Tumburu
Zanthoxylum armatum
Tumburu (Zanthoxylum armatum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Alkaloids (chelerythrine, sanguinarine) have moderate bioavailability but are extensively metabolized hepatically. Essential oil terpenes (limonene, linalool) are well absorbed but undergo rapid first-pass metabolism.
| Botanical name | Zanthoxylum armatum |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7716390 · Wikidata Q6170892 · NCBI Taxonomy 67938 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Tumburu |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | 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), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil), Mouthwash
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g powder twice daily; 30-60 mL decoction twice daily; as mouthwash: 5-10 mL diluted and gargled
Bioavailability: Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool and related alkylamides are rapidly absorbed from the GI tract with good bioavailability (~40-50%) and exhibit TRPV1 receptor agonism (tingling/numbing sensation). Alkaloids (chelerythrine, sanguinarine) have moderate bioavailability but are extensively metabolized hepatically. Essential oil terpenes (limonene, linalool) are well absorbed but undergo rapid first-pass metabolism.
Optimal Timing: After meals for digestive support; mouthwash after meals for dental care; morning and evening dosing
Standardized Extract: Essential oil standardized to >10% hydroxy-alpha-sanshool; hydroethanolic extract standardized to >3% total alkylamides by HPLC; >2% total alkaloids
Shelf Life: Dried fruits: 12-18 months; Essential oil: 24 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24 months; Mouthwash: 18 months
Storage: Airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Essential oil in amber glass. Alkylamide content degrades with heat; avoid storage above 30 deg C.
Marker Compounds: Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, Hydroxy-beta-sanshool, Limonene, Linalool, Chelerythrine, Sanguinarine, Tambulin, beta-Phellandrene
Extraction Methods
- Steam distillation for essential oil
- Hydroethanolic extraction (60-80% ethanol)
- Supercritical CO2 extraction
- Aqueous decoction
- Hexane extraction for amide-rich fraction
Synergistic Combinations
- Maricha (black pepper) - complementary bioenhancer action via different mechanisms
- Pippali - combined alkylamide activity
- Lavanga (clove) - dental/oral care synergy
- Haridra (turmeric) - anti-inflammatory potentiation
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