Sukuntalam Hair Tonic (Bhringraj Sesame Oil) – Nagarjun – 200ml

Reviewed by Dr. Riddhish Padiya — B.Pharm (Ayurveda), M.Pharm (Pharmacognosy), Ph.D. (Dravyaguna), ITRA Jamnagar. Publications under “Padiya RH”.

Sukuntalam Hair Tonic — About the Formulation

Sukuntalam — सुकुन्तलम् in Sanskrit — is a proprietary Ayurvedic hair tonic oil prepared by Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) has been described in classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita as Kesharanjana (hair-nourishing) and Keshya (benefiting the hair). Classical Kesha-related preparations in Ayurveda use Bhringraj as the primary herb, often combined with Amalaki, Triphala, aromatic woods such as Chandan, and vetiver root (Ushir) — exactly the combination present in this formulation.

The base is Til Tail — sesame oil — which the classical texts describe as the finest vehicle for medicated hair preparations, prized for its penetrating quality (Sukshma) and its Pittashamaka nature. Bhringraj at 15%, Haritaki at 4%, and Amalaki at 3% together with Mandur (iron calx) at 1% constitute the active core of the oil. Fifteen further classical herbs at proportions of 0.10–0.50% each add aromatic and complementary properties — Jatamansi, Ushir, Shati, Musta, Sariva, Shaileyak, Chandan, Shatpatrika, Talispatra, Brihat Ela, Nimbu Patra, Karchur, Daruharidra, Bibhitak, and the classical mineral Mandur — following the classical Taila-paka method.

Key Herbs — Classical Identity

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba / Eclipta prostrata, 15%) — the classical Keshya herb par excellence. Described in Charaka Samhita as Rasayana and in Bhavaprakasha as Keshya (for hair), Rasayana, and Pittashamaka. Widely used in classical Taila preparations for hair.

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula, 4%) — one of the three fruits of Triphala, classically Tridoshashamak. Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica, 3%) — Indian gooseberry, described as the pre-eminent Rasayana in Charaka Samhita. Note: the label uses the term ‘Emblica chebula’ for this ingredient, which appears to be a typographic error on the manufacturer’s carton — the correct botanical is Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis); Terminalia chebula is Haritaki, listed separately. Bibhitak (Terminalia bellirica, 1%) — the third Triphala fruit.

Mandur (1%) — classical iron calx (ferric oxide), a Rasashastra preparation used in classical hair oils. No botanical, as it is a mineral preparation. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi, 0.20%) — spikenard, classically described as Tridoshashamak and Keshya; traditionally included in hair oils. Ushir (Vetiveria zizanioides, 0.20%) — vetiver, classically Sheeta and Pittashamaka, an aromatic cooling root. Chandan (Santalum album, 0.20%) — white sandalwood, Sheeta and Hridya. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus, 0.20%) — Indian sarsaparilla.

Key Features

• Bhringraj-Led Formula (15%): Eclipta alba — the classical Keshya herb — as the principal active in a Til Tail sesame oil base, following the classical Taila-paka method.
• 20-Ingredient Ayurvedic Composition: Bhringraj, Amalaki (3%), Haritaki (4%), Jatamansi, Ushir (vetiver), Chandan, Sariva, Shati and 12 further classical herbs — all proportions label-declared.
• Classical Formula, Full Transparency: All 21 ingredients and their exact proportions are stated on the Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals pack label — no undisclosed actives.
• Mandur (Iron Calx, 1%): A classical Rasashastra mineral ingredient — not a plant; no botanical listed on the label, which is standard for mineral preparations.
• GMP & ISO 9001:2015 Certified Facility: Both certifications confirmed on the physical carton. Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd., established 1979, Gandhinagar, North Gujarat.
• FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY: Gently massage on dry hair with the tips of finger — the manufacturer’s stated application method. Do not consume.
• Genuine Nagarjun Stock at Riddhish Herbals: Brand-sealed product, bill provided on every purchase, since 2015, pan-India delivery.

Research on the Constituents

Composition — Sukuntalam Hair Tonic 200 ml (label-verified, Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals)

Label-verified against the Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals physical pack. Percentages as printed on label. *Amalaki note: label prints ‘Emblica chebula’ — typographic error; correct botanical is Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis). Mandur is mineral (iron calx); no botanical listed on label. Manufacturer: Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd., AT & P.O. Sherisa, Kalol-Khatraj Road, Ta. Kalol, Dist. Gandhinagar, North Gujarat-382721. Mfg. Lic. No. GA/331. GMP & ISO 9001:2015 Certified.

How to Use

As stated on the pack: Gently massage on dry hair with the tips of finger. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Do not consume.

Who Can Use It

For external use on hair and scalp. Suitable for general adult use. Conduct a patch test on a small area before first full application. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep away from broken or irritated skin. Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sukuntalam Hair Tonic?

Sukuntalam Hair Tonic is a proprietary Ayurvedic medicated hair oil by Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals (P) Ltd., containing 20 declared ingredients. Bhringraj (Eclipta alba, 15%) is the principal herb in a sesame oil (Til Tail) base. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. 200 ml pack. Mfg. Lic. GA/331.

What is Bhringraj and why is it used in hair oils?

Bhringraj (Eclipta alba) is classically described in Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha as Keshya (benefiting the hair) and Rasayana. It has been the primary herb in classical Taila preparations for hair across all major Ayurvedic pharmacopoeial traditions. In this formula it appears at 15% — the highest proportion after the sesame oil base.

What is Mandur in this oil?

Mandur (1%) is a classical Rasashastra preparation of iron calx (ferric oxide). It has no plant botanical because it is a mineral ingredient. It is a classical component of Kesha-related Ayurvedic preparations, described in Ashtanga Hridayam as Rasayana and Balya.

Is there a label note about Amalaki’s botanical name?

Yes. The manufacturer’s label prints ‘Emblica chebula’ for Amalaki (3%). The correct botanical for Amalaki is Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis). Terminalia chebula is Haritaki, listed separately. Typographic error on the Nagarjun carton.

How do I use Sukuntalam Hair Tonic?

Gently massage on dry hair with the tips of the finger. FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Do not consume. Avoid contact with eyes. Patch test before first use.

Is this GMP and ISO certified?

Yes. GMP & AN ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company designation confirmed on both carton faces. Facility quality certifications.

What is the Sanskrit name for this product?

Sukuntalam — सुकुन्तलम् — as printed on the carton in Devanagari. Hindi tagline: बालोके स्वरथ विकास के लिये उत्तम फार्म्युला (an ideal formula for healthier development of hair).

Can it be used daily?

As a hair oil, it can be used as part of a regular routine. The pack instructs: gently massage on dry hair with fingertips. Your physician or hair care professional can advise on frequency.

Is it available at Riddhish Herbals?

Yes — genuine Nagarjun Pharmaceuticals stock, 200 ml, bill included, pan-India delivery, doctor-guided selection at no additional cost.

How should I store Sukuntalam Hair Tonic?

In a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly closed. Keep out of reach of children.

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