# Tintidika

> Tintidika (Rhus parviflora) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Polyphenols including proanthocyanidins and flavonoids have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). High organic acid content naturally enhances iron absorption from co-administered iron supplements or iron-rich foods.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Rhus parviflora

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Tintidika |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Syrup, Avaleha (confection), Capsule, Paste

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g pulp powder with meals; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 g avaleha once daily

**Bioavailability:** Tartaric acid (primary organic acid, 8-18%) is rapidly and nearly completely absorbed from the GI tract. [Polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) including [proanthocyanidins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proanthocyanidins) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). High organic acid content naturally enhances iron absorption from co-administered iron supplements or iron-rich foods. Polysaccharide gums from seed kernel are not absorbed but function as dietary fiber and potential prebiotics.

**Optimal Timing:** With or after meals; commonly used as a culinary-medicinal ingredient; before meals for appetizer action

**Standardized Extract:** Pulp extract standardized to >10% tartaric acid by titration; >3% total polyphenols (as gallic acid equivalent); seed extract standardized to >60% xyloglucan polysaccharide

**Shelf Life:** Pulp paste: 12 months with preservative; Spray-dried powder: 24 months; Syrup: 18 months; Seed kernel powder: 24 months

**Storage:** Pulp products in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C; highly hygroscopic - moisture-barrier packaging essential. Seed powder in cool, dry conditions. Protect from insects (particularly weevils) with appropriate pest control.

**Marker Compounds:** Tartaric acid, [Citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid), Malic acid, Proanthocyanidin B2, [Epicatechin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#epicatechin), [Vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin), [Orientin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#orientin), Xyloglucan

### Extraction Methods

- Hot water extraction for pulp decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (40-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration in water for mucilaginous seed extract
- Spray drying of aqueous extract
- Acid hydrolysis for free phenolic enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (Tinospora cordifolia) - anti-inflammatory synergy
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) (Terminalia chebula) - digestive combination
- Jaggery - traditional combination for hematinic action
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) - bioavailability enhancement for tamarind polyphenols

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

## 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.