Raktamoola
Raktamoola is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Shikonin undergoes hepatic metabolism via CYP450 enzymes. Its lipophilic naphthoquinones penetrate the skin barrier, which is relevant to its traditional topical use on wounds and skin.
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 |
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
Optimal Timing: Oral: after meals. Topical: apply to clean wound/skin area twice daily. Oil preparation: gentle massage on affected area at night.
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
Synergistic Combinations
- Yashtimadhu (wound healing synergy)
- Haridra (anti-inflammatory combination)
- Ghrita/Ghee (lipid vehicle enhances naphthoquinone absorption)
- Manjistha (traditionally paired for blood purification and wound healing)
- Kumari/Aloe (topical wound healing formulation)
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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