Shyonaka
Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz
Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Bignoniaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs; included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; listed as threatened in many regions due to overexploitation.
| Botanical name | Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz |
|---|---|
| Family | Bignoniaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Not listed in WHO monographs; included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India; listed as threatened in many regions due to overexploitation |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7414934 · Wikidata Q3245941 · NCBI Taxonomy 83951 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Shyonaka |
| Latin/Botanical | Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Baicalein
- Chrysin
- Oroxylin A
- Baicalein-7-O-diglucoside (Oroxylin B)
- Scutellarein
- Ellagic acid
- Biochanin-A
- Tetuin
- Aloe-emodin
- Gallic acid
- Catechin
- Ferulic acid
- Quercetin
- Apigenin
How does it work?
- Neuroprotective mechanism through multi-target approach: inhibition of beta-amyloid aggregation, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and modulation of tau phosphorylation pathways
- Anti-inflammatory activity mediated by baicalein and chrysin through suppression of NF-kB pathway and inhibition of COX-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression
- Anticancer mechanism involving induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway and inhibition of cell proliferation signaling cascades
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties confirmed through in vivo studies on both root bark and stem bark, validating classical use in Vataroga
- Hepatoprotective activity validated through experimental models demonstrating restoration of liver enzymes, supporting its traditional use in liver disorders
- Antimicrobial spectrum confirmed against multiple pathogens, validating traditional topical applications for wound infections and skin diseases
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Summat R, Waiwut P, Daodee S and others 2025. Phytomedicine Potential of Oroxylum indicum Root and Its Constituents: Targeting Alzheimer’s Disease. Plants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39861577 · doi:10.3390/plants14020223
Root extract and key constituents (baicalein, chrysin, oroxylin A) inhibited beta-amyloid aggregation and acetylcholinesterase activity, with potent antioxidant modulation of proteins implicated in amyloidogenesis and tau phosphorylation. - Thrigulla SR, Singh G, Soni H and others 2024. In-silico evaluation of Oroxylum indicum vent compounds in the plausible treatment and prevention of nasopharyngeal cancer. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 38805854 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100986
Molecular docking studies identified promising compounds against nasopharyngeal carcinoma targets, including both Epstein-Barr virus and cancer cell proliferation pathways.
1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Generally regarded as safe at traditional Ayurvedic doses; used extensively as part of Dashamoola for centuries with no documented serious adverse effects
- Preclinical toxicity data supports safety at therapeutic doses; baicalein and chrysin have favorable safety profiles in available studies, though human clinical trial data remains limited
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Baicalein
- Chrysin
- Scutellarein
- Biochanin-A
- Emodin
- Catechin
- Quercetin
- Apigenin
Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Kwatha (decoction), Churna (powder), Capsule, Ghana vati (solid extract tablet), Taila (medicated oil), Asava/Arishta
Standard Dosage: 3-6 g bark powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg extract capsule twice daily; 15-30 mL arishta after meals
Bioavailability: Flavonoid glycosides (baicalein, chrysin, oroxylin A) show moderate to good oral bioavailability (30-45%). Baicalein has relatively high bioavailability due to favorable lipophilicity and minimal efflux by P-glycoprotein. Oroxylin A undergoes glucuronidation, but the glucuronide is bioactive. Co-administration with piperine enhances bioavailability by 1.5-2x.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water; traditionally as part of Dashmool kwatha taken warm for Vata-Kapha disorders
Standardized Extract: Bark extract (8:1 in 65% ethanol), standardized to NLT 5% total flavonoids (as baicalein equivalents by HPLC); NLT 1% oroxylin A; NLT 0.5% chrysin
Shelf Life: 24 months for churna; 36 months for standardized extract capsules; indefinite for properly fermented Arishta
Storage: Store below 25 deg C in airtight, light-protected containers. Flavonoids are photosensitive — use amber packaging. Arishta in glass bottles.
Marker Compounds: Baicalein, Oroxylin A, Chrysin, Biochanin A, Tetuin, Ellagic acid, Beta-sitosterol
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction (traditional Dashmool kwatha)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol)
- Self-generated alcoholic fermentation (Arishta)
- Methanol extraction for maximum flavonoid yield
- UAE for improved extraction efficiency
Synergistic Combinations
- Dashmool components (classical anti-inflammatory formulation)
- Bilva (Vatahara and anti-diarrheal synergy)
- Gambhari (Brihat Panchamula formulation)
- Patala (complementary Dashmool herb)
- Agnimantha (Brihat Panchamula — anti-inflammatory)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses2
- 2022. Modulation of diverse oncogenic signaling pathways by oroxylin A: An important strategy for both cancer prevention and treatmentPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 35985182 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154369
- 2020. The Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potentials of Baicalein Extracted from Oroxylum indicum: A Systematic ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 33276419 · doi:10.3390/molecules25235677
Other clinical studies and reviews6
- 2025. First-in-class drug oroxylin A tablets for treating hepatic and gastrointestinal disorders: from preclinical development to clinical researchChinese journal of natural medicines. PMID 40653321 · doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(25)60910-1
- 2024. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of oroxylin A in cancer therapy: Recent advancesEuropean journal of pharmacology. PMID 38417609 · doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176452
- 2023. An overview of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory potential of baicalein and its metabolite baicalin: Insights into molecular mechanismsEuropean journal of medicinal chemistry. PMID 37437351 · doi:10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115629
- 2022. Oroxylin A: A Promising Flavonoid for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic DiseasesBiomolecules. PMID 36139025 · doi:10.3390/biom12091185
- 2017. Therapeutic potentials of baicalin and its aglycone, baicalein against inflammatory disordersEuropean journal of medicinal chemistry. PMID 28288320 · doi:10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.03.004
- 2015. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, an important Asian traditional medicine: from traditional uses to scientific data for its commercial exploitationJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 25543018 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.12.027
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 2025. Phytomedicine Potential of Oroxylum indicum Root and Its Constituents: Targeting Alzheimer's DiseasePlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39861577 · doi:10.3390/plants14020223
- 2024. In-silico evaluation of Oroxylum indicum vent compounds in the plausible treatment and prevention of nasopharyngeal cancerJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 38805854 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100986
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