Koshataki
Luffa acutangula
Koshataki (Luffa acutangula) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Cucurbitane triterpenoids show moderate oral absorption enhanced by lipid carriers. Sapogenins have improved bioavailability in SNEDDS formulations. Nasya administration of juice provides direct nasal mucosal delivery for pratishyaya (rhinitis) management.
| Botanical name | Luffa acutangula |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. III: KOSATAKI (Whole Plant) |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2874601 · Wikidata Q1948703 · NCBI Taxonomy 56866 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Koshataki |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Swarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Nasya (nasal drops), Capsule, Beeja Churna (seed powder)
Standard Dosage: 5-10 mL fresh fruit juice; 2-4 g powder twice daily; 30-50 mL decoction; Nasya: 2-4 drops per nostril; 500 mg capsule
Bioavailability: Ribosome-inactivating proteins (luffin) are acid-labile with poor oral bioavailability — primarily active topically and via nasal route. Cucurbitane triterpenoids show moderate oral absorption enhanced by lipid carriers. Sapogenins have improved bioavailability in SNEDDS formulations. Nasya administration of juice provides direct nasal mucosal delivery for pratishyaya (rhinitis) management.
Optimal Timing: Nasya: early morning on empty stomach for sinus conditions; internal preparations: after meals; juice: morning for respiratory benefit
Standardized Extract: Fruit extract standardized to minimum 3% total saponins and 2% cucurbitacins; seed extract to minimum 5% protein content with characterized RIP activity
Shelf Life: 6 hours for fresh juice (Nasya grade); 18 months for dried powder; 24 months for capsules; 24 months for seed oil
Storage: Fresh juice must be used immediately or refrigerated (2-8°C) for max 6 hours. Dried preparations in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Seed oil in dark glass bottles at cool temperature.
Marker Compounds: Luffin (ribosome-inactivating protein), Cucurbitacin B, Oleanolic acid, Sapogenins, Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol
Extraction Methods
- Cold pressing of fresh fruit for juice
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Aqueous extraction for protein-rich fraction
- Seed oil extraction by cold pressing
- Freeze-drying for protein preservation
Synergistic Combinations
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