Latakaranja
Caesalpinia bonduc
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.
| Botanical name | Caesalpinia bonduc |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: LATAKARANJA (Seed) |
| Also called | Guilandina bonduc L. (nomenclatural synonym) Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Fleming (nomenclatural synonym) Caesalpinia crista Linn. (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Currently accepted name | Guilandina bonduc L. — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2958671 · Wikidata Q1020695 · NCBI Taxonomy 191881 |
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 in the extract may reduce absorption of concurrent medications. Cassane-type diterpenes undergo hepatic metabolism via CYP450 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. 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, 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
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