# Mayurashikha

> Mayurashikha is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Low-dose herb; use with caution. Bioavailability: Selaginellin (biflavonoid) shows moderate oral bioavailability. Amentoflavone has limited bioavailability (~15-20%) due to poor water solubility; significantly enhanced by phospholipid complexation.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Mayurashikha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsules, Tablets, Svarasa (fresh juice), Lepa (topical paste), Medicated oil

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder per day; 20-40 mL decoction twice daily; 5-10 mL fresh juice. Low-dose herb; use with caution.

**Bioavailability:** Selaginellin (biflavonoid) shows moderate oral bioavailability. [Amentoflavone](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#amentoflavone) has limited bioavailability (~15-20%) due to poor water solubility; significantly enhanced by phospholipid complexation. Trehalose is well absorbed. Phenolic compounds undergo hepatic conjugation. Lipid-based formulations improve biflavonoid absorption by 2-3 fold.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning for cognitive and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) benefits; with meals for general tonic effect; topical application as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroalcoholic extract (10:1) standardized to minimum 3% total biflavonoids (as amentoflavone equivalents) and minimum 5% trehalose. Phospholipid complex for enhanced biflavonoid delivery.

**Shelf Life:** Raw dried plant: 36+ months (resurrection capability). Powder: 24 months. Extract capsules: 24 months. Topical preparations: 18 months.

**Storage:** Dried plant can be stored at room temperature indefinitely in dry conditions (unique advantage). Extracts and formulations below 25 deg C in airtight, light-resistant containers. Protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Amentoflavone, Hinokiflavone, Selaginellin, Trehalose, Isocryptomerin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Friedelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#friedelin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (70% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for biflavonoid enrichment
- Acetone extraction for specific biflavonoids
- Supercritical CO2 with ethanol co-solvent

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (cognitive and neuroprotective synergy)
- [Shankhpushpi](/herb/shankhpushpi/) (memory enhancement)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (neuroprotective combination)
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) (anti-inflammatory)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/))

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

## 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.