# Raktamoola

> Raktamoola is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Shikonin undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP450 enzymes. Topical bioavailability is good for wound healing and dermatological applications due to lipophilic nature penetrating skin barrier.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Raktamoola |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (paste), Taila (oil)

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

**Bioavailability:** Alkannin and shikonin (naphthoquinone enantiomers) from Raktamoola (Alkanna/Onosma species or Arnebia species) have moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%) due to lipophilicity. Shikonin undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP450 [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes). Topical bioavailability is good for wound healing and dermatological applications due to lipophilic nature penetrating skin barrier. Beta-hydroxy-isovalerylshikonin shows enhanced topical penetration compared to free shikonin.

**Optimal Timing:** Oral: after meals. Topical: apply to clean wound/skin area twice daily. Oil preparation: gentle massage on affected area at night.

**Standardized Extract:** Raktamoola root extract (8:1) standardized to total naphthoquinones >3% (as shikonin + alkannin). Oil preparation with red color index specification and validated HPTLC fingerprint.

**Shelf Life:** Dried root: 18-24 months; Root powder: 12-18 months; Extract: 24 months; Medicated oil: 18-24 months; Capsules: 24 months

**Storage:** Dried root: airtight, below 25 deg C, protected from light (naphthoquinone photodegradation). Extracts: amber containers, nitrogen-flushed, cool storage. Oil: amber glass, below 25 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Shikonin, Alkannin, Beta-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin, Acetylshikonin, Deoxyshikonin, Arnebinol, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Oil extraction (traditional red-colored medicated oil)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for naphthoquinone profiling
- Hexane extraction for lipophilic pigments
- Acetone extraction for shikonin isolation
- Supercritical CO2 for high-purity naphthoquinone fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (wound healing synergy)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory combination)
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)/Ghee (lipid vehicle enhances naphthoquinone absorption)
- [Manjistha](/herb/manjistha/) (blood purification and wound healing)
- Kumari/Aloe (topical wound healing formulation)

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

## 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.