# Prasarini

> Prasarini (Paederia foetida L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Rubiaceae family. Documented in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in WHO SEARO traditional medicine inventories; used in multiple Asian traditional medicine systems.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Paederia foetida L.
- **Family:** Rubiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Documented in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in WHO SEARO traditional medicine inventories; used in multiple Asian traditional medicine systems

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Prasarini |
| Latin/Botanical | *Paederia foetida L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Asperuloside (iridoid glycoside)
- Paederoside
- Paederosidic acid
- Scandoside
- Ursolic acid
- Ellagic acid
- [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)
- Sitosterols

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Iridoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (asperuloside, paederoside) inhibit NF-kB pathway and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta)
- Antinociceptive: Ursolic acid and [iridoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iridoids) act on central and peripheral pain pathways, inhibiting PGE2 synthesis and modulating opioid receptors
- Gastroprotective: Enhances mucosal PGE2 production, increases gastric mucus layer thickness, and reduces HCl secretion through H+/K+-ATPase inhibition

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-rheumatic use (Vatahara) validated through anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) activity in carrageenan and formalin models
- Antidiarrheal use confirmed by reduction of gastrointestinal motility and fluid accumulation in castor oil-induced diarrhea model
- Gastroprotective use validated by PGE2-mediated increase in gastric mucus secretion and ulcer protection

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chanda S, Deb L, Tiwari RK and others 2015. [Gastroprotective mechanism of Paederia foetida Linn. (Rubiaceae)--a popular edible plant used by the tribal community of North-East India](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26335308/). *BMC complementary and alternative medicine*. PMID [26335308](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26335308/) · [doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0831-0](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0831-0)  
  Demonstrated gastroprotective activity through prostaglandin E2-mediated mechanism, increasing gastric mucus secretion and reducing acid output in ulcer models.

*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

- Traditionally consumed as a vegetable in Northeast India with a good safety record; acute toxicity studies show no mortality at 2000 mg/kg in rodents
- Foetid odor (from sulfur-containing compounds) may cause nausea in some individuals; limited data on chronic toxicity and drug interactions

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mercury-based preparation (Parada) with herbal processing
- **Note:** Restricted use — requires strict Shodhana protocols and expert supervision

**Analytical Methods:** AAS/ICP-MS (heavy metals), XRD, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Taila (medicated oil), Churna, Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/), Lepa (paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder daily; 20-30 mL decoction twice daily; 500-750 mg standardized extract twice daily; Prasarini Taila for external massage

**Bioavailability:** Paederia foetida (Prasarini) [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Iridoid glycosides (paederoside, asperuloside) are hydrolyzed by intestinal [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) releasing aglycones with improved membrane permeability. Volatile sulfur compounds (methyl mercaptan, dimethyl disulfide) responsible for the characteristic odor are rapidly absorbed but also rapidly eliminated. Topical oil formulation provides sustained local delivery for musculoskeletal conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** Oral: after meals to reduce odor-related nausea. Prasarini Taila: warm oil massage before bath, or at bedtime for joint conditions. [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/): early morning on empty stomach for Vata conditions.

**Standardized Extract:** Prasarini whole herb extract (6:1) standardized to paederoside >1%, asperuloside >0.8%, total iridoids >3%. Taila: prepared per API with [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base, validated organoleptic and physicochemical parameters.

**Shelf Life:** Dried herb: 12-18 months; Churna: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Taila: 24-36 months; Capsules: 24 months

**Storage:** Dried herb: airtight (odor containment critical), below 25 deg C. Taila: amber glass, room temperature. Capsules: blister packaging to contain odor. All forms: protect from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** Paederoside, Asperuloside, Paederosidic acid, Ursolic acid, Oleanolic acid, [Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Stigmasterol, Methyl mercaptan (volatile marker)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction
- Traditional Taila Paka (oil cooking) with [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila)
- Steam distillation for volatile sulfur compounds
- Methanol extraction for iridoid profiling
- Ghrita Paka for ghee-based preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) (musculoskeletal pain and Vata disorders)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (nerve and muscle strength combination)
- [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) (rheumatic conditions - Maharasnadi Kwatha)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (strength and recovery)
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila (joint mobility and inflammation)
- Dashmool (comprehensive Vata management)

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

## 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.