# Rohitaka

> Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Apigenin derivatives show improved absorption when taken with piperine (1.5-2x increase). Tannin content may reduce absorption if taken with iron supplements. Kwatha must be refrigerated (2-8 deg C) after opening.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Tecomella undulata

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Rohitaka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kwatha (decoction), Churna (powder), Ghana vati (solid extract tablet), Asava/Arishta, Capsule, Syrup

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg standardized extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Moderate bioavailability for flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (20-35%); [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) compounds undergo significant enterohepatic circulation, which prolongs duration of action. [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin) derivatives show improved absorption when taken with [piperine](/reference/piperine/) (1.5-2x increase). Tannin content may reduce absorption if taken with iron supplements.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals on an empty stomach for hepatoprotective action; morning and evening doses recommended

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous-ethanolic bark extract (8:1), standardized to NLT 2.5% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as apigenin equivalents by HPLC); total tannin content 8-15% by Folin-Denis method

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for kwatha (with preservatives); 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized extract capsules

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Kwatha must be refrigerated (2-8 deg C) after opening. Protect from light; flavonoids are photosensitive.

**Marker Compounds:** Apigenin, Rohitukine, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Gallic acid, Ellagic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Sequential extraction (hexane then ethanol then water)
- Maceration in 70% methanol for flavonoid enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kutki (hepatoprotective synergy)
- [Bhumyamalaki](/herb/bhumyamalaki/) (liver-spleen disorders)
- [Kalmegh](/herb/kalmegh/) (hepatoprotective and cholagogue combination)
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (hepatorenal protective formulations)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/)-hepatoprotective synergy)

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

## 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.