Shana
Crotalaria juncea
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.
| Botanical name | Crotalaria juncea |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. III: SANA (Seed) |
| Family | Fabaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Fabales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2942877 · Wikidata Q2855436 · NCBI Taxonomy 3829 |
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 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 (<LOD by LC-MS/MS); standardized to NLT 2% total flavonoids
Shelf Life: 18 months for seed oil; 24 months for churna and capsules
Storage: Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers. Seed oil in amber glass, nitrogen-flushed. Protect from light and moisture.
Marker Compounds: Vitexin, Isovitexin, Beta-sitosterol, Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (must be absent/below detection limit)
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Cold pressing for seed oil
- Acid-water extraction for alkaloid profiling
Synergistic Combinations
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