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 show moderate oral bioavailability (~20-30%) with intestinal hydrolysis by beta-glucosidases releasing the active aglycone. 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.
Optimal Timing: After meals for internal use; external application at night for joint/musculoskeletal conditions
Standardized Extract: Hydroethanolic extract standardized to >2% total iridoids (by UV spectrophotometry) and >1.5% total flavonoids (as 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, Ursolic acid, beta-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
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