Nadi Hingu
Gardenia gummifera
Nadi Hingu (Gardenia gummifera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Volatile sulfur compounds are rapidly absorbed but also rapidly metabolized. Gum-resin matrix provides sustained release of active compounds in the GI tract.
| Botanical name | Gardenia gummifera |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. VI: NADIHINGU (Exudate) |
| Also called | Gardenia arborea (nomenclatural synonym) Gardenia resinifera (reported in the literature) |
| Family | Rubiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Also known as | Nadi Hingu, NadiHingu |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5335166 · Wikidata Q1595858 · NCBI Taxonomy 1357586 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Nadi Hingu |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (resin powder), Capsules, Tablets, Gutika (pills), Vati (medicated pills), Combined formulations
Standard Dosage: 250-500 mg resin powder per day; typically in combination formulations at 125-250 mg per dose; with warm water or buttermilk
Bioavailability: Ferulic acid and farnesiferols have moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-50%). Volatile sulfur compounds are rapidly absorbed but also rapidly metabolized. Gum-resin matrix provides sustained release of active compounds in the GI tract. Umbelliferone shows good oral absorption (~45%).
Optimal Timing: Before meals for digestive stimulation; after meals for carminative effect; with warm water or buttermilk for enhanced action
Standardized Extract: Purified oleo-gum-resin standardized to minimum 5% ferulic acid and 2% volatile oil content. Hydroalcoholic extract (8:1) with minimum 8% total phenolic acids. Volatile oil fraction by steam distillation for aromatherapy applications.
Shelf Life: Crude resin: 36+ months. Purified resin powder: 24 months. Capsules/tablets: 30 months. Volatile oil: 24 months.
Storage: Store resin in airtight containers below 30 deg C (softens at higher temperatures). Protect from light. Volatile oil in amber glass, tightly sealed. All forms protected from moisture. Keep away from strong-smelling substances as resin can absorb odors.
Marker Compounds: Ferulic acid, Umbelliferone, Farnesiferol, Isopimpinellin, Volatile sulfur compounds, Gum polysaccharides, Sesquiterpene coumarins
Extraction Methods
- Natural resin collection from root incision
- Purification by dissolution in warm water and filtration
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
- Steam distillation for volatile oil fraction
- Supercritical CO2 for non-volatile resin components
Synergistic Combinations
- Hingu/Asafoetida (digestive and carminative potentiation)
- Shunthi (digestive and anti-spasmodic)
- Ajwain (carminative combination)
- Chitrak (digestive fire enhancement)
- Saindhava Lavana (digestive and mineral)
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