Talisapatra
Abies webbiana
Talisapatra (Abies webbiana) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Lipophilic components benefit from co-administration with ghee or oil-based vehicles. First-pass metabolism reduces systemic levels of taxifolin and related flavonoids. Avoid storage near strong-smelling materials due to volatile cross-contamination.
| Botanical name | Abies webbiana |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. IV: TALISA (Leaves) |
| Also called | Abies spectabilis (D.Don) Mirb. (nomenclatural synonym) Taxus baccata Linn. (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Currently accepted name | Abies spectabilis (D.Don) Mirb. — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Pinaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Pinales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2685620 · Wikidata Q50826380 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Talisapatra |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu | 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), Kwatha (decoction), Vati (tablet), Capsule, Avaleha (confection), Syrup
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g of churna twice daily; 40-80 mL kwatha twice daily
Bioavailability: Moderate bioavailability for volatile terpenoids; resinous matrix of leaf material provides slow release of active monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in the GI tract. Lipophilic components benefit from co-administration with ghee or oil-based vehicles. First-pass metabolism reduces systemic levels of taxifolin and related flavonoids.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water or honey; preferably morning and evening for respiratory support
Standardized Extract: Standardized to minimum 0.4% v/w volatile oil; hydroethanolic extract standardized to >1.5% total flavonoids (as quercetin equivalent by UV spectrophotometry)
Shelf Life: Powder: 12 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24 months; Syrup: 18 months; Essential oil: 24 months
Storage: Store in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light. Avoid storage near strong-smelling materials due to volatile cross-contamination.
Marker Compounds: Taxifolin, alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, Bornyl acetate, Limonene, Quercetin, Myricetin
Extraction Methods
- Steam distillation for essential oil
- Hydroethanolic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol
- Decoction (aqueous extraction)
Synergistic Combinations
- Pippali (Piper longum) - respiratory synergy, bioenhancer
- Maricha (Piper nigrum) - piperine-mediated absorption enhancement
- Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) - complementary expectorant
- Madhu (honey) - traditional anupana for Kapha conditions
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