Sarpaksi
Sarpaksi is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica, described as Tikta in rasa, Laghu and Ruksha in guna, Sheeta in virya and Katu in vipaka. It is used as churna, kwatha, swarasa, lepa or capsules.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Sarpaksi |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
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
Optimal Timing: Before meals; fresh juice preferred for acute applications
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%)
Synergistic Combinations
- Shirisha (anti-allergic combinations)
- Guduchi (immunomodulatory formulations)
- Haridra (anti-inflammatory combinations)
- Neem (dermatological formulations)
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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