# Sukumara Kashayam

> Sukumara Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). 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 the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Manufactured under Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940 guidelines. Referenced in Sahasrayogam, a classical Kerala pharmacopoeia.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Sukumara Kashayam](/formulation/sukumara-kashayam/) |

## Key Ingredients

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (Withania somnifera)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (Asparagus racemosus)
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) (Ricinus communis)
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (Boerhavia diffusa)
- [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) (group of ten roots)
- Payasya (Ipomoea digitata)
- Krishnamoola (Piper longum root)
- Sunthi ([Zingiber](/herb/zingiber/) officinale)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Sida cordifolia)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (Tinospora cordifolia)

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Yoga Prakarana; also referenced in Ashtanga Hridayam for treating indigestion, intestinal spasm, abdominal pain, hernia, and menstrual disorders.

## How does it work?

- [Antispasmodic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antispasmodic) action on uterine and intestinal smooth muscle reduces menstrual cramps and abdominal pain
- Potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity (DPPH, FRAP, H2O2 scavenging) protects cells from oxidative damage
- [Vata-balancing](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#vata-balancing) properties through [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) and [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) restore normal peristalsis and relieve constipation
- Phytoestrogenic compounds from [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) and [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) support hormonal balance and reproductive health

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Dysmenorrhea and menstrual irregularity - validated by clinical observations showing antispasmodic and hormonal effects
- Constipation and digestive disorders - supported by prokinetic action of [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) and [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) root constituents
- Polycystic ovarian disease and uterine fibroids - partially validated by clinical case studies showing cyst size reduction
- Infertility support - traditional use supported by phytoestrogenic activity of key ingredients

## 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

- No known side effects at recommended dosage; overdose may induce gastric irritation. Should be used under Ayurvedic physician supervision.
- In cases of shorter menstrual periods with heavy bleeding, [Sukumara Kashayam](/formulation/sukumara-kashayam/) may increase bleeding; contraindicated in menorrhagia without physician guidance.
- Individual sensitivities or allergies to specific herbal ingredients may exist, especially in Pitta-predominant conditions.

## 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:** Kashayam (decoction), Kashayam tablet, Concentrated liquid

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30ml twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Aqueous decoction provides good bioavailability for water-soluble compounds; concentration step may reduce volatile components

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals, typically morning and evening

**Shelf Life:** 1 day (fresh kashayam); 2 years (kashayam tablet); 6 months (concentrated liquid with preservative)

**Storage:** Fresh: refrigerate, use within 24h. Tablet/liquid: cool dry place, airtight

**Marker Compounds:** Ricinoleic acid, Shatavarin

**Quality Parameters:** pH 4.0-6.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.05, total solids 2-8%, marker assay: Ricinoleic acid, Shatavarin

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm, usually taken on empty stomach

### Synergistic Combinations

- Classical combination of [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) mula, [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/), [Triphala](/herb/triphala/), [Dashamoola](/herb/dashamoola/) provides synergistic therapeutic effect

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

## 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.