# Satyanashi

> Satyanashi (Argemone mexicana) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Use cautiously — latex is toxic in large doses. Bioavailability: Isoquinoline alkaloids (sanguinarine, berberine) show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Sanguinarine undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Argemone mexicana

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Satyanashi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Swarasa (fresh juice), Taila (seed oil), Capsule, Lepa (external paste)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g root/whole plant powder per day; 5-10 mL seed oil externally; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily. Use cautiously — latex is toxic in large doses.

**Bioavailability:** Isoquinoline [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) ([sanguinarine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sanguinarine), [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine)) show moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%). Sanguinarine undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. Seed oil fatty acids (linoleic, oleic) have high bioavailability (>70%). Argemone oil must be distinguished from mustard oil — adulteration causes epidemic dropsy.

**Optimal Timing:** External applications: twice daily on affected areas. Internal use (where permitted): after meals under medical supervision

**Standardized Extract:** Root extract (8:1 in 70% ethanol), standardized to NLT 0.5% total isoquinoline alkaloids (as sanguinarine equivalents by HPLC); seed oil cold-pressed, standardized to fatty acid profile by GC

**Shelf Life:** 18 months for seed oil; 24 months for churna; 30 months for external formulation products

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C. Seed oil in amber glass bottles, nitrogen-flushed. Keep away from food products to prevent accidental contamination. Clearly label as NOT FOR INTERNAL USE (for oil preparations).

**Marker Compounds:** Sanguinarine, Dihydrosanguinarine, [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine), [Protopine](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#protopine), Argemone oil (fatty acid profile: linoleic acid >55%)

### Extraction Methods

- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol) for alkaloids
- Cold pressing for seed oil
- Acid-water extraction for alkaloid enrichment
- Aqueous decoction of roots
- Soxhlet with chloroform-methanol for total alkaloid extract

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) ([antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/)-anti-inflammatory synergy for skin conditions)
- [Neem](/herb/neem/) (dermatological formulations)
- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) (external antimicrobial applications)
- Snuhi (latex-based formulations for warts — external only)

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

## 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.