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 and flavonoid glycosides show moderate oral bioavailability. 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.
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
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, Quercetin, Gallic acid, Tannins
Extraction Methods
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for mucilage-rich fraction
- Soxhlet extraction for comprehensive phytochemical profiling
Synergistic Combinations
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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