# Rohisha

> Rohisha (Cymbopogon martinii) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Oral bioavailability of monoterpenoids is moderate (35-55%) due to first-pass metabolism. Lipophilic terpenoids benefit from lipid-based delivery systems. Powder: airtight containers below 25 deg C, protect from light and moisture.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cymbopogon martinii

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Rohisha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | 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:** Essential oil, Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate), Taila (medicated oil), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder per day; 2-5 drops essential oil in carrier oil for external application; 10-20 mL [arka](/herb/arka/) twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Essential oil constituents ([geraniol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#geraniol), [citral](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citral)) show rapid transdermal absorption with peak plasma levels at 1-2 hours. Oral bioavailability of monoterpenoids is moderate (35-55%) due to first-pass metabolism. Lipophilic [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) benefit from lipid-based delivery systems.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning or afternoon administration; avoid evening doses as aromatic constituents may be mildly stimulating

**Standardized Extract:** Steam-distilled essential oil standardized to NLT 75% geraniol content; hydroalcoholic extract (1:5 in 60% ethanol) for oral formulations

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for essential oil in sealed amber glass; 24 months for churna in nitrogen-flushed packets; 36 months for capsules

**Storage:** Essential oil: store at 15-25 deg C in amber glass, nitrogen-blanketed. Powder: airtight containers below 25 deg C, protect from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Geraniol, Citral (geranial + neral), [Citronellol](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citronellol), [Linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool), Geranyl acetate

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation (essential oil yield 0.3-0.8%)
- Hydrodistillation
- Solvent extraction with hexane for oleoresin
- CO2 supercritical extraction for high-purity terpenoid fractions

### Synergistic Combinations

- Vetiver (cooling and aromatic synergy)
- Sandalwood (urinary tract formulations)
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) ([diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) combinations)
- Usheera (Pitta-pacifying blends)

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

## 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.