# Vamshalochana

> Vamshalochana (Prakshep phase) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Translucent to opaque whitish-grey siliceous nodules, hard and brittle, sourced by splitting mature female bamboo internodes. Classical name Tabasheer (Unani/Persian) denotes the same material.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Prakshep phase

Siliceous exudate from the internodes of female bamboo (*Bambusa bambos* / *B. arundinacea*) — classical Ayurveda treats it as a cooling, astringent, medhya and kasahara dravya. It is a key **prakshep dravya** in classical Avaleha pharmacy, including [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/) and related Rasayanas.

## Identification

Translucent to opaque whitish-grey siliceous nodules, hard and brittle, sourced by splitting mature female bamboo internodes. Classical name *Tabasheer* (Unani/Persian) denotes the same material. Over 90% hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), trace potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron. Sweet-astringent taste, cold in virya, madhura-vipaka.

## Classical references

- *Charaka Samhita* — named in medhya-rasayana contexts
- *Bhavaprakasha Nighantu* — Haritakyadi Varga; cites *Kasahara* and *Daurbalyahara* actions
- *Raja Nighantu* — "Vamsharochana"
- *Sharangadhara Samhita* — prakshep in Avaleha kalpana

## Use in Chyawanprash

Added in the **Prakshep phase** (lukewarm, post-paka) along with [Pippali](/herb/pippali/), [Twak](/herb/twak-cinnamon/), [Ela](/herb/ela/), [Tejpatra](/herb/tejapatra/) and [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/). Provides the sweet-cooling balancing note and the classical medhya-rasayana signature. See Prakshep Dravya.

## Adulteration note

The commodity market is heavily adulterated with **calcium silicate** (chemically synthesized), borax, or chalk. Authentic Vamshalochana tests: soluble in HF but insoluble in HCl; gives clear silica fusion with Na₂CO₃; XRD shows amorphous halo (no sharp calcite peaks). Premium sourcing — hand-sorted nodules from Western Ghats or Northeast Indian bamboo belts.

## Safety

Generally regarded as safe at classical prakshep doses (50–500 mg/day as part of compounded Avalehas). High silica content: avoid standalone mega-doses in renal disease.

*Stub created 2026-04-17 to resolve wikilinks from Chyawanprash Royale folder. Expand with detailed phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical data as the catalogue grows.*

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

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.