Pentas

(Noon Flower)
Sanskrit: बन्धूक • Botanical: Pentapetes phoenicea Linn.

Bandhuka / Dupahariya (Pentapetes phoenicea) is an annual herb that opens its flowers around noon, hence the Hindi name 'Dopahariya' (of noon). The flowers are bright red or orange, 2-2.5 inches across. The plant grows 6-20 inches tall. The flowers are used in bleeding disorders and as a skin tonic. It has cooling properties. Verse: 30.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Flavonoids, Anthocyanins
Also Known As
English: Noon Flower
Sanskrit: बन्धूक, बन्धुजीवक
Hindi: दोपहरिया, बन्धूक

What is Pentas / Pentapetes (Dupahariya / दोपहरिया)?

Bandhuka / Dupahariya (Pentapetes phoenicea) is an annual herb that opens its flowers around noon, hence the Hindi name 'Dopahariya' (of noon). The flowers are bright red or orange, 2-2.5 inches across. The plant grows 6-20 inches tall. The flowers are used in bleeding disorders and as a skin tonic. It has cooling properties. Verse: 30.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Raktapittahara (alleviates bleeding)
  • Varnya (complexion enhancer)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.