# Shalmali

> Shalmali (Bombax ceiba) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Mucilaginous polysaccharides from the gum (Mocharasa) are not systemically absorbed but exert local GI effects. Tannins from bark have low systemic bioavailability but significant topical and local GI activity.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Bombax ceiba

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shalmali |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Mocharasa (gum/exudate), Capsule, Taila (medicated oil), Lepa (paste), Vati (tablet)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g bark/flower powder per day; 1-3 g Mocharasa (gum) per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500 mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) (shamimicin, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/) derivatives) show moderate bioavailability (20-35%). Mucilaginous [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) from the gum (Mocharasa) are not systemically absorbed but exert local GI effects. [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) from bark have low systemic bioavailability but significant topical and local GI activity.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for astringent action; Mocharasa with honey for diarrhea/dysentery; flower stamens with milk or sugar for reproductive health

**Standardized Extract:** Bark extract (8:1 in 50% ethanol), standardized to NLT 5% total tannins by hide-powder method and NLT 2% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/); Mocharasa purified gum with swelling index NLT 5 mL/g

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 36 months for Mocharasa in sealed containers; 30 months for capsules

**Storage:** Mocharasa in airtight containers with desiccant — highly hygroscopic. Churna and capsules below 25 deg C, protected from moisture. RH <50% for gum preparations.

**Marker Compounds:** Shamimicin, Quercetin, [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/), Gallic acid, [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Mangiferin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#mangiferin) (in some varieties)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction of bark and flowers
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Gum collection by tapping (Mocharasa)
- Cold maceration of flowers in water
- Soxhlet extraction with ethanol for flavonoid enrichment

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Lodhra](/herb/lodhra/) (uterine astringent synergy — Raktapradara)
- [Ashoka](/herb/ashoka/) (gynecological tonic formulations)
- Nagakeshara ([hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic) combinations)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (female reproductive health formulations)

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

## 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.