Shunthi

Zingiber officinale Roscoe.

Shunthi

Section/Chapter	Herb database/Shunthi
Botanical name(s)	Zingiber officinale Roscoe
Family	Zingiberaceae
Availability	Available
Contributors	Dravyaguna Team
Year of publication	2026
Publisher	Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI	Awaited

Shunthi & Aardrak (Zingiber officinale)

English name

Ginger

Botanical Identity

Shunthi, the dried rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Family: Zingiberaceae), stands as a cornerstone phytopharmaceutical in traditional systems of medicine—particularly Ayurveda—while simultaneously maintaining a robust profile in modern evidence-based pharmacology. Locally referred to as Sonth or dry ginger, its processing from fresh ginger (Ardraka) chemically transforms its active volatile and non-volatile profiles, resulting in a distinct therapeutic matrix that exhibits high bioavailability and pronounced efficacy across multiple physiological systems.

• Botanical Name: Zingiber officinale Roscoe
• Family: Zingiberaceae
• Part Used: Dried Rhizome
• Vernacular Names: Shunthi (Sanskrit), Sonth (Hindi), Dry Ginger (English), Shukku (Tamil)

Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics (Dravyaguna Profile)

In classical Ayurvedic pharmacology, the dehydration of ginger alters its fundamental properties. Unlike fresh ginger, which carries a sharp, drying post-digestive profile, Shunthi undergoes a metabolic transformation that yields a sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka), rendering it far more tolerable for long-term therapeutic application without aggravating Pitta dosha excessively.

Therapeutic Use

Agnimandya, Bronchial asthma (swasa), Abdominal distension (adhmana), Rheumatoid arthritis (amavata), Anaemia (pandu), Abdominal disorders (udararoga)

Bhavaprakash Nighantu

1. Raktabha
2. Shweta

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Shunthi, Nagara, Shrungavera, Vishwa-bheshajam, Mahaushadha, Ardraka, Vishwa.

Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

Shunthi, Vishva, Vishv, Nagar, Vishvabheshaja, Ushana, Katubhadra, Shringavera, Mahoshadha,

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties

Sr.no.	Pharmacological criteria	Properties	Clinical Significance
1	Taste (rasa)	Pungent (katu)	Stimulates gustatory receptors, secretes salivary and gastric enzymes.
2	Potency (veerya)	Hot (ushna)	Enhances metabolic rate (Agni) and clears systemic micro-channels (Srotas)
3	Post digestion effect (vipaka)	Aardrak (Ginger) - Pungent (katu) Shunthi (Dry Ginger) - Sweet (madhura)	Imparts nourishing, tissue-protective, and rejuvenative (Rasayana) long-term effects.
4	Qualities (guna)	Aardrak (Ginger) - Heavy (guru), dryness (ruksha), Sharp (tikshna) Shunthi (Dry Ginger)- Easy to digest (laghu), unctuous (snigdha)	Ginger counteracts the coldness of Kapha, Dry ginger acts on dryness of Vata dosha
5	Actions (karma)	Pacify Vata and Kapha	Useful in indigestion, swellings, stiffness
6	Prabhava (Special Action)	Amavataghni / Grahi	Specifically targets rheumatoid conditions; acts as a bowel-binding bio-absorbent.

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities

Sr.no.	Reference in Charak Samhita	Activity
1	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/5	Shirovirechana (Errhine therapy)
2	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/18	Deepaniya and Shulaghni yavagu(gruel for enhancing digestion and colic pain)
3	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/21	Raktatisara yavagu(gruel used in diarrhea with blood)
4	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/22	Amatisara yavagu(gruel for diarrhea with indigestion)
5	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/24	Pipasaghni yavagu(gruel for excess thirst)
6	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(6)	Deepaniya (appetizer) mahakashaya
7	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(11)	Truptighna(anti-satiety) mahakashaya
8	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(12)	Arshoghna(anti-haemorrhoidal) mahakashaya
9	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(18)	Stanyashodhana(galactodepurent) mahakashaya
10	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(29)	Trishna nigrahana(thirst alleviating) mahakashay
11	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(42)	Sheetaprashamana(pacifying cold sensation) mahakashaya
12	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(45)	Shoolaprashamana(pacifying pain) mahakashaya
13	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana24/49	Sanyas Chikitsa- to regain consciousness
14	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/38	Hitatam ahardravya(wholesome food articles) -ginger among all rhizomes and roots.
15	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/4	All substances with pungent taste, except long pepper and ginger, are vata stimulants and aphrodisiacs.
16	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/166	One of the drug from Harita Varga (green herbs)
17	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/166	One of the drug from Harita Varga (green herbs)
18	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/256	One of the drug from Krutanna Varga (cooked food preparations)
19	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/296	One of the drug from Krutanna Varga (cooked food preparations)
20	Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/51	Rasapvada (exception in pungent (katu) rasa.
21	Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/17	Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa (treatment of internal worms).
22	Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 6/18	Abhyantar Krimi Chikitsa (treatment of internal worms).
23	Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135	Vaman dravyani (As a drug for therapeutic emesis)
24	Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/142	Katuskandha (group of pungent drugs)
25	Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/56	Kshira vishodhan dravya (ingredient of galactodepurant gana)
26	Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/34	Garbhasya pratimasik karma
27	Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/41	Prajata stree paricharya
28	Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/48	Nadi kalpana
29	Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/22	Vamanartha (for therapeutic emesis)
30	Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/16	Preparation of Trivrut
31	Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/29	Preparation of Trivrit Avaleha
32	Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/54	Varshakalin Trivrrita Yoga
33	Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 12/23	Churna Yoga
34	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/25	Body purification before rasayana treatment
35	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/145	When patient is suffering with thirst (pipasa) in fever (Jwara) as an ingredient of Shadangapaniya. Used as shrutasheetajala as it is Pipasajwarshantaye. Used as shrutasheetajala as it is Pipasajwarshantaye.
36	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/179	Used as lajapeya with Pippali where agnimandya but kshudha is present.
37	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/180	Who has desire to eat sour given with Dadima.
38	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/183	Used as peya with amla in Jwaraatisara.
39	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/186	Used as peya where jwara(fever) is associated with Constipation(vibandha) & Kostha shoola.
40	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/188	Used as peya with Ghrita and Sarkara where jwara is associated with Anindra(insomia), Trushna(thirst) & asweda.
41	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/198	Used as kwath or sheeta kashaya for  trushna, deepana, doshapachana, jwar,aruchi  and mukhavairasya.
42	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/202	Used in Trutiyaka jwara.
43	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/210	Used in Sannipata jwara.
44	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/211	As an ingredient of shatyadi varga used in kasa, svasa, tandra,parshvashoola, hrdgraha and sannipata jwara.
45	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/223	As an ingredient of Vasadi Ghrita.
46	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/236	Used as ksheerpaka in varch-mutra vibandha and sopha.
47	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/237	Used as ksheerapaka in pipasa ans jwara.
48	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/250	As an ingredient of Jivantyadi anuvasana basti.
49	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267	As an ingredient of Agurvadi taila.
50	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/65	Ingredient in Trayushanaadi ghrit
51	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/69	Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya ghrit
52	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/71	Ingredient of Hapushadya ghrit
53	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/74	Ingredient of Pippalyadya ghrit
54	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/79	Ingredient of Hingvadi churna
55	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/91	Ingredient of Nagaradi Yoga
56	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/142	Ingredient of Dashamuli Ghrit
57	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/144	Ingredient in Bhallatakadya Ghrit for Kaphaj Gulma
58	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/147	Ingredient in Kshir Shatpal Ghrit
59	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/156	Ingredient of Danti- Haritaki
60	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/164	Pathya Diet in Gulma
61	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/61	Ingredient in Kushthaghna Yog
62	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/62	Ingredient in Patoladi Kwath
63	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthanaa 7/65	Ingredient in Mustadi Churna
64	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/77	Ingredient in Kanakabindurisht
65	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/85	Bahyaprayogarth lepa in mandal Kushth
66	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/109	Ingredient in Tiktekshvadi Taila for Abhyang in Vata-Kaphaj Kushth
67	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/113	Ingredient in Kanakakshiri Tail
68	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/34	Ingredient in Hingvadi Ghrit
69	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/49	Ingredient in Lasunadya Ghrit
70	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/53	Ingredient in Apara lasunadya Ghrit
71	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/54	Ingredient in Apara lasunadya Ghrit
72	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/65	Used as Nashya and Anjan prayogarth
73	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 9/70	Ingredient in Siddharthakadi Agad
74	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/20	Ingredient in Mahapanchagavya Ghrit
75	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/43	As a Nasya dravya
76	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/46	Ingredient in Kayasthadi varti
77	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/48	Ingredient in Mustadi varti
78	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/35	Ingredient in Amrutprash Ghrit
79	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/67	Ingredient in Chaturtha Sarpigud
80	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/85	Ingredient in Saindhavadi Churna
81	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/89	Ingredient in Shadav
82	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthanaa 11/92	As a Vardhaman Rasayan Prayog
83	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/21	In treatment of Kaphaj Svayathu
84	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/22	In treatment of Kaphaj Svayathu
85	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/23	In treatment of Vataj Svayathu
86	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/23	In treatment of Vataj Svayathu
87	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/24	In treatment of Vataj Svayathu
88	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/25	In treatment of Vataj Svayathu
89	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/25	In treatment of Vataj Svayathu
90	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/27	For bhinna varch in treatment of Vataj Svayathu
91	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/27	For vibaddha varch in treatment of Vataj Svayathu
92	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/29	Ingredient in Gandiradhyarisht
93	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/41	Ingredient in Krishnadi Churna
94	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/42	Ingredient in Krishnadi Churna
95	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/42	Ingredient in Krishnadi Churna
96	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/43	Ingredient in Kshar Gudika
97	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/47	Ingredient in Gudadrak prayog
98	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/47	Ingredient in Gudadrak prayog
99	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/50	Ingredient in Kansaharitaki Avaleh
100	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/55	Ingredient in Chitrakadi Ghrit
101	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/62	As a Pathya Diet In treatment of Shvayathu
102	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/70	As a Snan dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu
103	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/73	As an Unmardan dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu
104	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/79, 13/80	In treatment of plihodara
105	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/84	In formulation of rohitaka ghrit
106	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/102	In treatment of sannipatodara
107	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/103	In treatment of kaphodara(takraprayoga)
108	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/104	In treatment of pleehodara(takraprayoga)
109	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/105	In treatment of dakodara (takraprayoga)
110	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/110	In treatment of udararoga (for parisheka)
111	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/112	In formulation of panchkola ghrit
112	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/115	As an ingredient of nagaradi ghrit
113	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/122	After virechana (balvruddhi arthe) mixed with dugdha.
114	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/126	As an ingredient of narayan churna
115	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/137	As an ingredient of nilinadya churna
116	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/142	Used in sunthi sadhita jala after virechana by snuhisadhit ghrit
117	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/148	Kalka  used in udara roga with ksheer
118	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/163	As an ingredient of kshara vatika
119	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/153	Aadraka swarasa with godugdha
120	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/62	As an ingredient of traushnadi churna
121	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/68	Sunthi churna with sidhu used in arsha roga
122	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/70	Sunthi and bilva churna are given with yavani and chitraka kashaya
123	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/71	Palncakola churna is given with takra
124	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/89	Used in peya, khada yusha, ghrit, siddhant jala
125	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/92	Used in yavagu
126	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/97	It removes constipation with matsyandika or amlaphala rasa or guda
127	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/99	Used for Anuloman
128	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/103	Use with phanita and goghrit
129	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/104	As an ingredient of pippalyadi ghrit
130	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/107	As an ingredient of cavyadighrit
131	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/110	As an ingredient of nagaradya ghrit
132	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/129	Used as anupan in arsha
133	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/153	As an ingredient of dvitiya phalarista
134	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/186	Mixed with kutajtwak kwath it stops bleeding from arsha
135	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/195	Used in rakta arsha shoola
136	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/231	As an ingredient of hriberadi ghrit
137	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 14/234	As an ingredient of sunishanak changeri ghrit
138	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/76	Panchakola sadhit peya and Anna is given in Amaja grahani roga
139	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/82	As an ingredient of dashmuladya ghrit
140	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/87	As an ingredient of traushnaadi ghrit
141	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/88	As an ingredient of pancamuladhya ghrit evum churna
142	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/96	As an ingredient of citrakadhya gutika
143	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/98	Kalka and churna is used for aam pachana(with usnodaka)
144	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/99	Churna of this drug with combination of vaca,musta, etc. is given in aam and shoola yukta mala
145	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/103	Used in condition of shoola in kaphapittaja grahani
146	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/105	Used in kaphapittaja grahani
147	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/106	Agnivruddhiartha and for alleviating koshtha gata vayu in grahaniroga
148	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/112	Used as an yavagu
149	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/129	ingredient of yavagu
150	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/132	As an ingredient of Nagaradya churna
151	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/137	This drug is used in treatment of pittajagrahani as an ingredient of Bhunimbadya churna
152	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/142	As an ingredient of Kiratadya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
153	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/168	Used as peya padartha in Kaphaja grahani
154	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/171	Used in treatment of Kaphaja grahani
155	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/177	As an ingredient of Pipallimuladya Kshara
156	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/189	As an ingredient of Bhallataka Kshara
157	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/89	As an ingredient of pancamuladya ghrita evum churna
158	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/44	As an ingredient of Dadimadi Ghrit
159	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/66	Used in Swarnakshiradi yoga
160	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/72	As in ingredient of mandur bhasma prayoga
161	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/87	As in ingredient of Shilajatu Vataka
162	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/100	As in ingredient of Dhatryavleha
163	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/129	Used as Pathya in Shakhashrit Kamla
164	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/44	As an ingredient of Dadimadi Ghrit
165	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/66	Used in Swarnakshiradi yoga
166	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/72	As in ingredient of mandur bhasma prayoga
167	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/87	As in ingredient of Shilajatu Vataka
168	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/100	As in ingredient of Dhatryavleha
169	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/129	Used as Pathya in Shakhashrit Kamla
170	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/97	Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa
171	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/100	Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa
172	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/102	Used in yavagu preparation for hikka svasa
173	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/104	Used as annapana for hikka svasa
174	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/109	As an ingredient of sauvarchaladi churna
175	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/110	Kalka is used in hikka svasa
176	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/111	Used in preparation of Utkarika.
177	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/123	As an ingredient of shatyadi churna.
178	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/130	Churna mixed with guda is used for prashana and nasya
179	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/136	Used as lehya.
180	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/112	Use as an ingredient of kataphaladi kwath.
181	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/114	Use as an ingredient of pathadi kalka.
182	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/36	As a ghrita dravya
183	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/47	As a yoga dravya
184	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/49	As a yoga dravya
185	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/63	As a yoga dravya
186	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/74	As an ingredient of dhumapan yoga.
187	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/77	As an ingredient of peya yoga.
188	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/99	Use in treatment of pittaj kasa.
189	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/106	As an ingredient of sarkaradi yoga.
190	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/115	As an ingredient of nagaradi yoga.
191	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/118	As an ingredient of yoga which use in vataanubandhi kapha.
192	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/122	Use in vataj and kaphaj kasa.
193	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/146	As an ingredient of manahsiladi dhoom.
194	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/159	As an ingredient of dwipanchamuladi ghrita.
195	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/161	As an ingredient of guduchyadi ghrita.
196	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/163	As an ingredient of kasamaryadi ghrita.
197	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/87	As a yoga dravya in treatmen of pittaj kasa
198	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/120	As a yoga dravya.
199	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/20	As a pramthya dravya
200	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/26	As a Ingridient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana
201	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/37	As a prakshep dravya
202	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/40	As a yoga dravya in treatment of purisha kshaya.
203	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/43	As an ingredient of changeri ghrita
204	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/53	As a yoga dravya in pittaj atisara.
205	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/54	As a yoga dravya in pittaj atisara.
206	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/107	As a yoga dravya in ajajyadi churna.
207	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/108	As a yoga dravya in rasanjanadi churna.
208	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/109	As a yoga dravya.
209	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/110	As a yoga dravya.
210	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/111	As a yoga dravya
211	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/54	As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara
212	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/22	As a amapachak dravya
213	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/80	As a ingredient of darvyadi ghrita .
214	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/104	As a kwath dravya
215	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/114	As a yoga dravya
216	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/58	For kashaya pana.
217	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/189	Used in the treatment of Kapha pradhana visha, as a pratisarana prayoga.
218	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/205	Used in the treatment of Mushika visha.
219	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/209	Used in the treatment of vrushchika visha.
220	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/13	Used to make Udavarta varti.
221	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/22	As an ingredient of 2nd Dviruttarahingvadi churna.
222	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/55	As an ingredient of Vyoshadi churn used in Kaphaja mutrakruchhra.
223	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/60	As an ingredient of Pashanbhedadi  churna.
224	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/83	As an ingredient of Haritakyadi Ghrita.
225	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/84	Used in Vataja Hrudroga.
226	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/85	As an ingredient of Pushkarmuladi yoga.
227	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/87	As an ingredient of Trushanadi Ghrita.
228	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/94	As an ingredient of Kasherukadi Ghrita.
229	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/97	As an ingredient of Katphaladi kashaya used in kaphaja hrudroga.
230	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/97	Used in kaphaja hrudroga.
231	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/98	As an ingredient of Udumbaravleha.
232	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/144	Used as shruta paya in kaphaja pratishyaya.
233	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/150	Used in Kaphaja Pratishyaya.
234	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/152	Used in Kaphaja Pratishyaya for pradhamana.
235	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/156	Pathya anna in kaphaja pratishyaya.
236	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/186	Used in Kaphaja Siroroga for Avapeeda nasya.
237	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/192	As an ingredient of Kshara gutika.
238	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/194	As an ingredient of Kalak churna.
239	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/198	As an ingredient of Mrudvikadi churna.
240	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/217	Used in Kavala in Arochaka.
241	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/222	Used in Hingvadi taila in Karnapoorana.
242	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/223	Used in Devadarvyadi taila in Karnashoola.
243	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/226	As an ingredient of Kshara taila.
244	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/232	Used in Vataja netra roga.
245	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/239	Used in Kaphaja netra roga for Aaschotana karma.
246	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/242	As an ingredient of Saindhavadi varti.
247	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/252	As an ingredient of Sukhavati varti.
248	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/287	Used in Kaphaja swarbheda.
249	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/45	As an ingredient of Saindhavadi Taila
250	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/47	As an ingredient of Ashtakatvar Taila
251	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/52	As an ingredient of Tarkaryadi Parisechana
252	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/122	As an ingredient of Chitrakadi ghrita.
253	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/137	As an ingredient of Mulaka taila.
254	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/168	As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila.
255	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/172	As an ingredient of Mulaka taila.
256	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/147	As an ingredient of Shvdamstra taila.
257	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/89	Used in the treatment of Vataja Asrigdara.
258	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/261	As a paniya yoga, in the treatment of Stanya dosha.
259	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/266	Used in the treatment of Phena sanghat.
260	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/266	Used in the treatment of Phena sanghat, As an ingredient of Anjanadi lepa.
261	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/277	Used in the treatment of Pichhila stanya.
262	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/280	Used in the treatment of Gaurava stanya dosha, as an ingredient of Pippalyadi kwatha.
263	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/92	As an ingredient of Pushyanuga churna.
264	Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/267	Used in the treatment of Phena sanghat, As an ingredient of Kiratatiktadi kwatha.

Dose

• Churna – 1 – 2 gm

Important formulations

• Saubhagya Shunthi
• Saubhagya Vati
• Trikatu Churna
• Vaishvanara Churna

Current availability

Available

• In India –

Kerala, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Karnataka, Odisha, West bengal

• Out of India –

China, Nigeria, Indonesia, Thailand, Jamaica, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nepal, Vietnam, Philippines

Phytochemical Architecture

The processing of fresh ginger into Shunthi significantly shifts its chemical composition. The primary thermogenic and bioactive markers are phenolic compounds and volatile oils:

• Gingerols ([6]-, [8]-, and [10]-gingerol): The primary pungent fluid components dominant in fresh ginger.
• Shogaols ([6]-, [8]-, and [10]-shogaol): Formed via the thermal dehydration of gingerols during the drying process. [6]-shogaol exhibits up to twice the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potency of its precursor, making Shunthi pharmacologically distinct from fresh ginger.
• Zingerone & Paradols: Secondary degradation products that contribute significantly to free-radical scavenging.
• Volatile Oils (Sesquiterpenes): Comprising α-zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, and ar-curcumene, responsible for its distinct aromatic properties.

Modern Pharmacological Validation & Therapeutic Efficacy

A. Gastrointestinal Efficacy (Deepana, Pachana, & Anulomana)

Shunthi acts as a potent prokinetic and antiemetic agent via central and peripheral mechanisms.

• Antiemetic & Nausea Regulation: Clinical meta-analyses validate that oral doses ranging from 500 mg to 1,500 mg daily significantly reduce pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting (NVP) as well as chemotherapy-induced emesis. The mechanism is mediated via the competitive antagonism of peripheral 5-HT₃ receptors and cholinergic M3 receptors in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Gastroprotective and Prokinetic Action: Shunthi accelerates gastric emptying and stimulates gastric acid, bile, and pancreatic enzyme secretion, effectively resolving functional dyspepsia, abdominal bloating, and colicky pain.

B. Anti-Inflammatory & Analgesic Efficacy (Amavataghni)

In conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis (Amavata) and Osteoarthritis, Shunthi acts as a natural dual-inhibitor of inflammatory cascades.

Biochemical Mechanism: The active fractions ([6]-shogaol and [6]-gingerol) suppress the activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB). This leads to down-regulation of COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2) and LOX (Lipoxygenase) pathways, preventing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE₂) and leukotrienes.

Unlike conventional Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Shunthi exerts these anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions without compromising the gastric mucosa, due to its concurrent cytoprotective mucin-stimulating properties.

C. Cardio-Metabolic and Vascular Regulation (Hrudya)

Recent clinical and animal trials demonstrate that Shunthi exerts a multi-target protective effect on the cardiovascular and metabolic systems:

• Calcium Channel Blockade: Shunthi extracts display calcium (Ca²⁺) channel-blocking activity, shifting Ca²⁺ dose-response curves to relax vascular smooth muscles. This results in vasodilation and a systemic reduction in blood pressure.
• PPARα Agonism: It activates Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha (PPARα), enhancing fatty acid oxidation in myocytes, thereby attenuating myocardial hypertrophy and reducing risks of atherosclerosis.
• Glycemic Control: Meta-analyses show that daily supplementation significantly lowers HbA1c and fasting blood glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients by improving insulin sensitivity and up-regulating GLUT4 transporters.

       [6]-Shogaol / [6]-Gingerol (Active Constituents)
                         │
        ┌────────────────┴────────────────┐
        ▼                                 ▼
Inhibition of NF-κB               Ca²⁺ Channel Blockade
        │                                 │
        ▼                                 ▼
 ↓ COX-2 & LOX Pathways             Vasodilation of 
(↓ CRP, ↓ TNF-α, ↓ PGE₂)         Vascular Smooth Muscle
        │                                 │
        ▼                                 ▼
Clinical: Alleviation of           Clinical: Reduction of 
 Arthritis & Joint Pain            Systemic Blood Pressure

Clinical Safety, Dosage, and Contraindications

Shunthi enjoys a wide therapeutic index and is designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by global regulatory bodies. However, its high thermal potency warrants structured clinical application.

• Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
  • Churna (Crude Powder): 1 - 3 g per day in divided doses.
  • Extract: 250 - 500 mg two to three times daily.
• Adverse Effects: Excessive consumption on an empty stomach may occasionally cause mild heartburn, eructation, or gastric irritation in highly sensitive Pitta-dominant individuals.
• Drug Interactions: Due to its mild anti-platelet and calcium-channel-blocking properties, cautious monitoring is recommended when co-administered with high-dose synthetic anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin) or prescription antihypertensives.
• Contraindications: Acute peptic ulceration, active GI bleeding, and inflammatory dermatological conditions characterized by extreme Pitta vitiation.

References

Herbs