# Sharapunkha

> Sharapunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Rotenoids are lipophilic and benefit from lipid-based delivery. Isoflavonoids undergo intestinal metabolism by gut microflora. Co-administration with piperine improves flavonoid bioavailability by 1.5-2x.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Tephrosia purpurea

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Sharapunkha |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | 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), Swarasa (fresh juice), Ghana vati (solid extract tablet), Capsule, Asava

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g powder per day; 10-20 mL swarasa twice daily; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500 mg extract capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) ([rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%). Rotenoids are lipophilic and benefit from lipid-based delivery. [Isoflavonoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#isoflavonoids) undergo intestinal metabolism by gut microflora. Co-administration with [piperine](/reference/piperine/) improves flavonoid bioavailability by 1.5-2x.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals on empty stomach for hepatosplenic conditions; morning dose preferred for Pitta-pacifying action

**Standardized Extract:** Whole plant extract (8:1 in 60% ethanol), standardized to NLT 3% total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (as rutin equivalents by HPLC); rotenoid content NMT 0.5% for safety; total phenolics NLT 5% by Folin-Ciocalteu

**Shelf Life:** 7 days for swarasa (refrigerated); 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized capsules

**Storage:** Swarasa: refrigerate at 2-8 deg C. Churna and capsules: below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Rutin, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin), Rotenone (must be below safety limit), Deguelin, Tephrosin, Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Cold pressing for swarasa
- Soxhlet extraction with methanol for comprehensive flavonoid extraction
- Sequential extraction for rotenoid separation

### Synergistic Combinations

- Kutki ([hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/)-splenoprotective synergy)
- [Bhumyamalaki](/herb/bhumyamalaki/) (liver and spleen disorder formulations)
- [Rohitaka](/herb/rohitaka/) (Pleeha-Yakrit conditions)
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (hepato-renal formulations)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) ([immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/)-hepatoprotective combination)

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

## 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.