# Utingana

> Utingana (Blepharis persica) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Polyphenolic compounds undergo Phase II hepatic conjugation. The saponin fraction is poorly absorbed (<10%) but contributes to local GI effects. Co-administration with Trikatu or piperine-containing herbs can enhance systemic absorption of the alkaloid fraction.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Blepharis persica

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Utingana |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Polyphenolic compounds undergo Phase II hepatic conjugation. The saponin fraction is poorly absorbed (<10%) but contributes to local GI effects. Co-administration with [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) or [piperine](/reference/piperine/)-containing herbs can enhance systemic absorption of the alkaloid fraction.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water; morning and evening administration

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >2% total alkaloids (by titrimetric method) and >3% total flavonoids (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalent)

**Shelf Life:** Powder: 12-18 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24 months; Decoction: prepare fresh daily

**Storage:** Airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light and humidity.

**Marker Compounds:** Quercetin, [Rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Gallic acid, Ursolic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (Tinospora cordifolia) - [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) combination
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) synergy
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) - rejuvenative combination
- Amalaki - [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) potentiation

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

## 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.