Kusha
Desmostachya bipinnata
Kusha (Desmostachya bipinnata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Triterpene saponins are hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to bioactive sapogenins. Kshara preparation provides highly bioavailable alkaline mineral salts. Root decoction offers pre-hydrolyzed actives with improved absorption.
| Botanical name | Desmostachya bipinnata |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. III: KUSA (Rootstock) |
| Also called | Imperata cylindrica (attribution recorded without a cited source) Eragrostis cynosuroides (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Family | Poaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Poales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 4142071 · Wikidata Q659826 · NCBI Taxonomy 1245295 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Kusha |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Kashayam (decoction), Kshara (alkali preparation), Capsule, Swarasa (juice)
Standard Dosage: 3-6 g root powder twice daily; 50-100 mL decoction; 250-500 mg Kshara; 10-20 mL juice
Bioavailability: Flavonoid C-glycosides (orientin, vitexin) show moderate oral bioavailability with good intestinal stability. Triterpene saponins are hydrolyzed by gut bacteria to bioactive sapogenins. Kshara preparation provides highly bioavailable alkaline mineral salts. Root decoction offers pre-hydrolyzed actives with improved absorption.
Optimal Timing: Decoction: before meals for urinary conditions; Kshara: between meals with water; juice: morning on empty stomach for diuretic effect
Standardized Extract: Root extract standardized to minimum 2% total flavonoids (as orientin equivalents); Kshara standardized to pH 9.0-10.5 and minimum 60% water-soluble alkaline content
Shelf Life: 24 months for root powder; 36 months for Kshara; 18 months for capsules; decoction consumed same day
Storage: Root powder in airtight containers at 15-30°C. Kshara in moisture-proof glass containers (highly hygroscopic). Protect from humidity.
Marker Compounds: Orientin, Vitexin, Isoorientin, Tricin, Cylindrin, Arundoin, Potassium carbonate (Kshara), Silicic acid
Extraction Methods
- Water decoction (traditional)
- Kshara preparation (calcination, dissolution, filtration, evaporation)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold pressing for fresh root juice
Synergistic Combinations
- Darbha (complementary Kusha grass for sacred/ritual-therapeutic use)
- Gokshura for urinary health synergy
- Punarnava for renal support
- Varuna for lithotriptic formulations
- Yavakshara for alkali therapy combination
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