# Shati

> Shati (Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Zingiberaceae family. Not in WHO monographs; listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Tibetan and Nepali traditional medicine systems.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.
- **Family:** Zingiberaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not in WHO monographs; listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; recognized in Tibetan and Nepali traditional medicine systems

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Shati |
| Latin/Botanical | *Hedychium spicatum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Hedychenone (furanoid diterpene)
- 7-Hydroxyhedychenone
- Essential oil (4%): 1,8-[cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole), [camphene](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#camphene), beta-phellandrene, alpha-pinene
- Gamma-terpinene, [limonene](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#limonene), [myrcene](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#myrcene), [sabinene](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sabinene)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) and its glucoside
- [Linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool) and beta-terpineol

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) activity through terpenoid-mediated inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and COX pathways
- Anti-asthmatic effect via antihistaminic action and bronchodilation through 1,8-cineole and other [monoterpenes](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#monoterpenes)
- CNS-depressant and tranquilizing activity through modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) mechanism via [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) restoration and reduction of lipid peroxidation by hedychenone

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Cough and respiratory disorders (Kasa-hara, Shvasa-hara) - validated through confirmed antihistaminic, bronchodilatory, and [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) properties
- Fever reduction (Jvarahara) - confirmed [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) activity through anti-inflammatory mechanisms
- Anti-emetic and nausea relief (Chhardi-nigrahana) - traditional digestive use supported by carminative and [antiemetic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antiemetic) studies
- Anti-inflammatory (Shotha-hara) - validated through in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edema models

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally safe at recommended Ayurvedic doses; essential oil may cause skin sensitization in topical applications at high concentrations
- Limited chronic toxicity data available; not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterine effects of [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids)

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Cineole
- Camphene
- Limonene
- Myrcene
- Sabinene
- Sitosterol
- Linalool
- Hedychenone 

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Avaleha (confection/jam), Capsule, Essential oil (inhalation), Vati (tablet)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g rhizome powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 5-10 g avaleha with honey twice daily; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Sesquiterpene lactones and essential oil constituents show moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-50%). Volatile compounds ([camphor](/herb/camphor/), [borneol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#borneol)) are rapidly absorbed through both oral and inhalation routes. Cucurbitacin content (if present) has dose-dependent toxicity — bioavailability monitoring important.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for respiratory indications; avaleha with honey for cough (Kasa) management; inhalation as needed

**Standardized Extract:** Rhizome extract (8:1 in 60% ethanol), standardized to NLT 2% total sesquiterpene lactones by HPLC; essential oil standardized to NLT 15% 1,8-cineole and NLT 10% camphor by GC-MS

**Shelf Life:** 12 months for essential oil; 24 months for churna; 18 months for avaleha; 36 months for capsules

**Storage:** Essential oil in amber glass, nitrogen headspace, 15-25 deg C. Churna in airtight containers below 25 deg C. Avaleha in glass jars, protect from moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol), Camphor, Borneol, Hedychenone, Coronarin D, Beta-sitosterol

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation for essential oil (yield 0.5-1.5%)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Aqueous decoction
- CO2 supercritical extraction for terpenoid enrichment
- Traditional avaleha preparation with jaggery and honey

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Kasa-Shvasa formulations — respiratory disorders)
- [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) ([bronchodilator](/reference/bronchodilator/) and expectorant synergy)
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (mucosal protective-expectorant combination)
- [Pushkarmool](/herb/pushkarmool/) (comprehensive respiratory formulation)
- [Tulsi](/herb/tulsi/) (antimicrobial-respiratory synergy)

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- 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.