Sthuneyaka
Taxus baccata
Sthuneyaka (Taxus baccata) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Estimated moderate bioavailability (20-35%) based on phytochemical class. Lipophilic terpenoid constituents benefit from oil-based (taila) or milk-based administration. Traditional prescribing with specific Anupana (vehicle) likely optimizes bioavailability.
| Botanical name | Taxus baccata |
|---|---|
| Identity source | Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol. III: STHAUNEYA (Leaf) |
| Also called | Taxus wallichiana Zucc. (nomenclatural synonym) Abies webbiana Lindl. (= Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Mirb.) (nomenclatural synonym) Juniperus communis Linn. (nomenclatural synonym) |
| Family | Taxaceae |
| Order | Pinales |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 5284517 · Wikidata Q179729 · NCBI Taxonomy 25629 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Sthuneyaka |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta, Kashaya | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu | 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), Vati (tablet), Capsule, Taila (medicated oil)
Standard Dosage: 3-5 g powder per day; 50-100 mL kwatha twice daily; 500-1000 mg capsule twice daily
Bioavailability: Limited pharmacokinetic data. Estimated moderate bioavailability (20-35%) based on phytochemical class. Lipophilic terpenoid constituents benefit from oil-based (taila) or milk-based administration. Traditional prescribing with specific Anupana (vehicle) likely optimizes bioavailability.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water or milk; taila for external application as needed
Standardized Extract: Aqueous-ethanolic extract (5:1), characterized by HPTLC fingerprint; standardized to NLT 2% total phenolics and NLT 1% total flavonoids
Shelf Life: 24 months for churna; 30 months for capsules; 24 months for taila
Storage: Store below 25 deg C in airtight containers, protected from light and moisture. Taila in amber glass bottles.
Marker Compounds: Beta-sitosterol, Lupeol, Gallic acid, Total alkaloids (if present), Total flavonoids
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50-60% ethanol)
- Cold maceration for heat-sensitive constituents
- Oil-based extraction (taila) for lipophilic compounds
Synergistic Combinations
- Bala (Vatahara combinations)
- Eranda (anti-rheumatic formulations)
- Rasna (analgesic and anti-inflammatory synergy)
- Ashwagandha (Balya — strength-building formulations)
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.