# Simsapa

> Simsapa (Dalbergia sissoo) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Tectoridin (isoflavone glycoside) is hydrolyzed by intestinal beta-glucosidases to tectorigenin, which has improved absorption. Tannins may reduce bioavailability of co-administered minerals. Lipid co-administration enhances terpenoid absorption.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Dalbergia sissoo

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Simsapa |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | 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), Capsule, Ghana vati, Asava/Arishta, Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark/leaf powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) and pterocarpans show moderate bioavailability (25-40%). Tectoridin (isoflavone glycoside) is hydrolyzed by intestinal beta-glucosidases to tectorigenin, which has improved absorption. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) may reduce bioavailability of co-administered minerals. Lipid co-administration enhances terpenoid absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for anti-diabetic applications; after meals for anti-inflammatory indications

**Standardized Extract:** Heartwood extract (10:1 in 70% ethanol), standardized to NLT 3% total isoflavonoids (as tectoridin equivalents by HPLC); total phenolics NLT 5%

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 36 months for extract capsules

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light. Heartwood powder is relatively stable. RH <60%.

**Marker Compounds:** Tectoridin, Tectorigenin, Dalbergin, Biochanin A, Caviunin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Melanoxin

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Methanol maceration for isoflavonoid enrichment
- Sequential extraction for fractionation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Asana](/herb/asana/) ([Vijaysar](/herb/vijaysar/) — anti-diabetic synergy)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory combinations)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and anti-diabetic formulations)
- Meshashringi (blood sugar management combinations)

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

## 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.