# Madayantika

> Madayantika (Lawsonia inermis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Indole alkaloids show good GI absorption. Monoterpene indole alkaloids undergo significant first-pass hepatic metabolism. Tannins may reduce bioavailability of co-administered compounds. Quercetin glycosides are hydrolyzed in gut to absorbable aglycones.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Lawsonia inermis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Madayantika |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Svarasa (fresh juice), Capsules, Tablets, Avaleha (confection), Gulkand-type preparation

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g flower/fruit powder per day; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 mL juice; 5-10 g Avaleha preparation

**Bioavailability:** Moderate bioavailability of [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids). Indole alkaloids show good GI absorption. Monoterpene indole alkaloids undergo significant first-pass hepatic metabolism. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) may reduce bioavailability of co-administered compounds. [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) are hydrolyzed in gut to absorbable aglycones.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for digestive and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects; evening for cooling and Pitta-pacifying actions; topical application as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Flower extract (8:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 2% total flavonoids (as quercetin equivalents). Fruit extract with minimum 1% lawsone. Essential oil from flowers for aromatic and therapeutic use.

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for dried flower/fruit powder; 30 months for tablets/capsules; 18 months for Avaleha; 12 months for fresh juice preparations

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-resistant containers. Flower preparations are photosensitive due to lawsone content. Protect from moisture. Avaleha in glass or food-grade containers at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Cosmosiin, Gallic acid, Tannic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Laxanthone

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration of flowers
- Steam distillation for essential oil from flowers
- Ethanolic percolation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/)/Sandalwood (cooling and Pitta-pacifying)
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (cooling and blood purifying)
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) (skin health combination)
- [Padmaka](/herb/padmaka/) (complexion enhancer)
- [Kumuda](/herb/kumuda/) (cardiac tonic combination)

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

## 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.