# Shana > Shana (Crotalaria juncea) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (if present) are hepatotoxic and must be strictly limited. Fiber content of seeds may reduce absorption of co-administered drugs. Seed oil fatty acids have high bioavailability. ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Crotalaria juncea ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Shana | ## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna) | Property | Value | Description | |----------|-------|-------------| | **Rasa** (Taste) | Kashaya | Primary taste | | **Guna** (Quality) | 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), Seed oil, Capsule, Lepa (external paste) **Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g seed/leaf powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; seed oil for external application **Bioavailability:** [Alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) from Crotalaria juncea show moderate oral absorption (25-40%). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (if present) are hepatotoxic and must be strictly limited. Fiber content of seeds may reduce absorption of co-administered drugs. Seed oil fatty acids have high bioavailability. **Optimal Timing:** External applications as needed; internal use (where appropriate): after meals **Standardized Extract:** Leaf extract (5:1 in 50% ethanol), tested for pyrrolizidine alkaloid absence (