# Kumbhika

> Kumbhika is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Mucilaginous polysaccharides slow absorption but provide sustained release. Traditional co-administration with ghee or sesame oil enhances lipophilic constituent absorption. Decoction form hydrolyzes glycosides improving aglycone availability.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kumbhika |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Capsule, Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-80 mL decoction; 10-20 mL juice; external paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** [Triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) and flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate oral bioavailability. Mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) slow absorption but provide sustained release. Traditional co-administration with ghee or [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) enhances lipophilic constituent absorption. Decoction form hydrolyzes glycosides improving aglycone availability.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with appropriate Anupana (vehicle) based on condition; external applications twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 3% total triterpenoids (as oleanolic acid equivalents) and 2% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for powder; 24 months for capsules; decoction consumed within 24 hours; fresh juice within 6 hours

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Protect from moisture and insect infestation. Mucilaginous preparations are prone to microbial growth — ensure moisture content <10%.

**Marker Compounds:** Oleanolic acid, Betulinic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Gallic acid, [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for [mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage)-rich fraction
- Soxhlet extraction for comprehensive phytochemical profiling

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Kumuda](/herb/kumuda/) and [Kumud](/herb/kumud/) for cooling, Pitta-pacifying combinations
- [Padmaka](/herb/padmaka/) for cardiac and cooling formulations
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) for blood purification
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) for urinary and cooling preparations

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

## 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.