# Kokilaksha

> Kokilaksha (Hygrophila auriculata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Alkaloids (hygrine derivatives) have better systemic availability. Milk-based preparations (Ksheera Paka) significantly enhance phytoecdysteroid absorption due to lipid carrier effect. Piperine co-administration improves ecdysterone bioavailability by inhibiting CYP3A4 metabolism.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Hygrophila auriculata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kokilaksha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil), [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/) Paka (milk decoction)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 500 mg capsule twice daily; 100 mL [Ksheera](/herb/ksheera/) Paka once daily

**Bioavailability:** [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols) (beta-[ecdysterone](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#ecdysterone)) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%) with rapid hepatic metabolism. [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (hygrine derivatives) have better systemic availability. Milk-based preparations (Ksheera Paka) significantly enhance phytoecdysteroid absorption due to lipid carrier effect. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration improves ecdysterone bioavailability by inhibiting CYP3A4 metabolism.

**Optimal Timing:** With milk for reproductive and anabolic applications (evening preferred); before meals for urinary conditions; Ksheera Paka at bedtime

**Standardized Extract:** Seed extract standardized to minimum 2% 20-hydroxyecdysone (beta-ecdysterone) and 5% total alkaloids by HPLC; whole plant extract to minimum 3% total [saponins](/reference/saponins/)

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for whole plant powder; 24 months for seed extract capsules; 24 hours for Ksheera Paka; 36 months for oil preparations

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Seed powder is prone to insect infestation — fumigate or use vacuum packaging. Ksheera Paka must be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

**Marker Compounds:** 20-Hydroxyecdysone (Beta-ecdysterone), 25-Hydroxydacryhainansterone, Asteracanthine, Asteracanthicine, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Betulinic acid, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) for balanced profile
- Methanol extraction for phytoecdysteroid enrichment
- Milk decoction (traditional Ksheera Paka method)
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction for improved yield

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for urinary and reproductive health synergy
- [Kapikachhu](/herb/kapikachhu/) for male fertility enhancement
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for anabolic and [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) combination
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) for comprehensive reproductive tonic
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) for nephroprotective formulations

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

## 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.