Rohisha
Cymbopogon martinii
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.
| Botanical name | Cymbopogon martinii |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: ROHISA (Whole Plant) |
| Also called | Andropogon martinii Roxb. (attribution recorded without a cited source) Cymbopogon schoenanthus (Andropogon schoenanthus L.) (reported in the literature) |
| Currently accepted name | Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) W.Watson — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Poaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Poales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7421320 · NCBI Taxonomy 79837 |
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 (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 twice daily
Bioavailability: Essential oil constituents (geraniol, 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 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, 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
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