Tintidika
Rhus parviflora
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.
| Botanical name | Rhus parviflora |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. V: TINTIDIKAH (Aerial Part) |
| Also called | Tamarindus indica (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Currently accepted name | Searsia parviflora (Roxb.) F.A.Barkley — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Anacardiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3662246 · Wikidata Q50867307 · NCBI Taxonomy 1565472 |
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 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. 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, Malic acid, Proanthocyanidin B2, Epicatechin, Vitexin, 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
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