# Aravindasava

> Aravindasava is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Sahasrayogam and Bhaishajya Ratnavali, categorized under Raktaprasadana Rasayana (blood-enhancing tonics). Traditionally used in Kerala and North Indian Ayurvedic pediatric practice.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Sahasrayogam and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Manufactured under Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940 by licensed Ayurvedic pharmacies.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Aravindasava |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sahasrayogam and Bhaishajya Ratnavali, categorized under Raktaprasadana [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (blood-enhancing tonics). Traditionally used in Kerala and North Indian Ayurvedic pediatric practice.

## How does it work?

- Agni (digestive fire) kindling through Ushna Virya and Katu Vipaka improves appetite and nutrient absorption in children
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action through [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) enhances innate and adaptive immunity in developing children
- Raktaprasadana (blood-enriching) activity of [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) and [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) supports healthy hematopoiesis
- Medhya (intellect-promoting) action of [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) and [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) supports cognitive and mental development

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Pediatric digestive tonic - supported by observational studies showing improved appetite and weight gain
- Child growth and development promotion - traditional use corroborated by nutritive and immunomodulatory mechanisms
- Childhood immunity enhancement - supported by improved IgG/IgA levels in observational study
- Childhood anemia and malnutrition - supported by Raktaprasadana (blood-enriching) properties

## What do recent clinical trials show?



*3 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have 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

- Contains 8-12% self-generated alcohol. NOT suitable for children under 5 years. For children above 5, diluted doses (5-10 ml with warm water) under pediatrician consultation only.
- Large-scale randomized controlled trials specifically on Aravindasava are still missing. Long-term safety assessments in diverse pediatric populations needed. Alcohol content requires careful monitoring.

## 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:** Asava (fermented infusion), Syrup (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10 mL (pediatric) to 15-25 mL (adult) twice daily after meals with equal water, as per AFI Part I

**Bioavailability:** Self-generated alcohol and honey base enhance absorption. Cold infusion process preserves heat-sensitive actives better than Arishta process. Fermentation converts [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides) to bioactive aglycones.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice daily. For infants: as directed by physician

**Shelf Life:** 10 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Asava preparations

**Storage:** Store in well-closed amber glass or HDPE containers in a cool, dry place. Protect from sunlight. Temperature not exceeding 30°C.

**Marker Compounds:** [Nuciferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nuciferine), [Neferine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#neferine), [Liensinine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#liensinine), Armepavine

**Quality Parameters:** pH (3.0-4.5), specific gravity, self-generated alcohol (5-10% v/v), total solids, total sugar, total acidity, microbial limits, heavy metals, HPTLC fingerprint for nuciferine, methanol absence

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water (boiled and cooled for pediatric use)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Balarishta](/formulation/balarishta/)
- Bal Chaturbhadra Churna
- Suvarna Prashan
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) Churna

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/aravindasava/

## 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.