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).
| Also known as | Sitopaladi Churna, SitopaladiChurna |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 release and allergic responses in respiratory tissue.
- Bronchodilator action: 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 enhances absorption of cinnamaldehyde (from Tvak) by 30%, demonstrating classical formulation synergy.
- 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. Pharmacognosy research. PMID 24174826 · doi: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
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
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 7:34 (SITOPALADI CURNA), which cites Sarngadharasamhita, Madhyamakhanda, Adhyaya 6; 134-135 4.. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sitopala | 192 g. | |
| 2 | Vamsarocana (vamsa) | 96 g. | |
| 3 | Pippali | fruit | 48 g. |
| 4 | Ela (siksmaila) | seed | 24 g. |
| 5 | Tvak * | stem bark | 12 g. |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
- 2013. Mast cell stabilization potential of Sitopaladi churna: An ayurvedic formulationPharmacognosy research. PMID 24174826 · doi:10.4103/0974-8490.118824
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.