# Kurabaka

> Kurabaka is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Flavonoids show moderate oral bioavailability. Bark tannins exert primarily local GI action with limited systemic absorption. Lipid-based formulations (Taila) enhance transdermal penetration of bioactives for topical applications.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kurabaka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | 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 (flower/bark powder), Kashayam (decoction), Taila (infused oil), Lepa (paste), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4 g powder twice daily; 40-80 mL decoction; external oil and paste application as needed

**Bioavailability:** Essential oil [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) from flowers are readily absorbed via oral and transdermal routes. [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) show moderate oral bioavailability. Bark [tannins](/reference/tannins/) exert primarily local GI action with limited systemic absorption. Lipid-based formulations (Taila) enhance transdermal penetration of bioactives for topical applications.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for internal use; external applications morning and evening; flower preparations for aromatic therapy anytime

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract standardized to minimum 5% total tannins and 2% total flavonoids; flower oil minimum 0.3% yield with characterized terpenoid profile

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for bark powder; 18 months for flower preparations; 36 months for oil; 24 months for capsules

**Storage:** Store powder in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Essential oil in amber glass. Flower-based preparations protect from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Barlerin, Shanzhiside, Lupulin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Iridoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), Essential oil terpenoids, Flavonoid glycosides

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation for essential oil from flowers
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) of bark
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Cold maceration in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) for Taila
- Hydrodistillation of flowers

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Kanchanar](/herb/kanchanar/) for anti-inflammatory synergy
- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) for menstrual disorder management
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) for gynecological formulations
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for skin health preparations

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

## 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.