# Dashamoola

> Dashamoola is classified in Ayurveda as Vatahara (Anti-Vata), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory), from the Multiple families family. Parts used: roots of 10 plants: bilva, agnimantha, shyonaka, patala, gambhari + shalaparni, prishniparni, brihati, kantakari, gokshura. One of the most important compound formulations.

## Key facts

- **Family:** Multiple families
- **Ayurvedic category:** Vatahara (Anti-Vata), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Dashamoola |
| Common Names | Dashamoola, Ten Roots |
| Hindi | Dashmool |
| Sanskrit | Dashamoola |
| Latin/Botanical | *Compound: 10 roots (5 large trees + 5 small plants)* |

## Parts Used

- Roots of 10 plants: [Bilva](/herb/bilva/), [Agnimantha](/herb/agnimantha/), [Shyonaka](/herb/shyonaka/), [Patala](/herb/patala/), [Gambhari](/herb/gambhari/) (Brihat) + Shalaparni, [Prishniparni](/herb/prishniparni/), [Brihati](/herb/brihati/), [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/), [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Laghu)

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Neutral |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Combined actives from all 10 plants

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Anti-inflammatory
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/)
- Anti-rheumatic
- Post-natal care
- Respiratory support
- Nervine

## How is it used traditionally?

One of the most important compound formulations. Five large-tree roots (Brihat Panchamoola) balance Vata-Kapha; five small-plant roots (Laghu Panchamoola) add anti-inflammatory action. Used for Shula (pain), Shotha (inflammation), and Sutika Roga (post-natal disorders).

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita
- Sushruta Samhita
- Ashtanga Hridaya
- Sharangadhara Samhita

## Recommended Dosage

Kwath (decoction): 50-100ml twice daily; Powder: 3-6g/day

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Pregnancy (certain components)
- Pitta conditions in excess

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Roots of 10 plants: [Bilva](/herb/bilva/), [Agnimantha](/herb/agnimantha/), [Shyonaka](/herb/shyonaka/), [Patala](/herb/patala/), [Gambhari](/herb/gambhari/) (Brihat) + Shalaparni, [Prishniparni](/herb/prishniparni/), [Brihati](/herb/brihati/), [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/), [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Laghu)

### Key Active Markers

- Combined actives from all 10 plants

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kashayam (decoction), Kwath Ghana (solid decoction extract), Churna (powder), Tablet, Capsule, Taila (medicated oil), [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Aristha (fermented preparation)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml Kashayam twice daily; 500-1000mg extract tablet/capsule twice daily; Taila for external application as directed

**Bioavailability:** Dashamoola is a polyherbal combination of 10 roots (5 Brihat and 5 Laghu), providing a diverse phytochemical matrix. The combined [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/), and [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids) show variable individual bioavailabilities. The traditional decoction form (Kashayam) provides good dissolution and gastric absorption of water-soluble constituents. Ghrita (ghee) preparation enhances absorption of lipophilic terpenoids. The polyherbal matrix may provide natural bioenhancement through constituent interactions. [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration not traditionally indicated but may enhance absorption of specific alkaloids.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for Vata disorders; Taila application followed by steam (Swedana) for musculoskeletal conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Kwath Ghana (spray-dried aqueous decoction concentrate), extract ratio 8:1 to 12:1. Standardized by HPTLC fingerprint matching reference standards for all 10 components. Total alkaloid content NLT 0.5%.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder/Kwath Ghana); 3 years (tablet); 3 years (Taila); 5-10 years (Aristha, due to self-generated alcohol preservation)

**Storage:** Powder and solid extracts: airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. Taila: amber glass bottles, room temperature. Kashayam (liquid): refrigerate and use within 72 hours, or add permitted preservative for 6-month shelf life.

**Marker Compounds:** Desmodianone (from Shalaparni), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/) (from [Bilva](/herb/bilva/)/[Patala](/herb/patala/)), [Aegeline](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#aegeline) (from Bilva), Paedalin (from [Shyonaka](/herb/shyonaka/)), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) (common across roots), Ursolic acid (from [Gambhari](/herb/gambhari/))

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Kashayam: coarse powder boiled in 16 parts water, reduced to 1/4th
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Sequential aqueous extraction for Kwath Ghana (spray-dried)
- Taila Paka: traditional oil processing with Kalka and Kwath in sesame/[coconut oil](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#coconut-oil)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for musculoskeletal inflammation (Dashamoola Guggulu)
- With [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila for Vata disorders and joint pain
- With [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Sida cordifolia) for neuromuscular conditions
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for comprehensive Vata pacification
- With [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) (Pluchea lanceolata) for enhanced anti-inflammatory action

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- 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.