# Ketaki

> Ketaki (Pandanus odorifer) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Kewra water constituents have >80% oral bioavailability. Terpenoids from leaf extracts show moderate absorption. Arka (distillate) provides pre-dissolved volatile constituents with rapid absorption.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Pandanus odorifer

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ketaki |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate/hydrosol), Taila (infused oil), Lepa (paste), Churna (powder), Attar (essential oil perfume), Kewra water (flavoring)

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10 mL [Arka](/herb/arka/) twice daily; 3-5 g powder; external oil application as needed; Kewra water: 5-10 drops as flavoring agent

**Bioavailability:** Volatile aromatic compounds (2-phenylethyl alcohol, methyl ether derivatives) are rapidly absorbed through inhalation and GI routes. Kewra water constituents have >80% oral bioavailability. [Terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) from leaf extracts show moderate absorption. Arka (distillate) provides pre-dissolved volatile constituents with rapid absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Arka and internal preparations: after meals; aromatic/calming preparations: evening or before bed; no specific restriction for external applications

**Standardized Extract:** Kewra essential oil standardized to minimum 40% 2-phenylethyl methyl ether and 15% terpineol by GC-MS; Arka standardized to aromatic volatile content by refractometry

**Shelf Life:** 12 months for Kewra water (hydrosol); 24 months for essential oil; 18 months for leaf powder; 36 months for attar (in sealed containers)

**Storage:** Kewra water in dark glass bottles, refrigerated (2-8°C) for optimal aroma retention. Essential oil in amber glass at 15-25°C. Powder in airtight containers. Attar in traditional copper/glass containers sealed with wax.

**Marker Compounds:** 2-Phenylethyl methyl ether, Terpineol, [Linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool), [Geraniol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#geraniol), Beta-phenylethyl alcohol, Pandanamine (alkaloid from leaves), Methyl beta-phenylpropionate

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation of male flower spadix (for Kewra water and essential oil)
- Hydrodistillation for attar preparation (co-distilled with sandalwood oil)
- Water distillation for Arka preparation
- Solvent extraction (hexane) for absolute
- Enfleurage (traditional) for delicate flower essence

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (Sandalwood) for attar and cooling formulations
- Gulab (Rose) for Hridya (cardiotonic) combinations
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (Vetiver) for cooling and anti-pitta therapy
- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) for calming and [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) preparations

---

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

## 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.