# Kumud

> Kumud is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Alkaloids (nymphayol) are well-absorbed orally. Ghrita (ghee) preparations provide lipid carrier for enhanced absorption of lipophilic compounds. Mucilaginous rhizome constituents create sustained-release matrix in GI tract.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kumud |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | 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 (juice), Kalka (paste), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 10-20 mL juice; 5-10 g medicated ghee

**Bioavailability:** [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)) from water lily show moderate oral bioavailability. [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (nymphayol) are well-absorbed orally. [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (ghee) preparations provide lipid carrier for enhanced absorption of lipophilic compounds. Mucilaginous rhizome constituents create sustained-release matrix in GI tract.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive cooling; Ghrita preparation: twice daily with warm water; flower preparations: evening for calming effect

**Standardized Extract:** Rhizome extract standardized to minimum 2% total alkaloids (as nymphayol) and 3% total flavonoids; flower extract to minimum 1% essential oil

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for dried rhizome powder; 24 months for capsules; 12 months for Ghrita; decoction consumed within 24 hours

**Storage:** Store dried material in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C. Rhizome powder is hygroscopic. Ghrita in clean glass jars at room temperature. Flower preparations protected from light.

**Marker Compounds:** Nymphayol, Nupharin, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), Kaempferol, [Myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin), Gallic acid, Nymphaesterone, [Starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction of rhizome
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold pressing of fresh rhizome for juice
- Ghrita preparation (Sneha Paka with ghee)
- Infusion of flowers for aromatic preparations

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Kumuda](/herb/kumuda/) for complementary aquatic plant synergy
- [Padmaka](/herb/padmaka/) for cardiac support
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) for cooling and Pitta-pacifying formulations
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) for anti-inflammatory combinations
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) for blood purification

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

## 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.