# Srikhandasava

> Srikhandasava is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Madatyaya Adhikara (chapter on intoxication/alcoholism). Also known as Chandanasava in some traditions. Described for controlling Pitta-provoked conditions and adverse effects of intoxication.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Sandalwood (Santalum album) monograph in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Also known as Chandanasava in South Indian pharmacopoeias.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Srikhandasava |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Madatyaya Adhikara (chapter on intoxication/alcoholism). Also known as Chandanasava in some traditions. Described for controlling Pitta-provoked conditions and adverse effects of intoxication.

## How does it work?

- Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) of [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) and [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) pacifies aggravated Pitta dosha and reduces burning sensations
- Potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity (santalols, [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), phenolics) protects tissues from oxidative damage
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) action against S. aureus and E. coli supports traditional dermatological and urinary tract applications
- Nervine calming effects of [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) and [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) address insomnia, irritability, and mental agitation from Pitta excess

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Burning sensation (Daha) from Pitta aggravation - validated by cooling and anti-inflammatory studies
- Adverse effects of alcohol/intoxication - traditional Madatyaya use supported by [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and antioxidant mechanisms
- Burning micturition and UTI - corroborated by antimicrobial activity and cooling [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) properties
- Skin conditions with burning and inflammation - supported by antioxidant and antimicrobial profiling

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sanapati K, Kalaivannan J, Jones S and others 2024. [Antioxidant Studies of One Ayurvedic Medicine, Srikhandasavam](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40061773/). *Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences*. PMID [40061773](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40061773/) · [doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_990_24](https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_990_24)  
  PMC-published study confirmed high antioxidant activity through DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, validating the formulation's Pitta-pacifying and tissue-protective properties.

*2 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

- Contains 5-10% self-generated alcohol. Over-dosage may lead to gastritis and related complaints. Recommended dose: 12-24 ml once or twice daily after food.
- Generally safe at therapeutic doses. Not recommended during pregnancy. Patients with gastric sensitivity should take with food. Long-term use under physician supervision advised.

## 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:** Arishta/Asava (fermented liquid), Syrup (modern adaptation)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30ml with equal water

**Bioavailability:** Self-generated alcohol enhances extraction and absorption of both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds; fermentation produces bioactive metabolites not present in raw herbs

**Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice daily

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite per classical texts; commercially labeled 5-10 years. Improves with age.

**Storage:** Room temperature, tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.

**Marker Compounds:** Alpha-santalol, Beta-santalol

**Quality Parameters:** Alcohol content 5-12% v/v, pH 3.0-4.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.08, total solids 15-25%, marker: Alpha-santalol, Beta-santalol

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water after meals

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (sandalwood), [Dhataki](/herb/dhataki/), [Guda](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#guda); fermentation creates unique metabolite profile with enhanced therapeutic activity

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/srikhandasava/

## 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.