# Lodhra

> Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa Roxb.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Menorrhagia management supported by observational clinical data showing reduced menstrual bleeding. Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2001) as an ingredient in 32 classical formulations.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Symplocos racemosa Roxb.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (2001) as an ingredient in 32 classical formulations. No dedicated WHO monograph. Recognized in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha pharmacopeias of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Lodhra |
| Latin/Botanical | *Symplocos racemosa Roxb.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Loturine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#loturine) (alkaloid, same as harman)
- Loturidine (alkaloid)
- Colloturine (alkaloid)
- Symplocoside (flavanol glucoside)
- Ellagic acid
- [Betulin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betulin) (triterpenoid)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- 19-alpha-hydroxyasiatic acid glucoside

## How does it work?

- Astringent action: [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) precipitate [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) in mucosal lining and skin, tightening tissues and reducing exudation and bleeding.
- COX-2 inhibition: Lodhra tannins confirmed to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2, reducing prostaglandin-mediated inflammation.
- Capillary permeability reduction: [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and tannins synergistically slow capillary permeability, explaining [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) (bleeding-stopping) action.
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/): Flavonoids scavenge free radicals, protecting tissues from oxidative damage.
- Estrogenic modulation: Bark extracts show phytoestrogenic activity, potentially explaining menstrual regulation effects.

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Menorrhagia management supported by observational clinical data showing reduced menstrual bleeding.
- Wound healing confirmed in clinical trial comparing Lodhra paste to placebo.
- Anti-inflammatory activity validated through COX-2 inhibition studies.
- Leucorrhoea management supported by herbal infusion formulation studies.
- Astringent and hemostatic properties confirmed through tannin-mediated protein precipitation mechanisms.

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*5 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally considered safe within traditional dosage ranges. Astringent nature may cause constipation with prolonged high-dose use.
- No significant adverse drug interactions reported; however, gaps remain in standardizing extract concentrations and verifying long-term safety.
- Traditionally avoided during pregnancy. Should be used under practitioner supervision for gynecological conditions.

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Asava/Arishta, Topical cream/lotion, Vaginal pessaries

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder per day in divided doses; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 250-500 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Moderate oral bioavailability of flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides). Loturine and other alkaloids show reasonable GI absorption. High tannin content (15-20%) may self-limit absorption by precipitating proteins. [Proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins) undergo colonic metabolism to bioavailable phenolic acids.

**Optimal Timing:** Between meals for gynecological indications; after meals for diarrhea management; topical application morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized bark extract (10:1) with minimum 5% loturine alkaloids. Tannin-rich extract (minimum 15% tannins as [catechin](/reference/catechin/) equivalents) for topical astringent products. Lodhrasava (fermented preparation) with 5-8% self-generated alcohol.

**Shelf Life:** 30 months for bark powder; 36 months for tablets/capsules; 24 months for Asava/Arishta (improves with aging); 18 months for topical creams

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Bark powder in moisture-proof containers (RH below 60%). Asava/Arishta in glass or food-grade HDPE containers at room temperature. Topical products at 15-25 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Loturine, Colloturine, Loturidine, Symplocosine, Ellagic acid, Gallic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Oleanolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for tannin-rich extract
- Sequential extraction for alkaloid enrichment
- Spray drying of decoction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (menorrhagia and uterine tonic synergy)
- Nagkesara (hemostatic combination)
- [Dhataki](/herb/dhataki/) (Asava fermentation and uterine tonic)
- [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) (skin complexion and blood purification)
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (cooling and hemostatic synergy)

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.