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 and related isoquinoline 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 and sedative synergy
- With Ashwagandha for stress and insomnia
- With Brahmi for cognitive support with calming effect
- With Shankhapushpi for neurological conditions
- With Tagara for sleep disorders
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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