# Vyaghranakhi

> Vyaghranakhi is a substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Iridoid glycosides undergo gut microbial activation. Flavonoids are moderately absorbed with typical Phase II conjugation. External application (Lepa/Taila) provides local anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity through transdermal absorption of lipophilic terpenoids.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Vyaghranakhi |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Tikshna | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Ushna | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Lepa (paste for external use), Taila (medicated oil)

**Standard Dosage:** 1-3 g powder twice daily; 30-60 mL decoction twice daily; external application as needed

**Bioavailability:** Martynoside and other phenylethanoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) show moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) with intestinal hydrolysis by beta-glucosidases releasing the active aglycone. Iridoid glycosides undergo gut microbial activation. [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) are moderately absorbed with typical Phase II conjugation. External application (Lepa/Taila) provides local anti-inflammatory and [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) activity through transdermal absorption of lipophilic [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids).

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for internal use; external application at night for joint/musculoskeletal conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >2% total [iridoids](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iridoids) (by UV spectrophotometry) and >1.5% total flavonoids (as [luteolin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#luteolin) equivalent)

**Shelf Life:** Powder: 12-18 months; Capsules: 24 months; Medicated oil: 18-24 months; Decoction: prepare fresh

**Storage:** Airtight containers at 15-25 deg C, protected from light and moisture. Medicated oil in amber glass bottles.

**Marker Compounds:** Martynoside, Luteolin, [Apigenin](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#apigenin), Ursolic acid, beta-[Sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), Chlorogenic acid, Iridoid glycosides

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction
- Hydroethanolic extraction (50-70% ethanol)
- Methanol extraction for iridoid-rich fraction
- Traditional Taila Paka for medicated oil
- Cold maceration

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Nirgundi](/herb/nirgundi/) (Vitex negundo) - analgesic and anti-inflammatory synergy
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) (castor oil) - vehicle for Vata disorders and joint pain
- Shunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) - anti-inflammatory potentiation
- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) - musculoskeletal anti-inflammatory combination

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- 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.