# Lata Kasturi

> Lata Kasturi (Abelmoschus moschatus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Musk-like aromatic compounds (ambrettolide) are lipophilic with good transdermal absorption. Oral bioavailability enhanced by co-administration with fatty meals. Essential oil components are rapidly absorbed through inhalation and skin.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Abelmoschus moschatus

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Lata [Kasturi](/herb/kasturi/)|Lata Kasturi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsules, Essential oil, Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (topical paste), Infusion

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder per day; 2-5 drops essential oil for aromatherapy; topical application as needed

**Bioavailability:** Moderate bioavailability of ambrette seed bioactives. Musk-like aromatic compounds (ambrettolide) are lipophilic with good transdermal absorption. Oral bioavailability enhanced by co-administration with fatty meals. Essential oil components are rapidly absorbed through inhalation and skin.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning for internal use as adaptogen; evening for aromatherapy and relaxation; topical use as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Supercritical CO2 extract standardized to minimum 8% ambrettolide. Seed powder standardized to minimum 0.2% essential oil content. Hydroalcoholic extract (8:1) with minimum 1.5% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/).

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for seed powder; 36 months for essential oil in sealed amber vials; 18 months for capsules; 24 months for medicated oils

**Storage:** Store essential oil in amber glass bottles at 15-25 deg C, tightly sealed. Seed powder in airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Medicated oils in cool, dark conditions.

**Marker Compounds:** Ambrettolide, Farnesol, Farnesyl acetate, Decyl acetate, [Myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin), [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)-3-glucoside

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation of seeds for essential oil
- Supercritical CO2 extraction (preferred for ambrettolide)
- Cold pressing of seeds
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Solvent extraction with hexane followed by ethanol

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) (nervine and aromatic synergy)
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/)/Sandalwood (aromatic and cooling combination)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and [aphrodisiac](/glossary/pharmacology/#aphrodisiac) synergy)
- Kumkuma/[Saffron](/herb/saffron/) (luxury [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) formulation)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/lata-kasturi/

## 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.