# Kasheruka

> Kasheruka (Scirpus kysoor) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Starch content of tubers may slow absorption but provides sustained release effect. Co-administration with ginger enhances absorption and reduces potential GI discomfort. Traditional processing with buttermilk improves palatability and bioavailability.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Scirpus kysoor

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kasheruka |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Guru, Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kalka (paste), Capsule, Swarasa (fresh tuber juice)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder twice daily; 50-80 mL decoction; 10-15 mL fresh juice

**Bioavailability:** Sesquiterpene constituents show moderate lipophilicity and oral bioavailability. [Starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) content of tubers may slow absorption but provides sustained release effect. Co-administration with [ginger](/herb/ginger/) enhances absorption and reduces potential GI discomfort. Traditional processing with buttermilk improves palatability and bioavailability.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water or buttermilk; for urinary conditions, between meals with cooling liquids

**Standardized Extract:** Standardized to minimum 1% total [sesquiterpenoids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sesquiterpenoids) and 3% total phenolics (as gallic acid equivalents)

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for dried tuber powder; 24 months for capsules; fresh juice consumed within 6 hours

**Storage:** Store dried material in airtight, moisture-proof containers at 15-30°C. Susceptible to insect infestation — include sachets of food-grade desiccant and monitor regularly.

**Marker Compounds:** Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Sesquiterpene lactones, Phenolic acids, [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)

### Extraction Methods

- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Cold expression of fresh tubers
- Percolation with aqueous ethanol

### Synergistic Combinations

- Musta (Cyperus rotundus) for digestive and gynecological synergy
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (Vetiver) for cooling and anti-pitta formulations
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) for blood purification
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) for urinary disorders

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- 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.