# Priyangu

> Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Anti-inflammatory activity confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema models. Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (fruit indicated for emesis and giddiness).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (fruit indicated for emesis and giddiness). No dedicated WHO monograph. Classified in Indian traditional medicine pharmacopeias under Verbenaceae.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Priyangu |
| Latin/Botanical | *Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Calliterpenone (diterpenoid)
- Calliterpenone monoacetate
- [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin)
- [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin)
- Ursolic acid
- Betulinic acid
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Luteolin-7-O-glucuronide

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Calliterpenone and luteolin inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators; demonstrated in carrageenan-induced edema models.
- Uterine tonic action: Traditional Garbhashaya Shodhana (uterine cleansing) attributed to combined terpenoid and flavonoid activity on uterine smooth muscle.
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/): Reduces elevated body temperature through prostaglandin synthesis inhibition, comparable to paracetamol in animal models.
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/): [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) disrupt microbial cell membranes; effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/): Alpha-glucosidase inhibition and insulin-sensitizing effects demonstrated in preclinical diabetes models.

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory activity confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema models.
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) activity validated and found comparable to standard analgesics.
- Antipyretic effects demonstrated in experimental fever models.
- Antimicrobial activity confirmed against multiple pathogens.
- Anti-arthritic potential validated in Freund's adjuvant arthritis model.

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*4 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

- Limited toxicity data available. Traditional use indicates generally safe within Ayurvedic recommended dosages.
- Traditionally contraindicated during first trimester of pregnancy despite gynecological applications. Should be used under qualified practitioner guidance.
- No significant adverse effects reported in available preclinical studies; however, comprehensive toxicological profiling is lacking.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Luteolin
- Apigenin
- Sitosterol
- Calliterpenone 
- Calliterpenone monoacetate
- 
- Ursolic acid
- Betulinic acid
- Beta-
- Luteolin-7-O-glucuronide

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (flower/bark powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste), Taila (oil), Anjana (collyrium)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g flower powder twice daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily; topical paste as needed

**Bioavailability:** Callicarpa macrophylla (Priyangu) flavonoids and terpenoids show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Betulinic acid has limited oral bioavailability (~10-15%) due to poor aqueous solubility; nano-formulation or amorphous solid dispersion can improve this to 30-40%. Calliterpenone (specific to Callicarpa) shows moderate absorption. Topical paste application is effective for local skin conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** For gynecological conditions: begin 5-7 days before expected menses, continue through menstruation. General use: after meals. Topical: as needed, morning and evening.

**Standardized Extract:** Priyangu flower extract (8:1) standardized to total flavonoids >4%, betulinic acid >0.5%, calliterpenone >0.3%. HPTLC fingerprint for authentication.

**Shelf Life:** Dried flowers: 12-18 months; Flower powder: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Capsules: 24 months; Taila: 18-24 months

**Storage:** Dried flowers: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <50%, protected from light. Extracts: amber containers, cool and dry. Taila: amber glass, room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Betulinic acid, Calliterpenone, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Beta-sitosterol, Ursolic acid, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Oleanolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol) of flowers
- Aqueous decoction of bark
- Methanol extraction for betulinic acid isolation
- Oil infusion of flowers in [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base
- Cold maceration for gentle extraction of heat-sensitive flower compounds

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (uterine health and menorrhagia management)
- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (astringent and gynecological synergy)
- [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/) (hemorrhagic conditions)
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (complexion-enhancing formulation)
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) (blood purification and skin health)

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

## 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.