# Madhukarkati

> Madhukarkati is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Cucurbitacins are lipophilic with moderate GI absorption improved by lipid co-administration. Tartaric and malic acids enhance mineral absorption. Fiber content may slow but prolong absorption of active compounds.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Madhukarkati |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Fresh fruit/juice, Churna (dried fruit powder), Capsules, Tablets, Kwatha (decoction), Avaleha (confection)

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10 g dried fruit powder per day; 50-100 mL juice daily; fresh fruit as dietary supplement as tolerated

**Bioavailability:** Good bioavailability of cucurbitane-type [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids). [Cucurbitacins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cucurbitacins) are lipophilic with moderate GI absorption improved by lipid co-administration. Tartaric and malic acids enhance mineral absorption. Fiber content may slow but prolong absorption of active compounds.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for detoxification; between meals for digestive support; seed powder with meals

**Standardized Extract:** Freeze-dried fruit extract (20:1) standardized to minimum 1% cucurbitacins (B+E). Seed kernel extract (10:1) standardized to minimum 25% linoleic acid. Spray-dried juice powder with minimum 5% total organic acids.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh fruit: 5-7 days at 5-8 deg C. Freeze-dried powder: 24 months. Spray-dried powder: 18 months. Capsules/tablets: 24 months. Seed powder: 18 months.

**Storage:** Fresh fruit at 5-8 deg C. All dried preparations in airtight containers below 25 deg C. Seed powder under nitrogen to prevent oil rancidity. Protect spray-dried powder from moisture with [silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica) gel desiccant.

**Marker Compounds:** Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Linoleic acid (in seed oil), Beta-carotene, Tartaric acid, Malic acid, [Adenosine](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#adenosine)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing for juice
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Freeze drying for maximum nutrient retention
- Spray drying with maltodextrin carrier
- Ethanol extraction for cucurbitacin enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- Amalaki (digestive and vitamin C synergy)
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) (Tridosha balancing [laxative](/reference/laxative/))
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (bioenhancement and digestive fire)
- Shunthi (digestive and anti-nausea)
- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (anthelmintic combination)

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

## 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.