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. 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 gel desiccant.
Marker Compounds: Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Linoleic acid (in seed oil), Beta-carotene, Tartaric acid, Malic acid, 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
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