# Lavanga

> Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Buccal absorption is rapid, useful in dental formulations. Beta-caryophyllene shows improved bioavailability in lipid vehicles. Glucuronidation is the primary metabolic pathway. Enteric coating can delay release for lower GI targeting.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Syzygium aromaticum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Lavanga |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Essential oil, Capsules, Tablets, Dental preparations, Mouthwash, Kwatha (decoction), Avaleha (confection), Modaka (bolus)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-2 g powder per day; 250-500 mg extract capsules twice daily; 1-3 drops essential oil topically (diluted); 0.5-1 g in Avaleha formulations

**Bioavailability:** [Eugenol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#eugenol) rapidly absorbed orally with approximately 50% bioavailability. Buccal absorption is rapid, useful in dental formulations. Beta-caryophyllene shows improved bioavailability in lipid vehicles. Glucuronidation is the primary metabolic pathway. Enteric coating can delay release for lower GI targeting.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive carminative action; before meals for appetite stimulation; as needed for dental analgesia

**Standardized Extract:** Steam-distilled essential oil (minimum 85% eugenol by GC). CO2 extract preserving full terpenoid profile. Standardized dry extract (4:1) with minimum 12% eugenol. Water-soluble extract for mouthwash formulations.

**Shelf Life:** 36 months for essential oil; 24 months for dry extract powder; 30 months for tablets/capsules; 18 months for mouthwash preparations

**Storage:** Essential oil: amber glass, tightly sealed, 15-25 deg C, away from direct sunlight. Dry extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH below 60%. Clove buds whole: airtight at room temperature, up to 3 years.

**Marker Compounds:** Eugenol, Beta-caryophyllene, Eugenyl acetate, Alpha-humulene, Methyl salicylate, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Rhamnetin, Crategolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation (standard for essential oil)
- Hydrodistillation
- Supercritical CO2 extraction (superior aromatic retention)
- Solvent extraction with ethanol
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction
- Enzyme-assisted extraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- Ela/Cardamom (aromatic digestive)
- Maricha/[Black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/) ([Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/)-type warming combination)
- Twak/Cinnamon (combined warming spice therapy)
- [Jatiphala](/herb/jatiphala/)/Nutmeg (digestive and carminative)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) synergy)

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

## 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.