# Palasha

> Palasha (Butea monosperma) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Butein is rapidly absorbed (Tmax ~1 h) but undergoes extensive glucuronidation. Seed proteins (lectins) have very low oral bioavailability due to proteolytic degradation.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Butea monosperma

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Palasha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | 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 (seed/bark powder), Kwatha (bark decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste), Kshara (alkali preparation), Eye drops (traditional)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder daily (anthelmintic dose); 3-6 g bark powder daily; 20-40 mL bark decoction twice daily; Palasha Kshara 500 mg - 1 g with honey

**Bioavailability:** [Butrin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#butrin), isobutrin, and palasitrin (chalcones) from flowers show moderate bioavailability (20-35%). Butein is rapidly absorbed (Tmax ~1 h) but undergoes extensive glucuronidation. Seed [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) ([lectins](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lectins)) have very low oral bioavailability due to proteolytic degradation. Kshara (alkaline preparation) may enhance bioavailability of certain phytochemicals by increasing intestinal pH and solubility.

**Optimal Timing:** Anthelmintic seed powder: early morning on empty stomach for 3-7 days. Bark decoction: between meals. Kshara: with honey or warm water after meals.

**Standardized Extract:** Palasha flower extract standardized to butrin >5% and butein >2%. Bark extract (6:1) standardized to total [tannins](/reference/tannins/) >10%. Kshara preparation with pH 10-12, total alkalinity as specified in API.

**Shelf Life:** Bark/seed powder: 18-24 months; Flower extract: 18-24 months; Kshara: 24-36 months (stable alkaline preparation); Tablets: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Powders and extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light (especially flower preparations). Kshara: airtight glass or HDPE container, protected from moisture absorption. Seeds: cool, dry, pest-free storage.

**Marker Compounds:** Butrin, Isobutrin, Butein, Palasitrin, Monospermin, Gallic acid, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Butin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol) of flowers for butrin
- Sequential extraction of seeds (defatting with hexane, then ethanol extraction)
- Traditional Kshara preparation (incineration and aqueous leaching)
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid-rich fractions

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (anthelmintic synergy)
- Palasha Kshara + [Gomutra](/herb/gomutra/) (urinary calculi dissolution)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory and wound healing)
- Kutaja (anti-diarrheal and anti-dysenteric)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) (digestive and detoxification combination)

---

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

## 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.