# Karkatashringi

> Karkatashringi (Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Anacardiaceae family. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Unani Pharmacopoeia; no standalone WHO monograph but documented in regional traditional medicine databases.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis
- **Family:** Anacardiaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Unani Pharmacopoeia; no standalone WHO monograph but documented in regional traditional medicine databases

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karkatashringi |
| Latin/Botanical | *Pistacia integerrima J.L. Stewart ex Brandis* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Alpha-pinene
- Beta-pinene
- 1,8-[Cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole) (eucalyptol)
- Alpha-terpineol
- [Aromadendrene](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#aromadendrene)
- Pistagremic acid (triterpene)
- Gallic acid
- [Catechin](/reference/catechin/)

## How does it work?

- Bronchodilatory: Essential oil constituents (alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole) relax bronchial smooth muscle and reduce airway inflammation through inhibition of PDE4
- Anti-asthmatic: [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) in galls stabilize mast cells and reduce [histamine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#histamine)-mediated bronchoconstriction
- Anticonvulsant: Alpha-pinene and terpineol modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, enhancing inhibitory signaling in CNS

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anti-asthmatic use in children (Balaka Shwasa) supported by bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and mast cell stabilization in preclinical studies
- Antitussive use (Kasa-hara) confirmed by reduction of cough frequency in SO2-induced cough model and [citric acid](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#citric-acidcitric-acid)-induced cough model
- Digestive use (Deepana) supported by enhancement of gastric enzyme secretion and carminative activity of essential oil components

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bibi Y, Zia M, Qayyum A 2015. [Review-An overview of Pistacia integerrima a medicinal plant species: Ethnobotany, biological activities and phytochemistry](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26004708/). *Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences*. PMID [26004708](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26004708/)  
  Documented traditional use across Asian medicine systems; confirmed the insect galls as the primary medicinal part with anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant properties.

*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

- Generally safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses; insect galls are the primary medicinal part with centuries of safe pediatric use for cough and asthma
- Essential oil at high concentrations may cause mucosal irritation; cross-reactivity possible in patients allergic to other Anacardiaceae (cashew, mango skin); limited formal toxicological data

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Cineole
- Aromadendrene
- Catechin
- Alpha-pinene
- Beta-pinene
- 1
- Alpha-terpineol
- 
- Pistagremic acid 
- Gallic acid
- 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

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

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder twice daily with honey; 5-10 g Avaleha; 30-50 mL decoction; 5-10 mL syrup for children

**Bioavailability:** Tannins (gallotannins) are the primary actives with limited systemic absorption but excellent mucosal activity. Gallic acid released from tannin hydrolysis has good oral bioavailability (~40%). Phospholipid complexation (phytosome) of gallic acid improves absorption 2-3 fold. Honey as traditional Anupana enhances mucosal delivery for respiratory conditions.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with honey for respiratory conditions; between meals for digestive astringent action

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 40% total tannins (as tannic acid) and 5% free gallic acid by titrimetric and HPLC methods

**Shelf Life:** 36 months for powder (very stable due to high tannin content); 24 months for Avaleha; 18 months for syrup

**Storage:** Store in airtight containers at room temperature (15-30°C). Highly stable due to inherent tannin-mediated antioxidant activity. Protect from moisture to prevent caking.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Tannic acid, Methyl gallate, 1,2,3,4,6-Penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-[glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (40-60% ethanol) for balanced tannin extraction
- Hot water extraction for polysaccharide-rich fraction
- Acetone-water (70:30) extraction for maximum tannin yield

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) (Adhatoda vasica) for pediatric respiratory formulations
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (Licorice) for cough management
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for bronchodilation synergy
- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) for respiratory infections in children
- [Sitopaladi Churna](/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/) as a base respiratory formulation

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

## 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.