# Utpala

> Utpala is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Nuciferine and nornuciferine (aporphine alkaloids, if Nelumbo species) have good oral bioavailability (~35-45%). Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol glycosides) undergo extensive Phase II metabolism with low systemic bioavailability (<15%) but gut microbiota conversion to bioactive aglycones.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Utpala |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Svarasa (fresh juice), Capsule, Lepa (paste), Nasya (nasal drops), Eye drops (Netra Bindu)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; Nasya: 2-4 drops per nostril

**Bioavailability:** Nymphayol (sterol) has moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%), enhanced by lipid co-administration. [Nuciferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nuciferine) and nornuciferine (aporphine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), if Nelumbo species) have good oral bioavailability (~35-45%). [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)) undergo extensive Phase II metabolism with low systemic bioavailability (<15%) but gut microbiota conversion to bioactive aglycones. Intranasal delivery (Nasya) bypasses first-pass metabolism for CNS-active compounds.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) effect; Nasya in morning after sunrise; ophthalmic application as directed by physician

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >0.5% nymphayol by HPLC; >2% total flavonoids (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalent); aromatic water ([Arka](/herb/arka/)) with characteristic floral bouquet

**Shelf Life:** Fresh flowers: 12-24 hours; Dried petals: 6-12 months; Powder: 12 months; Capsules: 24 months; Nasya oil: 12-18 months; Aromatic water: 6-12 months

**Storage:** Dried petals in airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25 deg C. Nasya oil in amber glass at room temperature. Aromatic water refrigerated at 2-8 deg C. Freeze-dried material at 2-8 deg C for long-term storage.

**Marker Compounds:** Nymphayol, Nymphaeine, Quercetin, Kaempferol, [Myricetin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myricetin), Gallic acid, beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Nymphasterol

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for delicate flower petals
- Supercritical CO2 extraction for steroidal fraction
- Distillation for aromatic water (Utpala [Arka](/herb/arka/))

### Synergistic Combinations

- Chandan (sandalwood) - cooling and Pitta-pacifying synergy
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (vetiver) - complementary cooling action
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (licorice) - soothing and anti-inflammatory combination
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (ghee) - vehicle for ophthalmic and nasal preparations

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

## 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.