Bhunimba
Bhunimba is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Its marker compound andrographolide shows moderate oral bioavailability and extensive first-pass metabolism via CYP3A4 and CYP2C9.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Andrographis, King of Bitters |
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 |
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
Optimal Timing: Before meals with warm water (traditionally used in fever and infections); with honey for bitter taste mitigation; empty stomach for maximum absorption
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, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, Andrograpanin, Andrographiside, Kalmeghin
Synergistic Combinations
- With Guduchi for immunomodulatory and antipyretic synergy
- With Kutki for hepatoprotective formulations
- With Neem for antimicrobial and blood-purifying effects
- With Chirayata for Jwara (fever) management
- With Haridra for anti-inflammatory combinations
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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