# Sudarshan Churna

> Sudarshan Churna is a classical Ayurvedic churna, a fine herbal powder. 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.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; Swertia chirata monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I and Indian Pharmacopoeia; HPTLC-validated biomarker methods established (mangiferin, swertiamarin, oleanolic acid)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Sudarshan Churna](/formulation/sudarshan-churna/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (16th century); composed of 42 medicinal plants in the standard version; Maha (expanded) version contains approximately 50 ingredients; also referenced in Sharangdhara Samhita

## How does it work?

- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) pathway: Swertiamarin (terpenoid) in Swertia chirayita activates hypothalamic thermoregulatory centers and inhibits prostaglandin synthesis via COX-2 suppression, reducing fever
- Antimalarial action: Chirayita and [Neem](/herb/neem/) contain bitter compounds (swertiamarin, [nimbin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbin)) with documented antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium species
- Diaphoretic and [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/): The combination induces perspiration and promotes urination, eliminating metabolic toxins and breaking the fever cycle
- Agni-Ama axis regulation: Bitter-cool herbs clear Pitta and neutralize toxins while warming pungents (Shunthi, [Pippali](/herb/pippali/)) kindle Agni to metabolize Ama, restoring digestive equilibrium

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Fever management (Jwara Chikitsa) validated through pilot study showing 25% faster fever resolution compared to placebo
- Antimalarial activity validated through documented antiplasmodial properties of Swertia chirata and [Neem](/herb/neem/)
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity validated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in disc diffusion assays
- Appetite restoration and digestive improvement validated through Agni-enhancing mechanisms of [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) components

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 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 safe for short-term fever management; extremely bitter taste may cause nausea; avoid in patients with chronic diarrhea, peptic ulcer, or gastric hyperacidity due to predominance of bitter herbs
- Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation; caution in diabetic patients as several ingredients possess hypoglycemic activity; monitor blood sugar if used alongside antidiabetic 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:** 3-6g with warm water for fever

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

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals

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

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

**Marker Compounds:** Swertimerin, [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/), [Tinosporin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tinosporin)

**Quality Parameters:** Mesh size NLT 85#, moisture NMT 6%, total ash per pharmacopoeia, assay of marker compounds: Swertimerin, [Curcumin](/herb/curcumin/), Tinosporin

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Warm water as vehicle for enhanced absorption

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