# Saptala

> Saptala (Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Euphorbiaceae family. Not in WHO monographs; listed in Ayurvedic texts under Virechana (purgative) drug category; limited formal pharmacopeia recognition; primarily referenced in 12th-century Ayurvedic compendia like Vrindamanjari.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam.
- **Family:** Euphorbiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs; listed in Ayurvedic texts under Virechana (purgative) drug category; limited formal pharmacopeia recognition; primarily referenced in 12th-century Ayurvedic compendia like Vrindamanjari

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Saptala |
| Latin/Botanical | *Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Ingenol esters
- Dracunculins (unique compounds)
- Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) and [coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)
- [Terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) and [sterols](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sterols)
- Latex compounds (diterpene esters)

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory activity through COX-2 inhibition by ingenol derivatives and flavonoid-mediated reduction of inflammation mediators
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) mechanism via flavonoid glycoside-mediated scavenging of reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) effect through both peripheral (prostaglandin inhibition) and central (opioid pathway modulation) mechanisms
- Purgative action through irritant diterpene ester stimulation of intestinal smooth muscle

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Purgative (Virechana) - validated through confirmed stimulant [laxative](/reference/laxative/) action of diterpene esters on intestinal smooth muscle
- Skin diseases (Kushtha) - traditional use against psoriasis, ringworm, and warts partially supported by [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and anti-inflammatory data
- Anti-rheumatic (Amavata) - supported by anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies in animal models
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) (Mutrala) - traditional diuretic use cited in Ayurvedic texts; limited pharmacological validation

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Majid M, Khan MR, Shah NA and others 2015. [Studies on phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Euphorbia dracunculoides](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26445953/). *BMC complementary and alternative medicine*. PMID [26445953](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26445953/) · [doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0868-0](https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0868-0)  
  Demonstrated significant antioxidant activity against hydroxyl and phosphomolybdate radicals; strong anti-inflammatory activity reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats; confirmed analgesic properties.
- Amtaghri S, Akdad M, Slaoui M and others 2022. [Traditional Uses, Pharmacological, and Phytochemical Studies of Euphorbia: A Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35838213/). *Current topics in medicinal chemistry*. PMID [35838213](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35838213/) · [doi:10.2174/1568026622666220713143436](https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026622666220713143436)  
  Comprehensive genus-level review documenting diverse pharmacological activities of Euphorbia species including anti-inflammatory, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), and antimicrobial properties with focus on ingenol and diterpene esters.
- Kgosiemang IKR, Lefojane R, Adegoke AM and others 2025. [Pharmacological Significance, Medicinal Use, and Toxicity of Extracted and Isolated Compounds from Euphorbia Species Found in Southern Africa: A Review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39943031/). *Plants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [39943031](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39943031/) · [doi:10.3390/plants14030469](https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030469)  
  Reviewed toxicity and pharmacological significance of Euphorbia-derived compounds; emphasized need for careful dosing due to irritant latex and diterpene ester toxicity potential.

## Recent safety updates

- Latex is irritant and can cause severe skin and mucosal irritation; internal use requires careful dose calibration; traditionally classified as a purgative (Virechana dravya) requiring practitioner supervision
- Formal large-scale toxicological studies lacking; debate persists among pharmacologists about safety profile for internal use; ingenol esters may promote tumor growth at certain doses (tumor promoter concern in Euphorbia genus)

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Glycosides
- Tannins
- Coumarins
- Terpenoids
- Sterols
- Ingenol esters
- Dracunculins 
- Flavonoid 
- Latex compounds 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Vati (tablet), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g churna per day; 30-50 mL kwatha twice daily. Start at low dose and titrate upward due to purgative activity.

**Bioavailability:** Saponin glycosides have moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%); hydrolyzed by intestinal microflora to sapogenin aglycones, which are better absorbed. Purgative compounds act locally in the colon. Systemic absorption of triterpenoid [saponins](/reference/saponins/) is dose-dependent and enhanced by food.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach for purgative action; take with warm water

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous root extract (4:1), standardized to NLT 8% total saponins by hemolytic index method; hydroalcoholic extract standardized to NLT 2% triterpenoid sapogenins

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 30 months for standardized extract capsules

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from moisture and light. RH <55%.

**Marker Compounds:** Oleanolic acid, [Hederagenin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#hederagenin), Saponins (total by hemolytic index), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Maceration in cold water for gentle saponin extraction
- Percolation with graded ethanol concentrations

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Trivrit](/herb/trivrit/) (synergistic purgative action for Virechana)
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) (mild laxative formulations)
- Kutaja (anti-diarrheal formulations for amoebiasis)

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

## 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.