# Agnikumarika

> Agnikumarika is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Traditional enhancement via Trikatu yoga (black pepper, long pepper, ginger) or honey as anupana. Presence of volatile oils suggests reasonable absorption of lipophilic fractions.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Agnikumarika |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Katu, Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Capsule, Tablet

**Standard Dosage:** 2-5g powder twice daily; 40-80ml decoction; 10-20ml fresh juice

**Bioavailability:** Limited modern pharmacokinetic data available. Traditional enhancement via [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) yoga ([black pepper](/herb/black-pepper/), long pepper, [ginger](/herb/ginger/)) or honey as anupana. Presence of volatile oils suggests reasonable absorption of lipophilic fractions. Aqueous constituents absorbed via paracellular and transcellular pathways.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water to stimulate Agni (digestive fire)

**Standardized Extract:** Standardization parameters not well established. Recommend TLC/HPTLC fingerprinting for quality control. Total phenolic content as preliminary marker.

**Shelf Life:** 18 months (powder); 2 years (capsules/tablets); 1 week (fresh juice, refrigerated)

**Storage:** Airtight containers, cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Temperature below 25°C preferred.

**Marker Compounds:** Total phenolics, Total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), Volatile oil content (if applicable), [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (traditional method)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol-water)
- Steam distillation for volatile oil fraction
- Cold expression for fresh juice

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Agnimantha](/herb/agnimantha/) for digestive fire (Agni) stimulation
- With [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/) for metabolism enhancement
- With Sunthi (ginger) for digestive support

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/agnikumarika/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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.