Madayantika
Lawsonia inermis
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.
| Botanical name | Lawsonia inermis |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. IV: MADAYANTI (Leaf) |
| Family | Lythraceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5420912 · Wikidata Q182448 · NCBI Taxonomy 141191 |
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 and alkaloids. 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.
Optimal Timing: After meals for digestive and 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, Apigenin, Cosmosiin, Gallic acid, Tannic acid, Beta-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
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