Shrigataka

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
• Ursolic acid
• Cycloucalenol
• 2,3,23-Trihydroxy urs-12-en-28-oic acid
• D-amylase
• Riboflavin
• Thiamine

How does it work?

• Ellagic acid and gallic acid polyphenols inhibit alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes, reducing postprandial glucose absorption and providing 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 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 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, 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. Mediators of inflammation. PMID 39886549 · doi: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. Foods (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 38928824 · doi:10.3390/foods13121883
  Comprehensive review documenting immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, analgesic, anti-ulcer, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects linked to phenolic compounds and triterpenoids.
• Huang HC, Chao CL, Liaw CC and others 2016. Hypoglycemic Constituents Isolated from Trapa natans L. Pericarps. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. PMID 27115849 · doi: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, zinc) has moderate bioavailability (10-20%). Flavonoid 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 (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, 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 (nourishing and Brihana tonic synergy)
• Ashwagandha (strength-building combinations)
• Vidari (Vajikarana formulations)
• Milk and ghee (traditional Anupana for nutritive action)