# Rasna

> Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliv. & Hiern / Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Asteraceae (Pluchea) / Zingiberaceae (Alpinia) family. Pluchea lanceolata included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Alpinia galanga referenced in WHO monographs on medicinal plants of SEARO region.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliv. & Hiern / Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.
- **Family:** Asteraceae (Pluchea) / Zingiberaceae (Alpinia)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Pluchea lanceolata included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; Alpinia galanga referenced in WHO monographs on medicinal plants of SEARO region

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Rasna |
| Latin/Botanical | *Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) Oliv. & Hiern / Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Pluchine (Pluchea alkaloid)
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- [Isorhamnetin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isorhamnetin)
- [Taraxasterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#taraxasterol) B
- [Betaine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#betaine) hydrochloride
- [Galangin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#galangin) (Alpinia)
- 1'-Acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA, Alpinia)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory: Pluchine and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) inhibit COX-2 and 5-LOX [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes), reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis; ACA (from Alpinia) suppresses NF-kB activation
- Anti-arthritic: [Triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) reduce synovial inflammation and cartilage degradation by inhibiting MMP-3 and MMP-9
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/): Taraxasterol and [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) modulate macrophage cytokine production, balancing Th1/Th2 immune responses

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-rheumatic and anti-arthritic use (Amavata treatment) validated by reduction of inflammation markers and joint edema in animal models
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) use (Vedana-sthapana) confirmed through significant pain reduction in hot plate and tail flick assays
- Immunomodulatory ([Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)) activity validated by enhancement of phagocytic function and antibody response

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Srivastava P, Shanker K 2012. [Pluchea lanceolata (Rasana): Chemical and biological potential of Rasayana herb used in traditional system of medicine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22877846/). *Fitoterapia*. PMID [22877846](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22877846/) · [doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2012.07.008](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2012.07.008)  
  Documented triterpenoids, [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols), flavonoids and lactones as prominent constituents; validated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory activities.
- Kaushik D, Yadav J, Kaushik P and others 2011. [Current pharmacological and phytochemical studies of the plant Alpinia galanga](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22015185/). *Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao = Journal of Chinese integrative medicine*. PMID [22015185](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22015185/) · [doi:10.3736/jcim20111004](https://doi.org/10.3736/jcim20111004)  
  Alpinia galanga rhizome extracts demonstrated anti-cancer, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), antibacterial, antiviral, cardiovascular protective, and digestive system protective effects.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Both sources of Rasna have long traditional safety records; Pluchea lanceolata is well-tolerated at standard doses with no significant toxicity in animal studies
- Alpinia galanga preparations may cause mild gastric irritation in sensitive individuals; ensure correct botanical identity to avoid substitution-related safety issues

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (root/leaf powder), Kwatha (decoction - Rasnadi Kwatha, Maharasnadi Kwatha), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil - Rasnadi Taila), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/), [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) combination

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder daily; 20-30 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg - 1 g standardized extract twice daily; Taila for external massage

**Bioavailability:** Pluchea lanceolata (Rasna) contains flavonoids and [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) with moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and isorhamnetin [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) are absorbed in the small intestine. Taraxasterol and other [triterpenes](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenes) have limited oral bioavailability (~10-20%) improved by lipid-based delivery. Topical Taila application provides effective local anti-inflammatory delivery for joint and muscle conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** Decoction: morning and evening between meals with warm water. Taila: warm oil massage before bath or at bedtime. Guggulu combination: after meals with warm water.

**Standardized Extract:** Rasna root extract (6:1) standardized to total flavonoids >4% (as quercetin), taraxasterol >0.5%. Maharasnadi Kwatha: standardized decoction with validated HPTLC multi-herb fingerprint.

**Shelf Life:** Dried root/leaf: 18-24 months; Powder: 18-24 months; Extract: 24 months; Taila: 24-36 months; Guggulu formulation: 24-36 months

**Storage:** Dried material: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from pest infestation. Taila: amber glass, room temperature. Kwatha concentrate: refrigerated, use within 48 hours. Tablets: standard pharma storage below 25 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, Isorhamnetin, Taraxasterol, Moretenol, Pluchein, Beta-sitosterol, Neolupenol, [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional Kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Traditional Taila Paka (oil preparation with [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base)
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid profiling
- Cold maceration in water for 12-24 hours

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) (Maharasnadi Kwatha key combination for rheumatic pain)
- Dashmool (comprehensive Vata management)
- Guggulu (anti-inflammatory and analgesic - Rasnadi Guggulu)
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/)/Castor oil (Vata disorders and joint stiffness)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (musculoskeletal strength and recovery)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (nerve and muscle health)

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

## 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.