Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Sarpaksi

Sarpaksi is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Glycoside forms are hydrolyzed by intestinal beta-glucosidases. Fresh juice (swarasa) provides higher bioavailability of hydrophilic constituents compared to dried powder preparations. Churna and capsules: below 25 deg C, airtight containers, protect from moisture.

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishSarpaksi

Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

PropertyValueDescription
Rasa (Taste)TiktaPrimary taste
Guna (Quality)Laghu, RukshaPhysical quality
Virya (Potency)SheetaHeating/Cooling effect
Vipaka (Post-digestive)KatuPost-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), Swarasa (fresh juice), Lepa (external paste), Capsule

Standard Dosage: 3-6 g powder per day in divided doses; 10-20 mL swarasa twice daily; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily

Bioavailability: Flavonoid and phenolic constituents show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Glycoside forms are hydrolyzed by intestinal beta-glucosidases. Fresh juice (swarasa) provides higher bioavailability of hydrophilic constituents compared to dried powder preparations.

Optimal Timing: Before meals for anti-inflammatory and antivenom indications; fresh juice preferred for acute applications

Standardized Extract: Hydroalcoholic whole plant extract (5:1), standardized to NLT 2% total flavonoids (as quercetin equivalents); aqueous extract for traditional preparations

Shelf Life: 7 days for swarasa (refrigerated); 24 months for churna; 30 months for capsules

Storage: Swarasa: refrigerate at 2-8 deg C, use within 7 days. Churna and capsules: below 25 deg C, airtight containers, protect from moisture.

Marker Compounds: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-sitosterol, Ursolic acid, Camptothecin (trace — must be below safety limit <0.001%)

Extraction Methods

  • Cold pressing for swarasa
  • Aqueous decoction
  • Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
  • Maceration in water at room temperature

Synergistic Combinations

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