Matsyakshi
Alternanthera sessilis
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.
| Botanical name | Alternanthera sessilis |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. II: MATSYAKSI (Whole Plant) |
| Also called | Alternanthera triandra Lam. (nomenclatural synonym) Alternanthera denticulata R. Br. (nomenclatural synonym) Alternanthera nodiflora R. Br. (nomenclatural synonym) Alternanthera repens Gmel., non Link. (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Family | Amaranthaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3084939 · Wikidata Q3534965 · NCBI Taxonomy 221762 |
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 and phenolic compounds show moderate GI absorption (20-35%). Saponins undergo intestinal hydrolysis. 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 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, Beta-sitosterol, Campesterol, Oleanolic acid, Quercetin, Kaempferol, 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 (female reproductive health synergy)
- Ashwagandha (adaptogenic tonic combination)
- Guduchi (immunomodulatory and Rasayana)
- Punarnava (renal and hepatic protective)
- Bala (strength and vitality)
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