# Latakaranja

> Latakaranja (Caesalpinia bonduc) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Internal use requires purification (Shodhana). Bioavailability: Moderate bioavailability of diterpenoid compounds. Caesalpins show variable absorption depending on GI pH. Tannins in the extract may reduce absorption of concurrent medications.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Caesalpinia bonduc

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Latakaranja |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder per day; 3-6 g leaf/bark powder; 20-40 mL decoction twice daily. Internal use requires purification (Shodhana).

**Bioavailability:** Moderate bioavailability of diterpenoid compounds. Caesalpins show variable absorption depending on GI pH. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) in the extract may reduce absorption of concurrent medications. Cassane-type [diterpenes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diterpenes) undergo hepatic metabolism via CYP450 [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes).

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for anti-malarial and antiparasitic indications; with meals for general tonic effects; topical application twice daily

**Standardized Extract:** Purified seed kernel extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 2% caesalpins. Leaf extract standardized to minimum 3% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/). Oil extract for topical use at 5-10% concentration.

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for purified powder and capsules; 36 months for tablets; 18 months for topical oil preparations

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-resistant containers. Raw seeds can be stored for extended periods due to hard coat. Purified preparations require protection from moisture (RH below 60%).

**Marker Compounds:** Caesalpin, Bonducin, Caesaldekarin, Norcaesalpin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Homoisoflavones

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction
- Soxhlet extraction with methanol
- Cold maceration for heat-sensitive diterpenoids
- Sequential extraction (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, water)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) (dermatological synergy)
- [Nimba](/herb/nimba/)/[Neem](/herb/neem/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) combination)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and wound healing)
- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (antiparasitic potentiation)

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

## 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.