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). Described for controlling Pitta-provoked conditions and adverse effects of intoxication. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India (Part I, entry 1:35) lists 23 ingredients, beginning with Srikhanda, Marica, Mamsi and Haridra.
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Sandalwood (Santalum album) monograph in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. |
|---|
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:35 (SRIKHANDASAVA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali, Madatyayadhikara; 24-264. (Devanagari line: भैषज्यरत्नावली, मदात्ययाधिकारः 24-26. 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 | 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. |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
The Formulary gives the dose as 12 to 24 ml. This is what the Formulary records for the classical preparation. It is not a dose for any product, and not advice to take anything.
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Srikhandasava |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Madatyaya Adhikara (chapter on intoxication/alcoholism). 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
- In vitro assays have reported antioxidant activity (santalols, flavonoids, phenolics)
- Antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli has been reported in vitro
- Jatamansi and Ushira are traditionally described as calming and are used classically for agitation from Pitta excess
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Burning sensation (Daha) from Pitta aggravation: traditionally used for this. Studies have reported cooling and anti-inflammatory activity.
- Adverse effects of alcohol/intoxication: traditionally used for Madatyaya. Studies have reported hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity.
- Burning micturition and UTI: traditionally used for these conditions. Studies have reported antimicrobial activity and cooling diuretic properties.
- Skin conditions with burning and inflammation: traditionally used for these conditions. Studies have reported antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
What do recent studies 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
An in vitro study reported high antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. The formulation is traditionally described as Pitta-pacifying and tissue-protective.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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?
The Ayurvedic Formulary of India recipe, every ingredient with its part and quantity, is in the composition table near the top of this page.
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Arishta/Asava (fermented liquid), Syrup (modern adaptation)
Standard Dosage: 12 to 24 ml with equal water, as given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:35. The formulary attributes this formula to Bhaisajyaratnavali, Madatyayadhikara; 24-26 (Devanagari line: भैषज्यरत्नावली, मदात्ययाधिकारः 24-26).
Optimal Timing: After meals, twice daily
Storage: Room temperature, tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Marker Compounds: Alpha-santalol, Beta-santalol
Vehicle (Anupana): Equal quantity of water after meals
Synergistic Combinations
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
- 2024. Antioxidant Studies of One Ayurvedic Medicine, SrikhandasavamJournal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences. PMID 40061773 · doi:10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_990_24
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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.