# Lakuca

> Lakuca (Artocarpus lacucha) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Alkaloids (particularly lactucin-type) show moderate GI absorption. Lipid-based delivery systems enhance bioavailability of sesquiterpene lactones by approximately 30%. Optimal Timing: Evening administration for sleep-promoting effects; before meals for digestive applications Standardized Extract: Standardized hydroalcoholic extract (8:1), minimum 0.5% sesquiterpene lactones (as lactucin equivalents).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Artocarpus lacucha

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Lakuca |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Amla, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Amla | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Asava/Arishta (fermented preparation), Capsules, Tablets

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; seed powder 1-3 g

**Bioavailability:** Low to moderate bioavailability due to presence of latex [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) and complex [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides). [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (particularly [lactucin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lactucin)-type) show moderate GI absorption. Lipid-based delivery systems enhance bioavailability of sesquiterpene lactones by approximately 30%.

**Optimal Timing:** Evening administration for sleep-promoting effects; before meals for digestive applications

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized hydroalcoholic extract (8:1), minimum 0.5% sesquiterpene lactones (as lactucin equivalents). Latex extract standardized to 1% [lactucopicrin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lactucopicrin).

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for powder; 30 months for coated tablets/capsules; 12 months for liquid extracts

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-resistant containers. Latex preparations are highly sensitive to light and oxidation; store under nitrogen in amber containers at 2-8 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Lactucin, Lactucopicrin, Beta-amyrin, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), [Taraxasterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#taraxasterol), Germanicol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration of latex
- Sequential solvent extraction (hexane then methanol)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) (sedative potentiation)
- [Tagara](/herb/tagara/) ([anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) synergy)
- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (cognitive support)
- [Sarpagandha](/herb/sarpagandha/) ([antihypertensive](/glossary/pharmacology/#antihypertensive) combination)

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

## 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.