# Trapusha

> Trapusha (Cucumis sativus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Flavonoids (vitexin, orientin) show low to moderate bioavailability (10-20%). The high water content (>95%) of fresh fruit facilitates rapid dissolution and absorption of water-soluble constituents.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Cucumis sativus

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Trapusha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Svarasa (fresh juice), Churna (seed powder), Capsule, Tablet, Beeja Churna (seed powder)

**Standard Dosage:** 50-100 mL fresh cucumber juice twice daily; 3-6 g seed powder twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Cucurbitacins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cucurbitacins) (B, D, E) have moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) but very narrow therapeutic index; precise dosing is critical. [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin), [orientin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#orientin)) show low to moderate bioavailability (10-20%). The high water content (>95%) of fresh fruit facilitates rapid dissolution and absorption of water-soluble constituents. Seed oil fatty acids (linoleic, oleic) are well absorbed.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) effect; between meals for cooling action; seed powder after meals

**Standardized Extract:** Seed extract standardized to >25% fatty acids (linoleic + oleic by GC); cucurbitacin B <0.01% (safety limit); total flavonoids >1% (as vitexin equivalent)

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: 24-48 hours refrigerated (72 hours with HPP); Seed powder: 9-12 months (defatted: 18 months); Softgels: 24 months

**Storage:** Fresh juice refrigerated at 2-8 deg C. Seed powder in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C with desiccant. Defatted powder at room temperature. Seed oil under nitrogen in dark glass at 2-8 deg C.

**Marker Compounds:** Cucurbitacin B, Cucurbitacin E, Vitexin, Orientin, Linoleic acid, Oleic acid, beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Tocopherols](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tocopherols)

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing for seed oil
- Fresh juice expression
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-60% ethanol) for cucurbitacin-rich fraction
- Aqueous extraction
- Supercritical CO2 for seed oil

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (Vetiveria zizanioides) - cooling and diuretic synergy
- Chandan (sandalwood) - Pitta-pacifying combination
- [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) (Vitis vinifera) - renal supportive combination
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Tribulus terrestris) - urinary tract supportive synergy

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

## 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.