# Kiratatikta

> Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayita) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Xanthones (swertianin, mangiferin) have lower bioavailability (15-20%) due to low aqueous solubility. Piperine co-administration enhances xanthone absorption by 40%. Nano-emulsion formulations of amarogentin show 3-fold improved bioavailability.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Swertia chirayita

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kiratatikta |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | 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), Capsule, Tablet, Ghana Vati (solid extract tablet), Tincture

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder twice daily; 30-50 mL decoction; 500 mg capsule twice daily; Ghana Vati: 250-500 mg twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Amarogentin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#amarogentin) (secoiridoid glycoside) and [swertiamarin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#swertiamarin) show good oral bioavailability (35-45%). [Xanthones](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#xanthones) (swertianin, [mangiferin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mangiferin)) have lower bioavailability (15-20%) due to low aqueous solubility. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration enhances xanthone absorption by 40%. Nano-emulsion formulations of amarogentin show 3-fold improved bioavailability. Bitter principles stimulate gastric secretion enhancing absorption of co-administered nutrients.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals (30 minutes) for appetite stimulation and digestive enzyme activation; for fever: every 6-8 hours; for liver conditions: twice daily with warm water

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 1% amarogentin and 4% swertiamarin by HPLC (per API standards); xanthone content >0.5% (as mangiferin equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for powder; 36 months for standardized extract capsules; 24 months for Ghana Vati; 36 months for tincture

**Storage:** Store in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25°C. Secoiridoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) are relatively stable. Protect from light. Tinctures in amber glass bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Amarogentin, Swertiamarin, Swertianin, Mangiferin, Swerchirin, [Gentiopicrin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#gentiopicrin), Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol) — industry standard
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Methanol extraction for xanthone-enriched fractions
- Supercritical CO2 for selective secoiridoid extraction
- Column chromatography for amarogentin and swertiamarin isolation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kutki (Picrorhiza) for comprehensive [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) formulation
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for fever and hepatitis management
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) for anti-malarial and febrifuge synergy
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) for digestive and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) combination
- [Bhumyamalaki](/herb/bhumyamalaki/) for hepatitis B and C support

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

## 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.