# Ikshu

> Ikshu (Saccharum officinarum) is a plant used in Ayurveda. [Flavonoids and phenolic acids from sugarcane: Distribution in the plant, changes during processing, and potential benefits to industry and health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38369931/). Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Saccharum officinarum

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Ikshu |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Sucrose](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sucrose) (12-17% in juice)
- [Polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols): chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, cinnamic acid
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/): [luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), [apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), [tricin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tricin)
- [Anthocyanins](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthocyanins) (in colored varieties)
- Policosanols (octacosanol)
- [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols)
- Minerals: [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium), calcium, [magnesium](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnesium), iron, [manganese](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#manganese)
- [Vitamins](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitamins): C, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6
- Organic acids: aconitic, malic, [citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid)
- Amino acids: asparagine, glutamine

## How does it work?

- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/): Flavonoids and phenolic acids protect hepatocytes through CYP2E1 inhibition, Keap1/Nrf2 [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) pathway activation, and NF-kB inflammatory cascade suppression
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) (Mutrala): High potassium content and natural sugars promote renal osmotic diuresis; alkaline minerals help flush urinary tract
- Cooling and Pitta-pacifying: Sweet taste and cooling virya directly counteract Pitta-related heat, burning sensations, and acid conditions; phenolic antioxidants reduce oxidative heat
- Policosanol-mediated cardiovascular benefit: Octacosanol and other long-chain alcohols in sugarcane wax lower LDL cholesterol and inhibit platelet aggregation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- [Kamala](/herb/kamala/) (jaundice/liver disorders): Hepatoprotective polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, flavonoids) and the CYP2E1/Keap1/NF-kB pathway modulation validate traditional use of fresh sugarcane juice in jaundice treatment
- Mutrakricchra and Ashmari (dysuria and kidney stones): Diuretic and alkalinizing properties of sugarcane juice scientifically support traditional use in urinary disorders
- Daha (burning sensation/Pitta conditions): Cooling virya, antioxidant polyphenols, and high potassium content validate traditional use as a Pitta-pacifying cooling agent

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Hewawansa UHAJ, Houghton MJ, Barber E and others 2024. [Flavonoids and phenolic acids from sugarcane: Distribution in the plant, changes during processing, and potential benefits to industry and health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38369931/). *Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety*. PMID [38369931](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38369931/) · [doi:10.1111/1541-4337.13307](https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.13307)  
  Comprehensive review identified six key polyphenol classes in sugarcane with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/) activities; processing significantly reduces polyphenol content, supporting Ayurvedic preference for fresh juice.
- Wang M, Zhao L, Wang Y and others 2025. [Sugarcane Molasses Polyphenol Extract Attenuates Alcohol-Induced Chronic Liver Damage via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and CYP2E1/Keap1/NF-κB Pathway Modulation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40362898/). *Nutrients*. PMID [40362898](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40362898/) · [doi:10.3390/nu17091589](https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17091589)  
  Sugarcane polyphenols mitigate alcoholic liver damage via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms through CYP2E1/Keap1/NF-kB pathway modulation; novel strategy for hepatoprotection.

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

## Recent safety updates

- Fresh sugarcane juice has high glycemic load despite moderate GI; diabetic patients should consume in limited quantities under medical guidance
- Rapid microbial contamination of fresh juice at ambient temperature; should be consumed within 30 minutes of extraction or refrigerated
- Sugarcane juice from fields treated with excess pesticides may contain organophosphate residues; organic sourcing preferred
- Processing into refined sugar destroys all beneficial polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals; only fresh juice or minimally processed forms (jaggery) retain therapeutic value

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh juice), Sharkara (sugar preparations), [Guda](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#guda) (jaggery forms), Kashayam (decoction of root), Capsule (root extract)

**Standard Dosage:** 50-100ml fresh sugarcane juice daily; 3-6g root powder; 10-20g jaggery as vehicle

**Bioavailability:** Saccharum officinarum juice is rich in sucrose, polyphenols (including policosanols and flavonoids), and minerals with high oral bioavailability for sugars and minerals. Policosanols show moderate absorption (~10-15%). Octacosanol (C28 alcohol) absorption is enhanced with dietary fats. Root extract phenolics have variable bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** Fresh juice in morning or between meals; root decoction before meals

**Standardized Extract:** Policosanol extract standardized to >60% octacosanol (from sugarcane wax); root aqueous extract for traditional applications

**Shelf Life:** 1 day (fresh juice, unpreserved); 6 months (pasteurized juice); 2 years (root powder); 3 years (policosanol extract capsule)

**Storage:** Fresh juice: refrigerate and consume within hours. Dried preparations: cool, dry place below 25°C. Jaggery: airtight containers, protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Octacosanol, Triacontanol, Policosanols (C24-C34 fatty alcohols), Luteolin, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Tricin

### Extraction Methods

- Cold pressing/crushing (fresh juice)
- Aqueous decoction of roots
- Ethanol extraction of root for phenolic-enriched fraction
- Industrial wax extraction for policosanol fraction

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Amalaki to reduce Pitta
- With [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) for soothing urinary tract
- With [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) (grape) for nutritive tonic action

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

## 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.