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.
| Substance type | Compound formulation of several ingredients, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| 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, Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Patala, Gambhari (Brihat) + Shalaparni, Prishniparni, Brihati, Kantakari, 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
- 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, Agnimantha, Shyonaka, Patala, Gambhari (Brihat) + Shalaparni, Prishniparni, Brihati, Kantakari, 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 (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, flavonoids, and 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 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 (from Bilva/Patala), Aegeline (from Bilva), Paedalin (from Shyonaka), Beta-sitosterol (common across roots), Ursolic acid (from 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
Synergistic Combinations
- With Guggulu for musculoskeletal inflammation (Dashamoola Guggulu)
- With Eranda Taila for Vata disorders and joint pain
- With Bala (Sida cordifolia) for neuromuscular conditions
- With Ashwagandha for comprehensive Vata pacification
- With Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) for enhanced anti-inflammatory action
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