# Amalaki Rasayana

> Amalaki Rasayana is a classical Ayurvedic rasayana, a rejuvenative preparation. [Influence of Amalaki Rasayana on telomerase activity and telomere length in human blood mononuclear cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602428/). Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. [Amalaki rasayana, a traditional Indian drug enhances cardiac mitochondrial and contractile functions and improves cardiac function in rats with hypertrophy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28819266/).

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Amalaki monograph in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); Amalaki Rasayana described in Charaka Samhita as official Rasayana preparation; scientific validation through pharmacognostic and phytochemical analysis published

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Amalaki Rasayana](/formulation/amalaki-rasayana/) |

## Key Ingredients

- Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica / Indian gooseberry) - primary ingredient
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (cow ghee)
- [Madhu](/herb/madhu/) (honey)
- Ratio: Amalaki powder : Ghee : Honey = 2:1:4

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana (Rasayana Adhyaya) - described as Vayasthapana Rasayana; Ashtanga Hridayam - designated as foremost among all Rasayana plants

## How does it work?

- High vitamin C content enhances neutrophil function and collagen synthesis, supporting immune defense and tissue repair
- Tannin complexes slow reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, providing potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) cellular protection
- Flavonoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) influence cellular pathways related to inflammation, apoptosis, and cell proliferation
- Telomerase activation prevents erosion of telomeres in aged individuals, potentially slowing cellular aging
- DNA strand break repair maintained stably through enhanced nucleotide excision and base excision repair mechanisms

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Vayasthapana (anti-aging/rejuvenation): telomerase activation and telomere length maintenance validated in human clinical study
- Hridya ([cardioprotective](/reference/cardioprotective/)): enhanced cardiac mitochondrial function and contractile performance validated in hypertrophy model
- Rasayana (comprehensive rejuvenation): 2024 comprehensive review validates antioxidant, [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/), and anti-aging mechanisms
- DNA repair and cellular protection: clinical study confirms maintained DNA strand break repair in aged individuals

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Guruprasad KP, Dash S, Shivakumar MB and others 2017. [Influence of Amalaki Rasayana on telomerase activity and telomere length in human blood mononuclear cells](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602428/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [28602428](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28602428/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.007](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.007)  
  45-day administration in healthy aged volunteers (45-60 years) showed increased telomerase activity that facilitated maintenance of telomere length, potentially promoting healthy aging
- Kumar V, Aneesh KA, Kshemada K and others 2017. [Amalaki rasayana, a traditional Indian drug enhances cardiac mitochondrial and contractile functions and improves cardiac function in rats with hypertrophy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28819266/). *Scientific reports*. PMID [28819266](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28819266/) · [doi:10.1038/s41598-017-09225-x](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-09225-x)  
  [Amalaki Rasayana](/formulation/amalaki-rasayana/) enhanced cardiac mitochondrial function and contractile performance, improving cardiac function in rats with cardiac hypertrophy

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. Classical formulations are researched largely in journals that PubMed does not index, so an absence here reflects the reach of the index rather than the state of the evidence.*

## Recent safety updates

- Large-scale clinical study (686 of 720 participants completing study, 95.3% completion rate) confirms safety and tolerability in elderly population
- Mild acidity or loose stools possible in Pitta-predominant individuals; take with milk to mitigate
- Honey component should not be heated; classical preparation methods ensure honey is added after cooling

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mercury-based preparation (Parada) with herbal processing
- **Note:** Restricted use — requires strict Shodhana protocols and expert supervision

**Analytical Methods:** AAS/ICP-MS (heavy metals), XRD, Namburi phased spot test

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Rasayana/Avaleha (semi-solid), Churna (powder), Capsules (modern), Tablets (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6 g twice daily or 10-20 g as Avaleha, as per AFI/API

**Bioavailability:** Tannin-ascorbic acid complex provides slow-release antioxidant activity with 6-8 hour sustained action. Bhavana processing with self-juice (swarasa bhavana) enhances particle-level impregnation of phytoconstituents.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach and/or at bedtime

**Shelf Life:** 2 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines

**Storage:** Store in airtight amber glass or HDPE containers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Temperature not exceeding 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Ascorbic acid, Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Emblicanin A, Emblicanin B

**Quality Parameters:** Ascorbic acid content (NLT 0.5% in churna), gallic acid by HPLC, total [tannins](/reference/tannins/), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, loss on drying (<10%), particle size for churna, pH for avaleha, microbial limits, heavy metals, aflatoxins

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm milk or honey

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahma Rasayana](/formulation/brahma-rasayana/)
- [Chyawanprash](/formulation/chyawanprash/)
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) Satva
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) Churna

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/amalaki-rasayana/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

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.