# Putranjivaka

> Putranjivaka (Putranjiva roxburghii) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Triterpenoid saponins show limited oral bioavailability (10-25%) but are partially converted by gut bacteria to sapogenins with improved absorption. Seed oil fatty acids are well absorbed.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Putranjiva roxburghii

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Putranjivaka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (seed/bark powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/), Taila

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g seed powder daily; 3-5 g bark powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Putranjiva roxburghii (Putranjivaka) contains [glucosinolates](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucosinolates) that undergo enzymatic hydrolysis ([myrosinase](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myrosinase)) to release [isothiocyanates](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isothiocyanates) with moderate bioavailability (30-45%). Triterpenoid [saponins](/reference/saponins/) show limited oral bioavailability (10-25%) but are partially converted by gut bacteria to sapogenins with improved absorption. Seed oil fatty acids are well absorbed. Limited modern pharmacokinetic data; traditional texts suggest enhanced absorption with ghee (Ghrita) as vehicle.

**Optimal Timing:** Traditional use for fertility: with ghee and milk, morning on empty stomach or before bedtime. General use: after meals with warm water.

**Standardized Extract:** Putranjivaka seed extract (6:1) standardized to total glucosinolates >1%, total saponins >3%. Ghrita preparation with validated physicochemical parameters per API.

**Shelf Life:** Seeds: 12-18 months (monitor oil rancidity); Powder: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Ghrita: 24-36 months; Capsules: 24 months

**Storage:** Seeds: cool, dry, pest-proof storage, below 20 deg C. Powder and extracts: airtight, below 25 deg C, RH <55%. Ghrita: clean, dry glass containers, below 30 deg C, protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Glucosinolates (as glucococlearin), Putranjivic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Oleic acid, Triterpenoid saponins, [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold-press seed oil extraction
- Methanol extraction for glucosinolate profiling
- Traditional Ghrita Paka for medicated ghee preparation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (fertility and reproductive health)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (female reproductive tonic combination)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (immune modulation and rejuvenation)
- Amalaki ([antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and rejuvenation)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (strength and vitality combination)

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

## 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.