# Kasturi

> Kasturi is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. [Zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, quality control and future perspective of Musk (Moschus): a review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34147113/). 2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kasturi |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Muscone (3-methylcyclopentadecanone) - primary active component
- Muscopyridine and muscopyranol
- Cholesterol and fatty acids
- [Proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins) and [peptides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#peptides)
- Wax esters and [steroids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#steroids) (5-alpha-androst-16-en-3-one)
- Phenolic compounds
- Ammonia and other volatile compounds
- Mineral salts ([potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium), calcium, sodium)

## How does it work?

- Neuroprotection: Muscone crosses blood-brain barrier, activates cAMP/PKA signaling, reduces neuroinflammation, and protects neurons against ischemia-reperfusion injury
- Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits NF-kB pathway, reduces TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 production; suppresses microglial activation
- [Cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/): Stimulates cardiac contractility, improves coronary blood flow, and exhibits antiarrhythmic properties through calcium channel modulation
- [Anticancer](/reference/anticancer/): Induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines through mitochondrial pathway and cell cycle arrest

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Hridya (cardiac tonic): Muscone's cardioprotective and inotropic effects validate traditional use in cardiac formulations including Kasturi Bhairava Rasa and Mrigamadasava
- Unmada and Apasmara (psychiatric/neurological disorders): Muscone's ability to cross BBB and modulate neuroinflammation supports classical Ayurvedic use in stroke, seizures, and psychiatric conditions
- Vishamjwara (intermittent fevers) and Sannipata: Anti-inflammatory and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) properties provide basis for traditional use in severe febrile and toxic conditions

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Liu K, Xie L, Deng M and others 2021. [Zoology, chemical composition, pharmacology, quality control and future perspective of Musk (Moschus): a review](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34147113/). *Chinese medicine*. PMID [34147113](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34147113/) · [doi:10.1186/s13020-021-00457-8](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-021-00457-8)  
  Comprehensive review confirmed muscone possesses potent anti-inflammatory, [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/), anticancer, [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/), and cardiovascular protective effects; muscone activates cAMP/PKA signaling pathway for neuroprotection.

*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

- CITES Appendix I: International trade in natural musk is prohibited; possession and sale of natural Kasturi is illegal in most jurisdictions without specific permits
- Musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) is critically endangered; traditional harvesting killed the animal, though non-lethal extraction methods have been developed in Chinese musk deer farms
- Clinical trial data in humans are lacking; most pharmacological evidence is from animal studies and in vitro research
- Synthetic muscone and plant-based musk alternatives (Abelmoschus moschatus - Kasturi Bhendi) are recommended as ethical and legal substitutes

## What is it made of?

### Macrocyclic Ketones

- Muscone (1-3%)
- Normuscone

### Steroids

- Cholesterol
- Cholestanol

### Nitrogenous Compounds

- Muscopyridine
- Androstenone

**Analytical Methods:** GC-MS (muscone), HPLC, LC-MS/MS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna, Component in cardiac and neurological preparations

**Standard Dosage:** 30–125 mg

**Bioavailability:** High lipophilicity; crosses blood-brain barrier

**Optimal Timing:** As directed in specific formulations

**Standardized Extract:** Purified musk; now synthetic muscone used as substitute

**Shelf Life:** 3–5 years (natural); 2 years (synthetic)

**Storage:** Airtight, cool, dark place

**Marker Compounds:** Muscone (3-methylcyclopentadecanone), Muscopyridine, Steroids

**Quality Parameters:** Muscone content >2% (natural); CITES compliance required for natural musk

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

## 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.