# Saptaparna

> Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Alkaloids are basic and well-absorbed in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. Extensive hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Tannins in the bark may partially inhibit alkaloid absorption if not separated.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Alstonia scholaris

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Saptaparna |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | 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, Tincture

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 15-30 mL Saptaparnasava twice daily after meals

**Bioavailability:** Indole [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (echitamine, alstonine) show moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-50%). Alkaloids are basic and well-absorbed in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. Extensive hepatic metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) in the bark may partially inhibit alkaloid absorption if not separated.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals to reduce GI irritation from alkaloids; evening dose for [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) action (Jvaraghna)

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract (10:1 DER in 60% ethanol), standardized to NLT 1.5% total alkaloids (as echitamine equivalents by HPLC); Ghana (solid aqueous extract) for traditional vati formulations

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 36 months for capsules and Ghana vati; indefinite for properly fermented Arishta

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-protected containers. Alkaloids are photolabile — use amber packaging. Arishta stored in glass or stainless steel vessels.

**Marker Compounds:** Echitamine, Alstonine, Venenatine, Picrinine, Scholaricine, Strictamine

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Acid-water extraction for alkaloid enrichment (0.1N HCl)
- Traditional Arishta fermentation (self-generated alcohol)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (antipyretic and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) synergy)
- [Kiratatikta](/herb/kiratatikta/) (antimalarial formulations)
- Kutaja (antidiarrheal combinations)
- [Neem](/herb/neem/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) broad-spectrum formulations)

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

## 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.