# Nagakesara

> Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Coumarins are well absorbed in the upper GI tract. Mesuol has good lipophilicity favoring absorption. Fixed oil from seeds enhances absorption of co-administered lipophilic compounds.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Mesua ferrea

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Nagakesara |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (stamen/flower powder), Capsules, Tablets, Kwatha (decoction), Lepa (topical paste), Taila (medicated oil), Gutika (pills)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g stamen powder per day; 250-500 mg standardized extract twice daily; 30-50 mL decoction twice daily; topical as directed

**Bioavailability:** [Xanthones](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#xanthones) (mesua ferrin) show moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins) are well absorbed in the upper GI tract. Mesuol has good lipophilicity favoring absorption. Fixed oil from seeds enhances absorption of co-administered lipophilic compounds. First-pass hepatic metabolism is moderate for xanthone compounds.

**Optimal Timing:** Between meals for [hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) and Pitta-pacifying effects; morning for skin health; after meals for digestive action; topical application morning and evening

**Standardized Extract:** Stamen extract (8:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 2% total xanthones (as mesuaferrin equivalents) and minimum 1% mesuol. Cold-pressed seed oil for topical formulations. Aqueous extract for astringent and hemostatic preparations.

**Shelf Life:** Dried stamens: 24 months. Powder: 18 months. Capsules/tablets: 30 months. Seed oil: 24 months. Taila: 36 months.

**Storage:** Stamens and powder in airtight, light-resistant containers below 25 deg C. Protect from moisture. Seed oil in amber glass, tightly sealed. Taila at room temperature. Store in dry location as xanthones can degrade with humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Mesuaferrin A and B, Mesuol, Mesuone, Mammeisin, Beta-amyrin, Mesuanic acid, Euxanthone, Calophyllolide

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction
- Cold pressing of seeds for Nagakesara oil
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for xanthone enrichment
- Methanol extraction for comprehensive phytochemical recovery
- Oil infusion for Taila preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (hemostatic combination - premier pairing)
- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (menorrhagia management)
- [Mochras](/herb/mochras/) (hemostatic synergy)
- Praval Pishti (cooling hemostatic)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and wound healing)

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

## 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.