# Mandukparni

> Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Madecassoside shows similar absorption profile. Triterpene glycosides are hydrolyzed to aglycones (asiatic acid, madecassic acid) which are better absorbed. Lipid-based formulations (Ghrita, phospholipid complexes) increase bioavailability 2-3 fold.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Centella asiatica

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Mandukparni |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Svarasa (fresh juice), Churna (powder), Capsules, Tablets, Syrup, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee - [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Ghrita), Medhya [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) formulations, Topical cream

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20 mL fresh juice daily; 3-6 g powder per day; 500-1000 mg standardized extract daily; 5-10 g Ghrita preparation daily

**Bioavailability:** [Asiaticoside](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#asiaticoside) has moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%). [Madecassoside](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#madecassoside) shows similar absorption profile. Triterpene [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) are hydrolyzed to aglycones (asiatic acid, madecassic acid) which are better absorbed. Lipid-based formulations (Ghrita, phospholipid complexes) increase bioavailability 2-3 fold. Phytosome technology with phosphatidylcholine (TECA-Phytosome) achieves 3-5x enhanced absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for cognitive enhancement (Medhya effect); Ghrita preparation with warm milk at bedtime; topical application twice daily for wound healing

**Standardized Extract:** TECA-equivalent standardized extract: 40% asiaticoside, 29-30% madecassoside, 29-30% asiatic acid + madecassic acid. Phytosome complex with phosphatidylcholine for enhanced oral bioavailability. Fresh juice freeze-dried to preserve Medhya properties. Brahmi Ghrita prepared per AFI protocol.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: 2-4 hours (must be consumed immediately per classical texts). Dried powder: 18 months. Standardized extract capsules: 24-30 months. Ghrita: 24 months. Topical cream: 18 months.

**Storage:** Fresh plant refrigerated, process within 4 hours of harvest. Dried herb/extract below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Phytosome preparations in moisture-proof, nitrogen-flushed packaging. Ghrita in clean glass containers at room temperature. Protect all forms from light.

**Marker Compounds:** Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Brahmoside, Brahminoside, Centellose, Isothankuniside

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh juice extraction (classical Medhya preparation)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
- Standardized aqueous extraction
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for terpenoid enrichment
- Ghrita Paka (ghee extraction) for classical Brahmi Ghrita
- Phytosome complexation with phosphatidylcholine

### Synergistic Combinations

- Brahmi/Bacopa (cognitive enhancement - Medhya Rasayana pair)
- [Shankhpushpi](/herb/shankhpushpi/) (memory and cognitive synergy)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and [nootropic](/glossary/pharmacology/#nootropic) combination)
- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) ([anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/))
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) (speech and cognitive clarity)
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (Medhya Rasayana formula)

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

## 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.