# Sitopaladi Churna

> Sitopaladi Churna is a classical Ayurvedic churna, a fine herbal powder. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Sharangdhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6. Also referenced in Chakradatta and Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Kasa Rogadhikara / Cough chapter).

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Recognized in AYUSH recommended formulations for respiratory conditions. One of the most commonly dispensed respiratory churnas across Indian Ayurvedic hospitals and dispensaries.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Sitopaladi Churna](/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sharangdhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 6. Also referenced in Chakradatta and Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Kasa Rogadhikara / Cough chapter). One of the foundational respiratory formulations in Ayurveda.

## How does it work?

- Mast cell stabilization: Inhibits mast cell degranulation (65-74% protection), preventing [histamine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#histamine) release and allergic responses in respiratory tissue.
- [Bronchodilator](/reference/bronchodilator/) action: [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) and essential oils relax bronchial smooth muscle, improving airway patency.
- Anti-inflammatory cytokine suppression: 45% inhibition of TNF-alpha in lung cell lines, reducing respiratory tract inflammation.
- Bioavailability synergy: Piperine from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) enhances absorption of [cinnamaldehyde](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cinnamaldehyde) (from Tvak) by 30%, demonstrating classical formulation synergy.
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity: Active against S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, providing direct action against respiratory pathogens.

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Cough (Kasa) management (validated by RCT showing significant cough frequency reduction vs. placebo)
- Allergic respiratory conditions (validated by mast cell stabilization comparable to ketotifen)
- Respiratory tract infections (validated by antimicrobial activity against common respiratory pathogens)
- Bronchial asthma and bronchospasm (validated by bronchodilator activity studies)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Makhija IK, Shreedhara CS, Ram HN 2013. [Mast cell stabilization potential of Sitopaladi churna: An ayurvedic formulation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24174826/). *Pharmacognosy research*. PMID [24174826](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24174826/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8490.118824](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8490.118824)  
  Aqueous extract (300 mg/kg) and methanolic extract (150-300 mg/kg) showed 65-74% mast cell degranulation protection, comparable to standard drug ketotifen (79%), with statistical significance (P < 0.0001).

*4 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally one of the safest Ayurvedic medicines with no significant side effects at recommended doses. Likely safe for pregnant and lactating women under physician supervision.
- Contains substantial sugar (Mishri/rock candy); diabetics and those with insulin resistance should exercise caution or seek sugar-free alternatives.
- Hot potency (Ushna Virya) may cause issues in summer or when digestion is already strong; recommended to take one month gap after every 2-3 months of usage. May interact with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and diabetes medications.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (fine powder), Capsule, Tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g with honey 3-4 times daily

**Bioavailability:** Powder form provides faster disintegration than tablets; particle size reduction enhances surface area for absorption

**Optimal Timing:** Multiple times daily for cough

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (as per ASU guidelines for churna)

**Storage:** Airtight container, cool dry place, protected from moisture

**Marker Compounds:** Piperine, [Cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole)

**Quality Parameters:** Mesh size NLT 85#, moisture NMT 6%, total ash per pharmacopoeia, assay of marker compounds: Piperine, Cineole

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Honey as vehicle for enhanced absorption

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

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.