Paribhadra
Erythrina variegata
Paribhadra (Erythrina variegata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Isoflavonoids show moderate absorption (20-35%). Alkaloid absorption may be pH-dependent with enhanced uptake in alkaline intestinal environment. First-pass hepatic metabolism is significant; consider sustained-release formulations for maintaining therapeutic levels.
| Botanical name | Erythrina variegata |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. II: PARIBHADRA (Stem Bark) |
| Also called | Erythrina indica Lam. (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5349581 · Wikidata Q715744 · NCBI Taxonomy 3845 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Paribhadra |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (bark powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (oil), Lepa (paste)
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g bark powder twice daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily
Bioavailability: Erythrina alkaloids (erysodine, erysovine) have moderate oral bioavailability (25-45%) with nicotinic receptor activity. Isoflavonoids show moderate absorption (20-35%). Alkaloid absorption may be pH-dependent with enhanced uptake in alkaline intestinal environment. First-pass hepatic metabolism is significant; consider sustained-release formulations for maintaining therapeutic levels.
Optimal Timing: After meals to reduce GI irritation from alkaloids. Evening dosing may be preferred for conditions requiring sedative/anxiolytic effect.
Standardized Extract: Paribhadra bark extract (8:1) standardized to total alkaloids 1-2% (as erysodine), total isoflavonoids >3%. Safety-tested for alkaloid content within therapeutic window.
Shelf Life: Bark powder: 18-24 months; Standardized extract: 24 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months; Taila: 18-24 months
Storage: Store in airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Alkaloid-containing extracts require secure storage per schedule requirements. Keep out of reach of children.
Marker Compounds: Erysodine, Erysovine, Erysopine, Erythraline, Erycristagallin, Isoflavonoids, Beta-sitosterol, Gallic acid
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Acid-base extraction for alkaloid isolation
- Oil infusion for topical preparations
- Methanol extraction for isoflavonoid fraction
Synergistic Combinations
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