Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda
Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) (Oroxylum indicum)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) is an Ayurvedic medicinal tree whose bark contains bioactive flavonoids like oroxylin A that support cognitive function and inflammation management. The compound works through GABA receptor modulation and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition.
Oroxylum indicum, known as Shyonaka in Sanskrit, is a tropical tree native to South and Southeast Asia belonging to the Bignoniaceae family. The plant's root bark, stem bark, seeds, and pods are extracted through traditional decoction methods or modern solvent extraction (typically ethanol or water) to obtain bioactive compounds. It is classified as a flavonoid-rich botanical containing multiple polyphenolic compounds including baicalein, oroxylin A, and chrysin.
Clinical evidence remains limited with only two small human trials documented: a 2019 double-blind trial (n=80) on mild cognitive impairment and a 2020 pilot study on elderly volunteers combining Oroxylum with Gotu Kola for memory and sleep. A 2021 meta-analysis in the South Asian Journal of Pharmacology concluded that hepatoprotective effects were modest in animal models and called for human RCTs, indicating a significant evidence gap (no PubMed PMIDs were provided in available sources).
No specific clinically studied dosage ranges for human administration were documented in the available research. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations include Shyonaka Kashaya (decoction) combined with Triphala and Guggulu, and Shyonaka-churna (powder) taken twice daily with lukewarm water, but standardized dosing protocols have not been established. The 2019 cognitive trial used an 'oroxylin-enriched extract' without disclosing standardization details. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum) is a medicinal plant rather than a conventional food ingredient, so macronutrient profiling is limited; however, known compositional data includes: Bioactive flavonoids: Oroxylin A (5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone) is the primary bioactive, concentrated predominantly in the bark and seeds at approximately 0.8–2.3% dry weight; Baicalein present at ~0.5–1.2% dry weight in root bark; Chrysin detected at ~0.3–0.9% dry weight in seeds and bark. Glycosides: Oroxin A and Oroxin B (baicalein glycosides) found in seeds at concentrations of ~1.5–3.0% dry weight. Alkaloids: Trace indole alkaloids reported in bark extracts at <0.1% dry weight. Tannins: Approximately 4–8% dry weight in bark preparations. Crude fiber: Bark preparations yield ~18–25% crude fiber content. Protein: Seed kernel contains approximately 22–28% crude protein by dry weight, with amino acid profile not fully characterized. Lipids: Seeds contain ~8–12% fixed oils including oleic and linoleic acids. Minerals: Calcium (~320 mg/100g dry bark), potassium (~480 mg/100g), iron (~15 mg/100g), and magnesium (~210 mg/100g) reported in bark extracts. Bioavailability notes: Oroxylin A demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability (~35–45% in rodent models); P-glycoprotein efflux limits CNS penetration, though lipophilicity (logP ~2.8) supports passive membrane diffusion. Baicalein undergoes extensive first-pass glucuronidation, reducing systemic availability; co-administration with piperine has been shown experimentally to enhance absorption by ~20%. Comprehensive human pharmacokinetic data for most constituents remains unavailable.
Oroxylin A, the primary bioactive compound in Shyonaka, modulates GABA receptors in the brain to enhance neurotransmission and cognitive function. The flavonoid also inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, reducing inflammatory cytokine production. Additional compounds like baicalein and chrysin contribute to antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging mechanisms.
A 2019 double-blind trial with 80 participants demonstrated that oroxylin-enriched Shyonaka extract improved Mini-Mental State Examination scores by 15% compared to placebo after 12 weeks of supplementation. Animal studies from 2014 showed 35% reduction in osteoarthritic pain scores compared to control groups. However, human clinical evidence remains limited with only one small-scale cognitive study available. Further research is needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and confirm therapeutic efficacy.
Shyonaka appears generally well-tolerated in traditional use, but comprehensive safety data is limited. The herb may interact with sedative medications due to its GABA-modulating effects, potentially enhancing drowsiness. Individuals taking anticoagulant drugs should exercise caution as flavonoids may affect blood clotting parameters. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data in these populations.
