# Changeri

> Changeri (Oxalis corniculata L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Oxalidaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; included in traditional pharmacopeias of India and China; used in approved Chinese patent medicines.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Oxalis corniculata L.
- **Family:** Oxalidaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; included in traditional pharmacopeias of India and China; used in approved Chinese patent medicines

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Changeri |
| Latin/Botanical | *Oxalis corniculata L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Oxalic acid and its salts
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) ([vitexin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitexin), [isovitexin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isovitexin), vitexine-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside)
- [Polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)
- Essential fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, linolenic, oleic acids)
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) and [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols)
- Ascorbic acid

## How does it work?

- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) activity via flavonoid-mediated (vitexin, isovitexin) free radical scavenging and metal chelation
- Anti-inflammatory action through inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines
- [Neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) effects via polyphenol-mediated protection against oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity through disruption of microbial cell membranes by organic acids and phenolic compounds

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-inflammatory and wound healing (Shotha-hara) - validated through multiple in vivo anti-inflammatory studies
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) and cooling (Jvarahara, Pittahara) - confirmed through pharmacological studies showing significant fever reduction
- Digestive disorders and diarrhea (Atisara-nashaka) - antimicrobial and astringent properties support traditional antidiarrheal use
- Eye conditions (Netra-roga) - traditional eye drops use partially supported by anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial data

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Zhong T, He J, Zhao H and others 2025. [Oxalis corniculata L. As a Source of Natural Antioxidants: Phytochemistry, Bioactivities, and Application Potential](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41300509/). *Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [41300509](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41300509/) · [doi:10.3390/antiox14111352](https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14111352)  
  Identified dominant metabolite classes (flavonoids, polysaccharides, organic acids) and validated antioxidant-driven pharmacological properties including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Contains significant oxalic acid content; excessive consumption may contribute to kidney stone formation (calcium oxalate stones) in susceptible individuals
- Generally safe for short-term traditional use at recommended doses; not recommended for patients with hyperoxaluria, gout, or kidney disease; long-term safety data lacking

## Dosage forms and preparation

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

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10ml fresh juice twice daily; 1-3g powder; 30-50ml decoction; external paste as needed. Use in moderate doses—contains oxalic acid.

**Bioavailability:** Oxalis corniculata—contains oxalic acid which can affect mineral (calcium, iron) bioavailability negatively through chelation. Vitamin C content enhances iron absorption from co-consumed foods. Flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). Fresh juice provides highest bioavailability of water-soluble constituents. CAUTION: High oxalate content contraindicates use in renal calculi patients.

**Optimal Timing:** With meals to buffer acidity; fresh juice mid-morning; external paste as needed for skin conditions; avoid on completely empty stomach

**Standardized Extract:** Whole plant extract standardized to total flavonoids NLT 3%; vitamin C NLT 1%. Total oxalate content must be declared on label.

**Shelf Life:** 2 days (fresh juice, refrigerated); 18 months (powder); 2 years (capsule)

**Storage:** Fresh juice refrigerated at 2-8°C in glass containers. Dried material in airtight containers protected from moisture and light.

**Marker Compounds:** Oxalic acid, Vitexin, Isovitexin, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), Tartaric acid, [Citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Gallic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh juice expression (Swarasa)
- Aqueous decoction for Kashayam
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50) for flavonoid fraction
- Low-temperature drying followed by grinding for powder
- Cold maceration for external paste

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Amalaki for vitamin C synergy and Pitta pacification
- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for fever management
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for anti-inflammatory formulations
- With Kutaja for diarrhea management
- With [Durva](/herb/durva/) for bleeding disorders

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.