Nagakesara
Mesua ferrea
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.
| Botanical name | Mesua ferrea |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. II: NAGAKESARA (Stamen) |
| Also called | Mammea longifolia (Wight) Planch. & Triana (= Ochrocarpos longifolius Benth. & Hook.f.), the market 'Surangi' / red Nagkesar (reported in the literature) Cinnamomum wightii Meisn., flower buds sold as 'Tamra/Pilu Nagkesar' (attribution recorded without a cited source) |
| Family | Calophyllaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Also known as | Nagakesara, Naga Kesara, Mesua ferrea, Nagapuspa, Ceylon Ironwood, Cobra Saffron |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7330039 · Wikidata Q2001737 · NCBI Taxonomy 210380 |
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 (mesua ferrin) show moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). 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 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
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