrolyzed glycosides with improved absorption. Mucilaginous constituents slow but sustain absorption.
| Botanical name | Costus speciosus |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: KEBUKA (Rhizome) |
| Also called | Hellenia speciosa (J.Koenig) S.R.Dutta (nomenclatural synonym) Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Koenig) C.D.Specht (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Currently accepted name | Hellenia speciosa (J.Koenig) S.R.Dutta — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Costaceae |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2756724 · Wikidata Q15250450 · NCBI Taxonomy 49577 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Kembuka |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kalka (paste), Capsule, Phanta (hot infusion)
Standard Dosage: 2-4 g powder twice daily; 40-80 mL decoction twice daily; paste for external application as needed
Bioavailability: Alkaloids and flavonoid glycosides show moderate oral bioavailability. Traditional preparation with Trikatu enhances absorption of lipophilic constituents. Decoction form provides hydrolyzed glycosides with improved absorption. Mucilaginous constituents slow but sustain absorption.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water; for anti-inflammatory applications, twice daily at consistent intervals
Standardized Extract: Standardized to minimum 2% diosgenin by HPLC and 3% total saponins (as diosgenin equivalents)
Shelf Life: 18 months for rhizome powder; 24 months for capsules; decoction consumed within 24 hours
Storage: Store dried rhizome material in airtight containers at 15-30°C. High moisture content of raw rhizome (>70%) demands thorough drying to <10% moisture. Protect from humidity and insect infestation.
Marker Compounds: Diosgenin, Costunolide, Eremanthin, Stigmasterol, Beta-sitosterol, Gracillin, Prosapogenin
Extraction Methods
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for mucilage-rich preparations
- Infusion for volatile-rich fractions
Synergistic Combinations
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