# Gajapippali

> Gajapippali (Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Araceae family. Respiratory disease treatment (Kasa-Shwasa) partially validated by expectorant activity of saponin-rich extracts Antipyretic use supported by traditional clinical evidence and preliminary pharmacological data Galactagogue use (breast milk improvement) remains to be validated through modern clinical studies

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott
- **Family:** Araceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; significant research gaps noted; no WHO monograph available; needs comprehensive pharmacological evaluation

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Gajapippali |
| Latin/Botanical | *Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Scindapsin A (glycoside)
- Scindapsin B (glycoside)
- Scindapsinidine A (aglycon)
- Scindapsinidine B (aglycon)
- Rhamnose
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)
- Phenolic compounds
- [Saponins](/reference/saponins/)

## How does it work?

- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/): Flavonoids and phenolic compounds scavenge free radicals and enhance endogenous antioxidant [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (SOD, catalase) while reducing lipid peroxidation
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/): Cytotoxic [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (scindapsin A, B) induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines; mechanism involves oxidative stress modulation
- [Expectorant](/reference/expectorant/): Saponin content reduces surface tension of bronchial secretions, facilitating mucus clearance from airways

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Respiratory disease treatment (Kasa-Shwasa) partially validated by expectorant activity of saponin-rich extracts
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) use supported by traditional clinical evidence and preliminary pharmacological data
- [Galactagogue](/glossary/pharmacology/#galactagogue) use (breast milk improvement) remains to be validated through modern clinical studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Shivhare SC, Patidar AO, Malviya KG and others 2011. [Antioxidant and anticancer evaluation of Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott fruits](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529657/). *Ayu*. PMID [22529657](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22529657/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.93921](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.93921)  
  Methanolic fruit extract showed cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines; antioxidant effects reflected by decreased LPO and increased SOD and catalase activity.

*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

- Limited modern toxicological data available; traditional use at recommended Ayurvedic doses appears safe based on centuries of clinical practice
- Chemistry of the plant needs further exploration; standardization and quality control markers are lacking, increasing risk of adulteration

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Flavonoids
- Saponins
- Scindapsin A 
- Scindapsin B 
- Scindapsinidine A 
- Scindapsinidine B 
- Rhamnose
- 
- Phenolic compounds
- 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Avaleha (confection)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3g powder twice daily; 50ml decoction twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Scindapsus officinalis (Gajapippali) fruit contains [piperine](/reference/piperine/)-like amides and terpenoids. The alkaloid amides have moderate oral bioavailability enhanced by the pungent principles that stimulate GI blood flow and inhibit drug-metabolizing enzymes (similar to [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) mechanism). The traditional use with warm water or honey as Anupana supports GI absorption. Enhancement: piperine-like constituents may self-enhance bioavailability through CYP3A4 and P-gp inhibition.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water or honey for respiratory conditions; after meals for digestive support

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract characterized by HPTLC fingerprint and total alkaloid content NLT 1%. Extract ratio 5:1. Limited standardized extract availability - develop in-house specifications.

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 2.5 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Airtight containers below 25 deg C, protected from moisture and light. Limited stability data - conduct accelerated stability studies for new formulations.

**Marker Compounds:** Piperine analogs (amide [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids)), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Terpenoids, Total alkaloid content

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40 ethanol:water)
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol for alkaloid enrichment
- Traditional Churna preparation after proper drying

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Pippali for enhanced respiratory and digestive action
- With Sunthi and Maricha in Katu (pungent) formulations
- With [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda) for bronchial and respiratory conditions
- With [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) for cough management

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

## 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.