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 (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 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 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, Flavonoids (total), Tannins
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Percolation with 60% ethanol
Synergistic Combinations
- Brahmi (cognitive enhancement formulations)
- Shankhpushpi (memory and intellect support)
- Jatamansi (anxiolytic and Medhya combinations)
- Vacha (speech and cognitive improvement)
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