# Shigru Patra

> Shigru Patra (Moringa oleifera) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Heat processing above 70 deg C inactivates myrosinase and reduces isothiocyanate formation — use raw or mildly heated preparations. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides show moderate bioavailability (20-35%).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Moringa oleifera

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Shigru Patra](/herb/shigru-patra/) |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Capsule, Tablet, Swarasa (fresh juice), Tea/Infusion, Vati (tablet), Granules

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g leaf powder per day; 500-1000 mg standardized extract capsule twice daily; 10-20 mL swarasa daily; 1-2 cups infusion daily

**Bioavailability:** Isothiocyanate compounds (derived from [glucosinolates](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucosinolates) by [myrosinase](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myrosinase) activation) show good oral bioavailability (50-70%) when consumed from fresh/minimally processed leaves. Heat processing above 70 deg C inactivates myrosinase and reduces isothiocyanate formation — use raw or mildly heated preparations. [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) and [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate bioavailability (20-35%). Iron and calcium from leaves have moderate bioavailability (10-20%), enhanced by vitamin C content.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning with breakfast for nutritional supplementation; before meals for blood sugar management

**Standardized Extract:** Freeze-dried leaf powder retaining NLT 0.5% total [isothiocyanates](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isothiocyanates) (as moringin equivalents); standardized extract (5:1) NLT 3% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalents) and NLT 1% chlorogenic acid by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for leaf powder in nitrogen-flushed packets; 24 months for capsules; 12 months for tea bags

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-proof containers. Nitrogen-flushed packaging critical for powder to prevent [chlorophyll](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#chlorophyll) degradation and lipid oxidation. RH <50%.

**Marker Compounds:** Moringin (4-(alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate), Quercetin-3-glucoside, Kaempferol-3-glucoside, Chlorogenic acid, Beta-carotene, Niazimicin, Niazirin

### Extraction Methods

- Low-temperature aqueous extraction (<50 deg C to preserve myrosinase)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Fresh leaf juice (cold pressing)
- Spray-drying of aqueous extract at low temperature
- Freeze-drying for maximum nutrient and enzyme preservation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Amalaki (vitamin C enhances iron absorption from [Moringa](/herb/moringa/))
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory-nutritive combination)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and nutritive synergy)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) formulations)
- Spirulina (comprehensive nutritional supplement)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/shigru-patra/

## 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.