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 Pentapetes?
Some Ayurvedic herbs are named for what they do. This one is named for when it blooms. Its bright red or orange flowers open around midday, which is why its Hindi name, Dopahariya, means "of noon," and why it is called Noon Flower in English.
Its botanical name is Pentapetes phoenicea Linn., and its Sanskrit names are Bandhuka and Bandhujivaka (बन्धूक, बन्धुजीवक). It is a small annual herb, 6 to 20 inches tall, with flowers about 2 to 2.5 inches across.
The flowers are the part used. The Bhavaprakasha (Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4, verse 30) describes them as cooling, used for bleeding disorders and as a tonic for the skin and complexion. It is a minor herb with a short classical entry, so there is less to say about it than about the better-known Ayurvedic plants.
Benefits of Pentapetes
The Bhavaprakasha gives Noon Flower two therapeutic actions (Karma), meaning the effects a herb is known for. Both follow from its cooling nature and its calming effect on Pitta, the dosha of heat and metabolism.
Bleeding Disorders
Noon Flower is described as alleviating bleeding (Raktapittahara). Raktapitta is the Ayurvedic term for bleeding disorders driven by heated, aggravated Pitta in the blood.
The reasoning is straightforward. Its taste is astringent (Kashaya) and sweet (Madhura), its potency is cold (Sheeta Virya), and its post-digestive effect is sweet (Madhura Vipaka). Astringent taste is traditionally associated with tightening and holding, while cold and sweet qualities pacify Pitta.
Skin and Complexion
It is also called a complexion enhancer (Varnya), a herb that improves the color and clarity of the skin. Our knowledge graph links it to skin disorders on the basis of this action. The classical entry describes the flowers as a skin tonic but gives no specific skin conditions.
Plant Compounds
Our sources list flavonoids and anthocyanins among its chemical constituents. They give no modern research on what these do in this plant.
How to Use Pentapetes
Our sources say the flowers are the part used, but they give no dose, no preparation method and no timing for Noon Flower. Rather than fill that gap with guesses, here is exactly what is and is not documented.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | No dose given in our sources | Bleeding disorders, skin and complexion | Not specified in our sources |
No vehicle (Anupana), meaning the liquid or food a herb is taken with, is recorded either. Because bleeding disorders need proper medical assessment, use Noon Flower only under a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner who can set the form and amount.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources list no contraindications, no drug interactions and no overdose signs for Noon Flower. That is a gap in the data, not a guarantee of safety.
What its profile suggests
It is cooling and light (Laghu) and pacifies Pitta. Our sources do not say how it affects Vata or Kapha, so people with a cold constitution should ask a practitioner before using it.
Bleeding needs a diagnosis first
Its main traditional use is for bleeding. Any unexplained bleeding needs to be seen by a doctor before you consider herbs. If you take blood thinners or other prescription medication, talk to your doctor first.
Recommended: Start Here
Noon Flower is a minor classical herb, and it is not commonly sold as a standard supplement. Our sources also give no dose. So the honest starting point is a conversation with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner, not a purchase.
If you are interested because of its traditional role in cooling excess Pitta and supporting the skin, a practitioner can tell you whether it fits your situation and how to prepare the flowers. If you want to look for it, search under its botanical or Sanskrit name.
Search Pentapetes phoenicea on Amazon ↗ Bandhuka Flower ↗
Our sources record no contraindications or dose, so see a doctor about any bleeding before trying herbs, and check with them if you take blood thinners or are pregnant.
Pentapetes vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Our sources do not compare Noon Flower with any other herb, so we will not invent a head-to-head verdict. What we can do is set out its documented profile so you can weigh it against other options with a practitioner.
| Comparison | Pentapetes | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| For bleeding disorders | Cooling, astringent and sweet; classically said to alleviate bleeding | Other herbs on our bleeding disorders page | Our sources give no dose for Noon Flower, so better-documented herbs are easier to use |
| For skin | Classically a complexion enhancer | Other herbs on our skin disorders page | Its skin role is described only in general terms |
Pentapetes for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific guidance for Noon Flower. Given that and the lack of any recorded dose, caution is the sensible default.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No safety data is recorded for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not use it during either without guidance from a qualified practitioner and your doctor.
Children
Our sources give no dose or guidance for children. Do not give it to children without professional advice.
Elderly
No specific guidance is recorded. Older adults on blood thinners or other regular medication should check with their doctor first.
Athletes
Our sources say nothing about Noon Flower for athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Noon Flower?
Its flowers open around midday. The Hindi name Dopahariya means "of noon," and the English name Noon Flower carries the same idea.
What is Bandhuka used for in Ayurveda?
The Bhavaprakasha describes the flowers as alleviating bleeding and enhancing the complexion. They are used for bleeding disorders and as a skin tonic.
Is Noon Flower cooling or heating?
Cooling. Its potency is cold, its taste is astringent and sweet, and it pacifies Pitta.
How much Pentapetes should I take?
Our sources give no dose. Work with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner rather than guessing an amount.
Which part of the plant is used?
The flowers, which are bright red or orange and about 2 to 2.5 inches across.
How to Use Pentapetes by Condition
Explore how Pentapetes is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.