Saptala
Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam.
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.
| Botanical name | Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. |
|---|---|
| Family | Euphorbiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| 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 |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3070194 · Wikidata Q5851559 · NCBI Taxonomy 1008446 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Saptala |
| Latin/Botanical | Euphorbia dracunculoides Lam. |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Ingenol esters
- Dracunculins (unique compounds)
- Flavonoid glycosides
- Tannins and coumarins
- Terpenoids and 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 mechanism via flavonoid glycoside-mediated scavenging of reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radicals
- 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 action of diterpene esters on intestinal smooth muscle
- Skin diseases (Kushtha) - traditional use against psoriasis, ringworm, and warts partially supported by antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory data
- Anti-rheumatic (Amavata) - supported by anti-inflammatory and analgesic studies in animal models
- 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. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. PMID 26445953 · doi: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. Current topics in medicinal chemistry. PMID 35838213 · doi:10.2174/1568026622666220713143436
Comprehensive genus-level review documenting diverse pharmacological activities of Euphorbia species including anti-inflammatory, 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. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39943031 · doi: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 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, Saponins (total by hemolytic index), Beta-sitosterol
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Maceration in cold water for gentle saponin extraction
- Percolation with graded ethanol concentrations
Synergistic Combinations
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
- 2025. Pharmacological Significance, Medicinal Use, and Toxicity of Extracted and Isolated Compounds from Euphorbia Species Found in Southern Africa: A ReviewPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39943031 · doi:10.3390/plants14030469
- 2022. Traditional Uses, Pharmacological, and Phytochemical Studies of Euphorbia: A ReviewCurrent topics in medicinal chemistry. PMID 35838213 · doi:10.2174/1568026622666220713143436
Laboratory and animal studies8
- 2017. Euphorbia dracunculoides L. abrogates carbon tetrachloride induced liver and DNA damage in ratsBMC complementary and alternative medicine. PMID 28427398 · doi:10.1186/s12906-017-1744-x
- 2017. Natural and Semisynthetic Tigliane Diterpenoids with New Carbon Skeletons from Euphorbia dracunculoides as a Wnt Signaling Pathway InhibitorOrganic letters. PMID 28703597 · doi:10.1021/acs.orglett.7b01813
- 2016. A new tigliane-type diterpene from Euphorbia dracunculoides LamNatural product research. PMID 26729599 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2015.1129334
- 2015. Studies on phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Euphorbia dracunculoidesBMC complementary and alternative medicine. PMID 26445953 · doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0868-0
- 2015. A new myrsinol-type diterpene polyester from Euphorbia dracunculoides LamNatural product research. PMID 25605432 · doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.1002089
- 2012. Identity and pharmacognosy of Ruta graveolens LinnAncient science of life. PMID 23929988 · doi:10.4103/0257-7941.113792
- 2011. Molecular authentication of the medicinal herb Ruta graveolens (Rutaceae) and an adulterant using nuclear and chloroplast DNA markersGenetics and molecular research : GMR. PMID 22095605 · doi:10.4238/2011.November.10.3
- 1967. Preliminary phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Euphorbia dracunculoides, LamThe Indian journal of medical research. PMID 6036055
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