# Padmaka

> Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides D. Don) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as an official drug. [An Insight Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Evidences, and Biosynthesis of Key Metabolites of Indian Himalayan Cherry (Prunus cerasoides Don.) with Emphasis on its Safety and Use in Tradtional Phytomedicine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39552266/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Prunus cerasoides D. Don
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as an official drug. Referenced in classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita) as a Varnya (complexion-enhancing) herb. No dedicated WHO monograph published.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Padmaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Prunus cerasoides D. Don* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) (phytosterol)
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/) (steroid)
- Ursolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenoid)
- Prunetinoside (isoflavone glycoside)
- Glucogenkwanin (flavone glycoside)
- Neosakuranin (flavanone glycoside)
- Puddumin-A and Puddumin-B ([flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/))

## How does it work?

- Ursolic acid anti-inflammatory pathway: Inhibits NF-kB nuclear translocation and suppresses COX-2 and iNOS expression, reducing skin inflammation and redness
- Phytosterol skin barrier enhancement: beta-Sitosterol and stigmasterol integrate into skin lipid bilayers, strengthening the stratum corneum barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss, and improving skin hydration
- Flavonoid [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection: Prunetinoside and neosakuranin scavenge free radicals and chelate metal ions, protecting skin from oxidative stress-induced aging and pigmentation
- Astringent toning mechanism: Tannin-like compounds precipitate superficial skin [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins), reducing pore size and improving skin texture and complexion

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Complexion enhancement (Varnya): Traditional face pack use supported by antioxidant activity and development of Padmaka-based cosmetic face serum (2024 study)
- Anti-inflammatory skin rash relief: Validated by bark powder application studies showing reduction in skin rashes and itching through NF-kB suppression
- Skin discoloration treatment: Traditional heartwood use for discoloration partially supported by antioxidant mechanisms, though clinical trials are needed

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Jyotshna, Shanker K 2025. [An Insight Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Evidences, and Biosynthesis of Key Metabolites of Indian Himalayan Cherry (Prunus cerasoides Don.) with Emphasis on its Safety and Use in Tradtional Phytomedicine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39552266/). *Chemistry & biodiversity*. PMID [39552266](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39552266/) · [doi:10.1002/cbdv.202401814](https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202401814)  
  Comprehensive review identified over fifty diverse phytochemicals including flavones, [isoflavones](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavones), chalcones, [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids), [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides), and [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols), confirming significant pharmacological potential for antioxidant, [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/), and anti-pyretic applications.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- No significant adverse effects reported in traditional use at recommended doses. Limited formal toxicology data available; the 2025 comprehensive review emphasizes the need for formal safety studies
- Wild Himalayan cherry is a food-grade plant (fruits edible); bark and heartwood preparations for skin use have centuries of traditional safety record in Ayurveda. No known drug interactions reported

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Sitosterol
- Stigmasterol
- Flavonoids
- Ursolic acid 
- Prunetinoside 
- Glucogenkwanin 
- Neosakuranin 
- Puddumin-A and Puddumin-B 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna, Kwatha, Capsule, Tablet, Asava/Arishtam, Lepa (paste), Cream

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g heartwood powder twice daily; 500-750 mg standardized extract daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides) contains flavonoids and terpenoids with moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Sakuranetin and prunetin are absorbed in the small intestine with Tmax of 2-3 hours. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) may reduce absorption of co-administered nutrients. Lipid-based delivery or cyclodextrin inclusion complexes can improve flavonoid bioavailability by 40-60%.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for general use. For menstrual health: begin 5-7 days before expected menses. For skin conditions: morning and evening with meals.

**Standardized Extract:** Padmaka heartwood extract (10:1) standardized to total flavonoids >4% (as sakuranetin). Aqueous extract with HPTLC fingerprint matching API reference standard.

**Shelf Life:** Heartwood powder: 24-36 months; Standardized extract: 24-36 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Heartwood pieces can be stored longer (up to 5 years) in dry conditions.

**Marker Compounds:** Sakuranetin, Prunetin, [Genistein](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#genistein), [Naringenin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#naringenin), [Taxifolin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#taxifolin), Puddumin-A, Beta-sitosterol, Tannic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid isolation
- Acetone-water extraction for polyphenol enrichment
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (uterine health and menstrual regulation)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (leucorrhea and gynecological health)
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (cooling and complexion-enhancing)
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (anti-inflammatory and cooling combination)
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) (skin complexion and blood purification)

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.