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 |
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
Optimal Timing: Morning on empty stomach for Medhya (cognitive) indications; with honey as Anupana (vehicle)
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
Synergistic Combinations
- Brahmi (cognitive enhancement formulations)
- Shankhpushpi (memory and intellect support)
- Jatamansi (anxiolytic and Medhya combinations)
- Vacha (speech and cognitive improvement)
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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