# Matsyakshi

> Matsyakshi (Alternanthera sessilis) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Saponins undergo intestinal hydrolysis. Alkaloids (if present) have variable bioavailability depending on structural class. Aqueous decoction provides reasonable extraction of water-soluble actives.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Alternanthera sessilis

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Matsyakshi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Svarasa (fresh juice), Topical paste

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day in divided doses; 50-100 mL decoction twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh juice; 500 mg extract capsules twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) and phenolic compounds show moderate GI absorption (20-35%). [Saponins](/reference/saponins/) undergo intestinal hydrolysis. [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (if present) have variable bioavailability depending on structural class. Aqueous decoction provides reasonable extraction of water-soluble actives.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning for tonic and nutritive effects; between meals for eye health benefits (traditional use); with meals as nutritive supplement

**Standardized Extract:** Whole herb extract (10:1 hydroalcoholic) standardized to minimum 3% total flavonoids (as [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) equivalents). Freeze-dried juice powder preserving enzymatic activity. Aqueous extract for ophthalmic preparations (filtered and sterilized).

**Shelf Life:** Fresh herb: 2-3 days refrigerated. Dried powder: 18 months. Capsules/tablets: 24 months. Fresh juice: 4-6 hours.

**Storage:** Dried herb below 25 deg C in airtight containers with moisture protection. Fresh plant material at 4-8 deg C, process within 24 hours. Capsules in blister packs with desiccant.

**Marker Compounds:** [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Campesterol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#campesterol), Oleanolic acid, Quercetin, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Beta-carotene

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Fresh juice expression
- Methanol extraction for comprehensive phytochemical recovery

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (female reproductive health synergy)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) ([adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) tonic combination)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/))
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (renal and hepatic protective)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (strength and vitality)

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

## 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.