# Bhunimba

> Bhunimba is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Extensive first-pass metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Nanoparticle formulations improve bioavailability by 2-4x. Andrographolide-phospholipid complex (phytosome) shows significantly improved Cmax. Self-nanoemulsifying systems show promising results in preclinical studies.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bhunimba |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | 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), Tablet, Capsule, Kashayam (decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid extract), Vati (traditional pill), Asava

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 300-500mg standardized extract; 50-100ml decoction; traditionally used in small doses due to intense bitterness

**Bioavailability:** [Andrographolide](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#andrographolide) shows moderate oral bioavailability (25-35%) with rapid absorption (Tmax 1.5-2h). Extensive first-pass metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP2C9. Nanoparticle formulations improve bioavailability by 2-4x. Andrographolide-phospholipid complex (phytosome) shows significantly improved Cmax. Self-nanoemulsifying systems show promising results in preclinical studies.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for fever and infections; with honey for bitter taste mitigation; empty stomach for maximum absorption

**Standardized Extract:** Whole plant extract standardized to andrographolide NLT 10% (concentrated extract); NLT 30% for high-potency capsules. Total diterpene lactones NLT 15%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 1 year (decoction)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place away from light. Andrographolide is light-sensitive—use amber containers. Temperature below 25°C for extract-based products.

**Marker Compounds:** Andrographolide, [Neoandrographolide](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#neoandrographolide), 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, [Andrograpanin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#andrograpanin), Andrographiside, Kalmeghin

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (80:20 ethanol:water) for andrographolide enrichment
- Aqueous decoction for traditional Kashayam
- Methanol extraction for maximum diterpenoid yield
- Supercritical CO2 for high-purity andrographolide
- Spray drying with maltodextrin carrier for stable powder extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) synergy
- With Kutki for [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) formulations
- With [Neem](/herb/neem/) for [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and blood-purifying effects
- With [Chirayata](/herb/chirayata/) for Jwara (fever) management
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory combinations

---

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

## 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.