Utingana
Blepharis persica
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.
| Botanical name | Blepharis persica |
|---|---|
| Currently accepted name | Blepharis ciliaris (L.) B.L.Burtt — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Acanthaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5575383 · Wikidata Q50839956 |
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 and 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 or 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 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, Kaempferol, beta-Sitosterol, Gallic acid, Ursolic acid
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol
Synergistic Combinations
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - immunomodulatory combination
- Ashwagandha - adaptogenic synergy
- Shatavari - rejuvenative combination
- Amalaki - antioxidant potentiation
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