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 and Ushira pacifies aggravated Pitta dosha and reduces burning sensations
Potent antioxidant activity (santalols, flavonoids, phenolics) protects tissues from oxidative damage
Antimicrobial action against S. aureus and E. coli supports traditional dermatological and urinary tract applications
Nervine calming effects of Jatamansi and 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 and antioxidant mechanisms
Burning micturition and UTI - corroborated by antimicrobial activity and cooling 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. Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. PMID 40061773 · doi: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 (sandalwood), Dhataki, Guda; fermentation creates unique metabolite profile with enhanced therapeutic activity

#	Ingredient	Part	Quantity
1	Srikhanda (sveta candana)	heart wood	24 g.
2	Marica	root	24 g.
3	Mamsi (jatamamsi) *	rhizome	24 g.
4	Haridra *	rhizome	24 g.
5	Daru haridra	stem	24 g.
6	Citraka	root	24 g.
7	Ghana (musta)	rhizome	24 g.
8	Usira	root	24 g.
9	Tagara	rhizome	24 g.
10	Draksa	dry fruit	24 g.
11	Candana (rakta candana)	heart wood	24 g.
12	Nagakesara	stamens	24 g.
13	Patha	root	24 g.
14	Dhatri (amalaki) *	pericarp	24 g.
15	Kana (pippali)	fruit	24 g.
16	Cavya	stem	24 g.
17	Lavanga	flower bud	24 g.
18	Elavaluka	S.Bk.	24 g.
19	Lodhra	stem bark	24 g.
20	Water *		24.576 l.
21	Draksa	dry fruit	2.880 kg.
22	Guda		14.400 kg.
23	Dhataki	flower	576 g.

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.