Kasheruka
Scirpus kysoor
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.
| Botanical name | Scirpus kysoor |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. I: KASERU (Rhizome) |
| Also called | Actinoscirpus grossus (L.f.) Goetgh. & D.A.Simpson (= Scirpus grossus L.f. = Schoenoplectus grossus (L.f.) Palla) (nomenclatural synonym) Eleocharis dulcis (Burm.f.) Trin. ex Hensch. (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Currently accepted name | Actinoscirpus grossus var. kysoor (Roxb.) Noltie — the name above is treated as a synonym by GBIF; both are in use |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Order | Poales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2710513 · Wikidata Q38648262 |
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 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.
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 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, Stigmasterol, Sesquiterpene lactones, Phenolic acids, Flavonoids
Extraction Methods
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Cold expression of fresh tubers
- Percolation with aqueous ethanol
Synergistic Combinations
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