# Nimba Patra

> Nimba Patra (Azadirachta indica) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Nimbolide from leaf has rapid oral absorption (Tmax ~1.5 h) but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Leaf polyphenols show pH-dependent absorption with better uptake in alkaline intestinal environment.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Azadirachta indica

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Nimba](/herb/nimba/) Patra |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Tablet, Capsule, Churna, Swarasa (fresh juice), Kwatha (decoction), Lepa (paste), Mouthwash, Toothpaste formulation

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g dried leaf powder twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh leaf juice daily; 300-500 mg standardized leaf extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and other [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) from [neem](/herb/neem/) leaf show oral bioavailability of 15-25%; improved to 40-55% via phospholipid complexation or solid dispersion with PVP. [Nimbolide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbolide) from leaf has rapid oral absorption (Tmax ~1.5 h) but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Leaf [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) show pH-dependent absorption with better uptake in alkaline intestinal environment.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach for blood purification (Swarasa). After meals for blood sugar management. Mouthwash: after brushing, twice daily.

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized [neem](/herb/neem/) leaf extract (10:1) with minimum [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) 2%, nimbolide 0.5%, and total phenolics >8% (GAE). Aqueous spray-dried extract with validated HPTLC fingerprint.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: 6-8 hours (unpreserved); Dried powder: 12-18 months; Standardized extract: 24 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Fresh leaves: refrigerated 2-8 deg C. Dried powder and extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Avoid metal containers due to tannin-metal complexation.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, Nimbolide, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), Gallic acid, [Catechin](/reference/catechin/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Nimbanene

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (5-10% w/v)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Fresh juice extraction by mechanical pressing
- Spray drying of aqueous extract with maltodextrin
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction for flavonoid-enriched fractions

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) synergy)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/))
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (blood sugar management combination)
- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) Patra (dermatological combination)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) (comprehensive detox with neem leaf)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/nimba-patra/

## 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.