# Sthneyaka

> Sthneyaka (Taxus baccata L. (possibly Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Indian context)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Taxaceae family. [Phytochemical Characterization of Taxus baccata L. Aril with Emphasis on Evaluation of the Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activity of Rhodoxanthin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35739936/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Taxus baccata L. (possibly Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Indian context)
- **Family:** Taxaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Paclitaxel (derived from Taxus) listed on WHO Model List of Essential Medicines as an anticancer agent; raw plant material not recommended for traditional medicine use due to extreme toxicity; Taxus wallichiana listed on CITES Appendix II (threatened species)

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Sthneyaka |
| Latin/Botanical | *Taxus baccata L. (possibly Taxus wallichiana Zucc. in Indian context)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Paclitaxel (Taxol A)
- Taxine A
- Taxine B
- Baccatin III
- 10-Deacetylbaccatin III
- Cephalomannine (Taxol B)
- Taxane diterpenoids
- Bioflavonoids ([amentoflavone](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#amentoflavone), ginkgetin)
- [Phytosterols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phytosterols)
- [Lignans](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lignans)

## How does it work?

- Paclitaxel binds to beta-tubulin subunits of microtubules, stabilizing them against depolymerization and arresting cell division at metaphase, making it one of the most important anticancer drugs discovered from plants
- Taxine B blocks cardiac sodium and calcium channels and disrupts sodium-[potassium](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#potassium) transport (similar to digitalis [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)), causing potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias - this is the primary toxic mechanism
- Baccatin III serves as a semisynthetic precursor for paclitaxel production and exhibits independent anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NF-kB-mediated inflammatory gene transcription

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Anticancer activity spectacularly validated - paclitaxel is among the most successful plant-derived anticancer drugs, used globally for ovarian, breast, lung, and Kaposi's sarcoma treatment
- Anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) properties validated in Ayurvedic context for regulated traditional use (under strict supervision), supporting kapha-pacifying indications described in classical texts
- Traditional use requires extreme caution: validated pharmacological activity exists but therapeutic window is extremely narrow, making unsupervised use potentially fatal

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Dumitraş DA, Bunea A, Vodnar DC and others 2022. [Phytochemical Characterization of Taxus baccata L. Aril with Emphasis on Evaluation of the Antiproliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activity of Rhodoxanthin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35739936/). *Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [35739936](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35739936/) · [doi:10.3390/antiox11061039](https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11061039)  
  Rhodoxanthin carotenoid isolated from yew aril demonstrated antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against cancer cell lines, identifying a novel bioactive compound beyond taxanes.

*2 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

- EXTREMELY TOXIC: All parts except the fleshy aril are lethal; lethal dose is approximately 50g of yew needles or 3.0-6.5 mg taxines/kg body weight in humans; there is no known antidote
- Taxine [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias (diastolic cardiac arrest); symptoms include dizziness, mydriasis, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia progressing to bradycardia and death
- Paclitaxel as a pharmaceutical drug has its own extensive adverse effect profile (myelosuppression, peripheral neuropathy, hypersensitivity reactions) managed under oncology protocols; raw plant should NEVER be self-administered

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Amentoflavone
- Phytosterols
- Lignans
- Paclitaxel 
- Taxine A
- Taxine B
- Baccatin III
- 10-Deacetylbaccatin III
- Cephalomannine 
- Taxane diterpenoids
- Bioflavonoids 

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

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Vati (tablet), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 3-5 g powder per day in divided doses; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500 mg capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Limited pharmacokinetic data available. Estimated moderate bioavailability (20-35%) for phenolic and flavonoid constituents based on structural class. Traditional warm water or milk vehicle enhances absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water or milk

**Standardized Extract:** Aqueous-ethanolic extract (5:1), characterized by HPTLC fingerprint profile; standardized to NLT 2% total phenolics by Folin-Ciocalteu method

**Shelf Life:** 24 months for churna; 30 months for capsules and tablets

**Storage:** Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Gallic acid, Total phenolics, Total [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50% ethanol)
- Cold maceration
- Percolation with graded alcohol

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (Balya — strength-building combinations)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (nourishing formulations)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Vatahara and tonic synergy)

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

## 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.