Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Patha

Cissampelos pareira

Patha (Cissampelos pareira) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Alkaloids are lipophilic (log P 2-4) and cross biological membranes readily. First-pass metabolism is moderate; sustained-release formulations may improve therapeutic coverage. Hayatine shows Tmax of 2-3 hours.

Key facts
Botanical nameCissampelos pareira
Identity sourceAyurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I: PATHA (Root)
Also calledCyclea peltata (regional usage)
Stephania japonica (traded as a substitute)
FamilyMenispermaceae · other entries in this family
OrderRanunculales
Taxon identifiersGBIF 3033937 · Wikidata Q3291604 · NCBI Taxonomy 108409

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishPatha

Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

PropertyValueDescription
Rasa (Taste)TiktaPrimary taste
Guna (Quality)Laghu, TikshnaPhysical quality
Virya (Potency)UshnaHeating/Cooling effect
Vipaka (Post-digestive)KatuPost-digestive effect

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Vati, Asava

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

Bioavailability: Cissampeline (hayatinine) and other bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Cissampelos pareira have moderate oral bioavailability (30-45%) with good GI absorption. Alkaloids are lipophilic (log P 2-4) and cross biological membranes readily. First-pass metabolism is moderate; sustained-release formulations may improve therapeutic coverage. Hayatine shows Tmax of 2-3 hours.

Optimal Timing: After meals to reduce GI irritation. For fever: between meals with warm water. Not recommended for extended continuous use beyond 4-6 weeks.

Standardized Extract: Patha root extract (6:1) standardized to total bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids 2-4% (as cissampeline). HPTLC fingerprint with authenticated reference standard.

Shelf Life: Root powder: 18-24 months; Standardized extract: 24-36 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months

Storage: Root material and powder: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light and moisture. Extracts: amber containers, cool storage. Products with alkaloids: secure storage as required by local regulations.

Marker Compounds: Cissampeline (Hayatinine), Hayatine, Pareirubrine, Cissamine, Curine, Isochondrodendrine, Beta-sitosterol

Extraction Methods

  • Aqueous decoction (traditional)
  • Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
  • Acid-base extraction for alkaloid purification
  • Methanol extraction for comprehensive alkaloid profiling
  • Cold maceration in water

Synergistic Combinations

  • Guduchi (anti-pyretic and immune synergy)
  • Kutaja (anti-diarrheal combination)
  • Musta (digestive and anti-diarrheal)
  • Chirayata (fever management)
  • Nimba (blood purification and skin health)

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

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