Rudraksha
Elaeocarpus ganitrus
Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Bhasma form may enhance mineral bioavailability through nano-particulate formation during incineration process. Polyphenolic fraction shows improved absorption with lipid co-administration. Bhasma should be stored in glass or food-grade HDPE containers, protected from moisture.
| Botanical name | Elaeocarpus ganitrus |
|---|
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Rudraksha |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Madhura | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Guru | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Bhasma (calcined preparation), Vati (tablet), Capsule, Kwatha (decoction), Mala beads (external/spiritual use)
Standard Dosage: 500 mg - 2 g bead powder per day; 250-500 mg bhasma with honey or ghee twice daily
Bioavailability: Low to moderate bioavailability for alkaloid constituents; rudrakine and related alkaloids show 15-25% oral bioavailability. Bhasma form may enhance mineral bioavailability through nano-particulate formation during incineration process. Polyphenolic fraction shows improved absorption with lipid co-administration.
Optimal Timing: Morning on empty stomach with water or honey for cardiovascular benefits; evening dose for anxiolytic effects
Standardized Extract: Aqueous extract of seed pulp (5:1), standardized to NLT 1.0% total alkaloids (as rudrakine equivalents); bhasma standardized for particle size (<100 nm by DLS) and elemental composition
Shelf Life: 36 months for churna; indefinite shelf life for properly prepared bhasma; 24 months for capsules
Storage: Store in airtight containers below 25 deg C. Bhasma should be stored in glass or food-grade HDPE containers, protected from moisture. RH <45% for bhasma.
Marker Compounds: Rudrakine, Elaeocarpine, Isoelaeocarpine, Elaeocarpidine, Quercetin, Gallic acid
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction of seed pulp
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Acid-base extraction for alkaloid isolation
- Traditional bhasma preparation (incineration with herbal juices)
Synergistic Combinations
- Ashwagandha (anxiolytic and cardioprotective synergy)
- Brahmi (cognitive-calming combination)
- Jatamansi (anti-anxiety formulations)
- Arjuna (cardiovascular support)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews2
- 2023. Review on Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Characteristics of Medicinal Plants which can be used to Design a Novel Ayurvedic Formulation to Treat Hypertension in Multidimensional ApproachesCurrent hypertension reviews. PMID 36809945 · doi:10.2174/1573402119666230221084859
- 2020. Awareness and current knowledge of epilepsyMetabolic brain disease. PMID 31605258 · doi:10.1007/s11011-019-00494-1
Laboratory and animal studies10
- 2026. Phytochemicals to Pharmacology: Potential Cytotoxic and Tumor Inhibitory Activity of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Extract in Preclinical ModelsPlanta medica. PMID 42392203 · doi:10.1055/a-2899-3112
- 2025. Artificial intelligence based prediction and multi-objective RSM optimization of tectona grandis biodiesel with Elaeocarpus GanitrusScientific reports. PMID 39885203 · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-87640-1
- 2023. HPTLC Studies, in silico Docking Studies, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Elaeocarpus ganitrus as a Gastroprotective AgentCentral nervous system agents in medicinal chemistry. PMID 37394979 · doi:10.2174/1871524923666230412080313
- 2022. Nanoconjugate Synthesis of Elaeocarpus ganitrus and the Assessment of Its Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative PropertiesMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35458641 · doi:10.3390/molecules27082442
- 2022. Seed protection strategies of the brainy Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp: Gradient motif yields fracture toleranceActa biomaterialia. PMID 34728425 · doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.050
- 2014. Ameliorative effect of Elaeocarpus ganitrus on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in ratsIndian journal of pharmacology. PMID 24987177 · doi:10.4103/0253-7613.132163
- 2014. Does copper enhance the antihypertensive effect of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in experimentally induced hypertensive rats?Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 24948856 · doi:10.4103/0975-9476.133783
- 2011. An evaluation of the antidiabetic effects of Elaeocarpus ganitrus in experimental animalsIndian journal of pharmacology. PMID 21455423 · doi:10.4103/0253-7613.75671
- 2010. Pharmacognostic and antifungal investigations of Elaeocarpus ganitrus (Rudrakasha)Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 20838538 · doi:10.4103/0250-474X.65021
- 2004. An experimental evaluation of the effect of rudraksha (elaeocarpus ganitrus roxb) in adrenaline and nicotine induced hypertensionAncient science of life. PMID 22557134
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