# Bhutakeshi

> Bhutakeshi is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Lower doses recommended initially due to potent sedative properties. Bioavailability: Protopine and related isoquinoline alkaloids show moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-50%).

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Bhutakeshi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu | 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), Capsule, Tablet, Avalehya (confection)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 250-500mg extract capsule. Lower doses recommended initially due to potent sedative properties.

**Bioavailability:** [Protopine](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#protopine) and related isoquinoline [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) show moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-50%). Alkaloids are well absorbed from the GI tract due to lipophilicity. Traditional milk vehicle reduces potential GI irritation and may enhance absorption of lipophilic alkaloids. Note: limited modern pharmacokinetic studies specific to this species.

**Optimal Timing:** At bedtime with warm milk for sleep disorders; between meals for anxiety; not recommended before driving or operating machinery

**Standardized Extract:** Root/rhizome extract standardized to total isoquinoline alkaloids NLT 2%; protopine NLT 0.5%

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

**Storage:** Store in airtight, light-protected containers. Alkaloids are photosensitive. Cool, dry conditions below 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Protopine, Bicuculline, Corydine, Corydaline, Bulbocapnine, Alpha-allocryptopine

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70:30 ethanol:water)
- Alkaloid-enriched extraction with acidified water followed by basification and organic solvent partitioning
- Aqueous decoction for traditional use
- Methanol extraction for research-grade alkaloid profiling

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Jatamamsi for [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and sedative synergy
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for stress and insomnia
- With [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) for cognitive support with calming effect
- With Shankhapushpi for neurological conditions
- With [Tagara](/herb/tagara/) for sleep disorders

---

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

## 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.