# Shankhini

> Shankhini is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Flavonoid glycosides undergo intestinal hydrolysis. First-pass metabolism is moderate. Absorption is enhanced by warm water vehicle as traditionally prescribed.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shankhini |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

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

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Vati (tablet), Capsule, [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate)

**Standard Dosage:** 2-4 g powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Alkaloid constituents show moderate oral bioavailability (30-45%). Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) undergo intestinal hydrolysis. First-pass metabolism is moderate. Absorption is enhanced by warm water vehicle as traditionally prescribed.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for Medhya (cognitive) indications; with honey as Anupana (vehicle)

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous-ethanolic extract (6:1), characterized by HPTLC fingerprint profile; standardized to NLT 1% total [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) by titrimetric method

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 30 months for capsules and tablets

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Alkaloids (total by gravimetric method), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (total), [Tannins](/reference/tannins/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Percolation with 60% ethanol

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (cognitive enhancement formulations)
- [Shankhpushpi](/herb/shankhpushpi/) (memory and intellect support)
- [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) ([anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) and Medhya combinations)
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) (speech and cognitive improvement)

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

## 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.