# Shara

> Shara (Saccharum bengalense) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Kshara (alkali) preparations are highly water-soluble and rapidly absorbed. Silica content (from grass species) has low systemic bioavailability but contributes to local GI effects.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Saccharum bengalense

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shara |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Madhura, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Snigdha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Madhura | Post-digestive effect |

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Kshara (alkali preparation), Capsule, [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500 mg - 1 g Kshara with appropriate vehicle

**Bioavailability:** Phenolic acids and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) show moderate bioavailability (20-35%). Kshara (alkali) preparations are highly water-soluble and rapidly absorbed. [Silica](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#silica) content (from grass species) has low systemic bioavailability but contributes to local GI effects.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals for urinary and digestive indications; Kshara with warm water or honey

**Standardized Extract:** Kshara (alkaline preparation) standardized to pH 10-12, total alkalinity NLT 50% as [potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) carbonate equivalents; aqueous-ethanolic extract (4:1) for non-Kshara formulations

**Shelf Life:** Indefinite for Kshara in sealed containers; 24 months for churna; 30 months for capsules

**Storage:** Kshara is hygroscopic — store in airtight glass or HDPE containers with desiccant. Churna below 25 deg C, protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Potassium carbonate (in Kshara), Silica, p-Coumaric acid, Ferulic acid, [Tricin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tricin)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Kshara preparation (calcination of whole plant and water extraction of ash)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Arka preparation by distillation

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Kusha](/herb/kusha/) (similar grass-type herbs in Trina Panchamula)
- Darbha (five grasses combination for urinary disorders)
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) ([diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and litholytic synergy)
- [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (urinary calculus formulations)

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

## 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.