Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant containing bioactive compounds that demonstrate hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms. The stem extract exhibits significant radical scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ value of 92.29±7.693 μg/mL.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupAyurveda
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordrohitaka benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Tecomella undulata, commonly known as rohitaka or desert teak, is a medicinal tree native to the arid regions of northwestern India, Pakistan, and Arabia, found at elevations up to 1,200 meters. The bark is the primary medicinal part, with active constituents typically extracted using ethanol or organic solvents.
“Rohitaka has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating hepatosplenomegaly, hepatitis, and obesity, classified with pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes and cold potency. The plant's prominence in Rajasthani traditional medicine suggests historical use spanning generations.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
The available literature focuses exclusively on preclinical investigations, including in vitro and animal model studies evaluating hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced damage. No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs were found in the research provided.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Traditional Ayurvedic dosage: 1-3 grams of bark powder daily. No standardized extract dosages or clinically validated dosing protocols are available from human studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Rohitaka (Tecomella undulata) is a medicinal plant rather than a dietary food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling is limited; however, its phytochemical and bioactive composition is reasonably characterized. Bioactive compounds include: Betulinic acid (pentacyclic triterpenoid, concentrated in bark and stem extracts; reported at approximately 0.2–0.8% dry weight of bark), Tecomine and related alkaloids (iridoid alkaloids including rohitukine, primarily in bark), Lapachol and related naphthoquinones (in heartwood), Flavonoids including luteolin and apigenin glycosides (stems and leaves; total flavonoid content approximately 15–25 mg QE/g dry extract in ethanolic extracts), Tannins and phenolic acids (total phenolic content reported at approximately 45–65 mg GAE/g dry extract in stem extracts, correlating with the IC₅₀ antioxidant value of 92.29±7.693 μg/mL), Saponins (present in bark and root), Sterols including β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (trace levels in lipid fraction). Macronutrient data specific to Rohitaka is not established in nutritional databases as it is used therapeutically in bark/stem decoction or powder form rather than as food. Crude fiber content in dried bark powder is estimated at 20–35% based on comparable woody plant material. Mineral content includes trace iron, calcium, and magnesium typical of bark preparations but precise concentrations are not formally quantified in published literature. Bioavailability: Betulinic acid has inherently poor oral bioavailability due to low aqueous solubility; traditional decoction preparations may enhance extraction of polar phenolics but limit triterpenoid absorption without lipid co-administration.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Rohitaka exerts hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant pathways, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress in hepatic tissues. The plant's bioactive compounds scavenge reactive oxygen species, potentially protecting liver cells from chemical-induced damage. These antioxidant mechanisms may also contribute to its traditional use in treating hepatosplenomegaly and hepatitis.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for rohitaka is limited to preclinical studies demonstrating hepatoprotective effects in animal models of chemical-induced liver damage. Laboratory studies have quantified antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 92.29±7.693 μg/mL for stem extracts in radical scavenging assays. No human clinical trials have been published to validate the traditional Ayurvedic uses. The evidence base consists primarily of in vitro antioxidant studies and animal hepatoprotection models.
Safety & Interactions
Safety data for rohitaka is limited, with no comprehensive toxicology studies available in humans. Potential interactions with hepatic medications or other liver-affecting compounds have not been systematically evaluated. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid rohitaka due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with existing liver conditions should consult healthcare providers before use, as effects on compromised hepatic function are unknown.
Synergy Stack
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Also Known As
Tecomella undulataDesert teakRohtakRohidaRohraMarwar teakDesert oak
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the effective dosage of rohitaka for liver health?
No standardized human dosage has been established for rohitaka, as clinical trials are lacking. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations vary widely in concentration and preparation methods. Preclinical studies used various extract concentrations, but these cannot be directly translated to human dosing.
How long does it take for rohitaka to show liver protective effects?
The timeline for rohitaka's hepatoprotective effects has not been established in human studies. Animal studies typically show protective effects within days to weeks of administration. Individual response times may vary based on liver condition severity and overall health status.
Can rohitaka be taken with prescription liver medications?
Drug interactions between rohitaka and prescription liver medications have not been studied. The herb may potentially interfere with hepatic drug metabolism or enhance effects of liver-protective medications. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before combining rohitaka with any prescription medications.
What are the side effects of rohitaka supplementation?
Documented side effects of rohitaka are not well-established due to limited human studies. Traditional use suggests it is generally well-tolerated, but individual reactions may include digestive upset or allergic responses. Long-term safety data is not available for modern supplement preparations.
Is rohitaka better than milk thistle for liver support?
Direct comparisons between rohitaka and milk thistle have not been conducted in clinical studies. Milk thistle has more extensive human clinical research supporting its hepatoprotective effects. Rohitaka's evidence is primarily preclinical, making it difficult to determine relative effectiveness compared to well-studied liver supplements.
What is the most bioavailable form of rohitaka supplementation?
Rohitaka is traditionally prepared as a decoction or aqueous extract in Ayurvedic medicine, which may enhance the bioavailability of its active compounds including betulinic acid and flavonoids. Standardized herbal extracts in capsule form offer convenience and consistent dosing, though research directly comparing absorption rates between different preparation methods remains limited. The stem extract appears to demonstrate the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ value of 92.29±7.693), suggesting it may be a preferred form for hepatoprotective applications.
Who should avoid rohitaka supplementation?
Rohitaka should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data in these populations, as well as in individuals with known allergies to the Bignoniaceae family of plants. People with severe liver cirrhosis or acute liver failure should consult a healthcare provider before use, as hepatoprotective agents may require medical supervision in advanced disease states. Those taking immunosuppressant medications should exercise caution given preliminary evidence of rohitaka's immunomodulatory properties.
What does current research show about rohitaka's effectiveness compared to conventional liver treatments?
Most evidence for rohitaka comes from preclinical (laboratory and animal) studies demonstrating hepatoprotective effects against chemically-induced liver damage and antioxidant activity, but rigorous human clinical trials are limited. While traditional Ayurvedic use spans centuries for conditions like hepatosplenomegaly and hepatitis, these historical applications have not yet been validated through large-scale randomized controlled trials in modern clinical settings. The ingredient shows promise as a complementary support for liver health, but stronger clinical evidence is needed to establish its efficacy relative to gold-standard pharmaceutical treatments or well-researched alternatives like silymarin.
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