# Sariva

> Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) is classified in Ayurveda as Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier), Jwaraghna (Antipyretic), from the Apocynaceae family. Parts used: root. One of the safest blood purifiers in Ayurveda.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Hemidesmus indicus
- **Family:** Apocynaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Raktashodhaka (Blood purifier), Jwaraghna (Antipyretic)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Sariva |
| Common Names | Indian Sarsaparilla, Sariva |
| Hindi | Anantmool |
| Sanskrit | Sariva, Anantamula |
| Latin/Botanical | *Hemidesmus indicus* |

## Parts Used

- Root

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde
- Hemidesmin
- Hemidesminine
- [Coumarins](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarins)

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Blood purifier
- Cooling
- Anti-inflammatory
- Skin healing
- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/)
- [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/)

## How is it used traditionally?

One of the safest blood purifiers in Ayurveda. Used for Kushtha (skin diseases), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Jwara (fever), and Daha (burning sensation). Component of famous formulation [Sarivadyasava](/formulation/sarivadyasava/).

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita (Jwaraghna group)
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

## Recommended Dosage

Root powder: 3-6g/day; Decoction: 50-100ml/day; Syrup ([Sarivadyasava](/formulation/sarivadyasava/)): 15-30ml

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Minimal known — one of the safest herbs
- Pregnancy (limited data)

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Root


## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kwatha (decoction), Churna (powder), Syrup ([Sarivadyasava](/formulation/sarivadyasava/)), Capsule, Ghana vati, Taila (medicated oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g root powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 15-30 mL syrup twice daily; 500 mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols) and coumarins show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Hemidesmine (a [coumarin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#coumarin)) is lipophilic and benefits from lipid-based formulations. 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde is volatile and rapidly absorbed. Co-administration with milk (traditional Ksheerapaka) enhances fat-soluble constituent absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals; can be taken with milk for enhanced Pitta-pacifying action. Suitable for all seasons.

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous-ethanolic root extract (6:1), standardized to NLT 0.5% 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde by GC-MS; total coumarin content NLT 1.2% by HPLC

**Shelf Life:** 12-18 months for syrup; 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized extract capsules

**Storage:** Syrup: store at 15-25 deg C, refrigerate after opening. Churna and capsules: below 25 deg C, airtight, protect from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, Hemidesmine, Hemidesminine, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Coumarins (total)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Milk decoction (Ksheerapaka)
- Steam distillation for volatile aromatic fraction
- Cold maceration in water for heat-labile constituents

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) (Raktashodhaka — blood purification synergy)
- [Chandana](/herb/chandana/) (Pitta-pacifying, urinary tract formulations)
- [Ushira](/herb/ushira/) (cooling and detoxifying combinations)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/)-detox synergy)
- [Neem](/herb/neem/) (skin disorder formulations)

---

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- 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.