Yavasa
Alhagi pseudalhagi
Yavasa (Alhagi pseudalhagi) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol glycosides) undergo typical Phase II conjugation with low to moderate systemic bioavailability (~10-20%). Manna sugar (a natural exudate) is largely composed of saccharides that are absorbed as dietary sugars.
| Botanical name | Alhagi pseudalhagi |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 11374752 · Wikidata Q15523121 · NCBI Taxonomy 47037 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Yavasa |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Madhura, Kashaya, Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Kshara (alkali preparation)
Standard Dosage: 3-6 g powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; Kshara: 500 mg-1 g with buttermilk
Bioavailability: Alhagrin and other alkaloids have moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). Flavonoids (isorhamnetin, kaempferol glycosides) undergo typical Phase II conjugation with low to moderate systemic bioavailability (~10-20%). Manna sugar (a natural exudate) is largely composed of saccharides that are absorbed as dietary sugars. The Kshara (alkali) preparation has high bioavailability for mineral components, with alkaline pH facilitating intestinal absorption of certain phytochemicals.
Optimal Timing: After meals for general use; before meals for diuretic effect; Kshara with buttermilk after meals
Standardized Extract: Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >2% total flavonoids (as isorhamnetin equivalent by HPLC); Kshara: potassium carbonate content >40% by titrimetry, pH 9-11
Shelf Life: Powder: 12-18 months; Kshara: 24-36 months (inorganic alkali is stable); Capsules/Tablets: 24 months; Decoction: prepare fresh; Manna: 18-24 months
Storage: Powder and capsules in airtight containers at 15-25 deg C. Kshara in airtight, moisture-proof glass or HDPE containers (highly hygroscopic). Manna in dry, airtight storage.
Marker Compounds: Isorhamnetin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Alhagrin, beta-Sitosterol, Lupeol, Gallic acid, Manna sugars (sucrose, glucose)
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Kshara Kalpana (alkali preparation by incineration and water extraction)
- Fresh plant juice expression
- Methanol extraction for flavonoid analysis
Synergistic Combinations
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