# Shrigataka

> Shrigataka (Trapa natans L. (syn. Trapa bispinosa Roxb.)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Trapaceae (Lythraceae) family. Not listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants; recognized as a nutritionally important aquatic crop by FAO; Shrungataka referenced in Charaka Samhita and other classical Ayurvedic texts.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Trapa natans L. (syn. Trapa bispinosa Roxb.)
- **Family:** Trapaceae (Lythraceae)
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on medicinal plants; recognized as a nutritionally important aquatic crop by FAO; Shrungataka referenced in Charaka Samhita and other classical Ayurvedic texts

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shrigataka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Trapa natans L. (syn. Trapa bispinosa Roxb.)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Ellagic acid
- Gallic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
- [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)
- Ursolic acid
- Cycloucalenol
- 2,3,23-Trihydroxy urs-12-en-28-oic acid
- D-amylase
- [Riboflavin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#riboflavin)
- Thiamine

## How does it work?

- Ellagic acid and gallic acid [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes), reducing postprandial [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) absorption and providing [antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) effects validated in myotube glucose uptake assays
- Water chestnut extract promotes M2 macrophage polarization (anti-inflammatory phenotype) through modulation of STAT6/PPAR-gamma signaling, reducing tissue inflammation and oxidative damage
- Ursolic acid and hydrolyzable [tannins](/reference/tannins/) from pericarp exhibit skin-protective effects by inhibiting tyrosinase, elastase, and hyaluronidase, supporting anti-aging and skin-whitening applications

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and cooling effects validated through macrophage polarization studies and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) assays, supporting traditional Ayurvedic use as a Pittahara (Pitta-pacifying) food medicine
- Antidiabetic activity validated through isolation of specific hypoglycemic constituents from pericarps that enhance cellular glucose uptake, supporting traditional use for Prameha (diabetes)
- Nutritive and strength-promoting properties (Brimhana) supported by nutritional analysis showing high [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch), protein, mineral, and vitamin content

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Matovic V, Ljujic B, Radojevic I and others 2025. [Trapa natans L. Extract Attenuates Inflammation and Oxidative Damage in Cisplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats by Promoting M2 Macrophage Polarization](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39886549/). *Mediators of inflammation*. PMID [39886549](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39886549/) · [doi:10.1155/mi/6587305](https://doi.org/10.1155/mi/6587305)  
  Water chestnut extract attenuated cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity by promoting M2 macrophage polarization, reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in cardiac tissue.
- Rehman AU, Khan AU, Sohaib M and others 2024. [Comparative Analysis of Nutritional Properties, Phytochemical Profile, and Antioxidant Activities between Red and Green Water Chestnut (Trapa natans) Fruits](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38928824/). *Foods (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [38928824](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38928824/) · [doi:10.3390/foods13121883](https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121883)  
  Comprehensive review documenting [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/), anti-ulcer, antidiabetic, and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) effects linked to phenolic compounds and [triterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#triterpenoids).
- Huang HC, Chao CL, Liaw CC and others 2016. [Hypoglycemic Constituents Isolated from Trapa natans L. Pericarps](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27115849/). *Journal of agricultural and food chemistry*. PMID [27115849](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27115849/) · [doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6b01208](https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b01208)  
  Hydrolyzable tannins, lignin, flavonoid, norlignan, and phenolic compounds from water chestnut pericarps enhanced glucose uptake activity in C2C12 myotubes, identifying specific antidiabetic constituents.

## Recent safety updates

- Water chestnut is widely consumed as a starchy food across Asia with excellent dietary safety profile and long history of culinary use
- Plants grown in contaminated water may accumulate heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium); source verification is important for safety
- Raw consumption not recommended due to risk of fasciolopsiasis (intestinal fluke infection); cooking eliminates this parasitic risk; no significant drug interactions documented

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Quercetin
- Riboflavin
- Ellagic acid
- Gallic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
- 
- Ursolic acid
- Cycloucalenol
- 2
- Thiamine

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Leha (paste/confection), Capsule, Starch preparations

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10 g fruit powder per day; 3-6 g kernel powder per day with milk; 500-1000 mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Starch (60-70% of dry weight) is highly digestible. Mineral content (iron, [manganese](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#manganese), zinc) has moderate bioavailability (10-20%). Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate absorption (25-35%). Protein content (10-15%) with moderate amino acid bioavailability. Traditional use with milk or ghee enhances lipophilic constituent absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals as nutritive supplement; with milk at bedtime for [Vajikarana](/glossary/pharmacology/#vajikarana) (reproductive tonic) action

**Standardized Extract:** Fruit kernel extract (5:1), standardized to NLT 60% carbohydrates, NLT 10% protein content; total mineral content (ash) 2-4%; total phenolics NLT 1.5% as gallic acid equivalents

**Shelf Life:** 12 months for fresh fruit powder; 24 months for dried kernel powder; 30 months for capsules

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Powder is hygroscopic — maintain RH <50%. Protect from insect infestation (high starch attracts pests); use nitrogen-flushed packaging.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Starch (amylose:amylopectin ratio), Manganese (mineral marker)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous extraction
- Starch isolation by wet milling and sedimentation
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (40-50% ethanol) for flavonoid enrichment
- Drying and powdering of fruit kernel

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (nourishing and Brihana tonic synergy)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (strength-building combinations)
- [Vidari](/herb/vidari/) (Vajikarana formulations)
- Milk and ghee (traditional Anupana for nutritive action)

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

## 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.