# Medasaka

> Medasaka (Litsea glutinosa) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Saponin glycosides undergo intestinal hydrolysis. Sapogenins show improved absorption with lipid vehicles. Mucilaginous fraction provides local GI effects without systemic absorption. Overall moderate bioavailability for steroidal components.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Litsea glutinosa

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Medasaka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Taila (medicated oil), Avaleha (confection)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day in divided doses; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg extract capsules twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Similar profile to [Meda](/herb/meda/). Saponin [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) undergo intestinal hydrolysis. Sapogenins show improved absorption with lipid vehicles. Mucilaginous fraction provides local GI effects without systemic absorption. Overall moderate bioavailability for steroidal components.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals for nutritive effects; morning with warm milk for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) action; Ghrita preparation with meals

**Standardized Extract:** Tuber extract (8:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 4% total steroidal [saponins](/reference/saponins/). [Mucilage](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mucilage) fraction isolated for GI-targeted preparations. Combined Ashtavarga extract for premium Rasayana products.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh tubers: 7-10 days refrigerated. Dried powder: 18 months. Extract capsules: 24 months. Ghrita: 24 months. Taila: 36 months.

**Storage:** Same requirements as Meda. Store dried material below 25 deg C with desiccant protection. Ghrita and Taila at room temperature in glass or stainless steel containers. Protect from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Hecogenin, [Polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) (mucilage), Saponin glycosides

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Ghrita Paka method
- Oil extraction for Taila
- Sequential extraction for saponin fractionation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Meda (complementary within Ashtavarga)
- [Jivaka](/herb/jivaka/)-[Rishabhaka](/herb/rishabhaka/) (Ashtavarga group members)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (nutritive and reproductive tonic)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/)-[Atibala](/herb/atibala/) (strengthening combination)
- [Vidari](/herb/vidari/) Kanda (nutritive Rasayana)

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

## 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.