# Brahmi Ghritam

> Brahmi Ghritam is a classical Ayurvedic ghrita, a medicated ghee. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); standardization parameters established for physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); standardization parameters established for physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Ghritam |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana (Unmada and Apasmara Chikitsa); Ashtanga Hridayam Uttarasthana; Vagbhata commentaries

## How does it work?

- Bacosides modulate cholinergic receptors and promote synaptic plasticity, enhancing memory and cognitive function
- Sesquiterpenes from [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) upregulate GABA activity, calming neural over-excitation and providing anticonvulsant effects
- Lipid-soluble ghee base facilitates transport of active compounds across the blood-brain barrier for enhanced CNS bioavailability
- Combined [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) action revitalizes brain functions and repairs oxidative damage in neural tissue
- Nourishes medha dhatu (brain tissue), improves srotas flow in rasa dhatu channels, and clears ama obstructions in neurological pathways

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Apasmara (epilepsy) management: validated through PTZ-induced seizure models showing significant anticonvulsant activity
- Unmada (psychosis/psychiatric disorders): clinical reviews confirm efficacy in anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children
- Smriti [Vriddhi](/herb/vriddhi/) (memory enhancement): double-blind studies show 20-40% improvement in memory retention and attention
- CNS depressant and [anxiolytic](/reference/anxiolytic/) effects: experimental studies confirm anti-anxiety and calming properties

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Moon S, Raut N, Moon H and others 2024. [Organoleptic, physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of six medicated ghee used for Ayurvedic management of Epilepsy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39644797/). *Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine*. PMID [39644797](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39644797/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100995](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2024.100995)  
  a licensed Indian manufacturer [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) demonstrated superior protection against onset and duration of PTZ-induced convulsions in mice compared to other [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) formulations evaluated

*2 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

- Generally safe when taken in recommended doses under practitioner guidance; no significant adverse effects reported in clinical studies
- Contraindicated in individuals with hyperlipidemia due to ghee base; diabetics should use with caution due to lipid content
- May cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort in very high doses; long-term safety data from controlled trials remains limited

## 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:** [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Soft gelatin capsules (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 6-12 g (1-2 teaspoons) twice daily, as per AFI Part I / Ashtanga Hridayam

**Bioavailability:** Ghee provides optimal lipid matrix for absorption of bacosides (triterpenoid [saponins](/reference/saponins/)) which are both water and lipid-soluble. Oral bioavailability of bacosides is enhanced 2-3 fold in ghee medium compared to aqueous extract. Ghee facilitates crossing of blood-brain barrier for CNS action.

**Optimal Timing:** Early morning on empty stomach and before bedtime for optimal cognitive benefit

**Shelf Life:** 2 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) preparations

**Storage:** Store in airtight glass or tin containers in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and light. Temperature not exceeding 25°C.

**Marker Compounds:** Bacoside A, Bacoside B, Bacopasaponin C, Bacopaside I, Bacopaside II, [Jujubogenin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#jujubogenin)

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value (<6), peroxide value (<10), saponification value, refractive index, moisture (<0.5%), rancidity test negative, bacoside A content by HPLC, total bacosides, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm milk or warm water

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahma Rasayana](/formulation/brahma-rasayana/)
- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Vati
- [Saraswatarishta](/formulation/saraswatarishta/)
- Medhya [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) herbs
- Shankhapushpi Churna

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/brahmi-ghritam/

## 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.