# Brihatyadi Kashayam

> Brihatyadi Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Brihati (Solanum indicum) Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) Prishniparni (Uraria picta) Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum) Gokshura (Tribulus|Tribulus terrestris) Ashtangahrudayam Chikitsasthana, Mutraghata Adhyaya 11/35.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Ashtangahrudayam and Charaka Samhita. Individual ingredients listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Brihatyadi Kashayam](/formulation/brihatyadi-kashayam/) |

## Key Ingredients

- [Brihati](/herb/brihati/) (Solanum indicum)
- [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) (Solanum xanthocarpum)
- [Prishniparni](/herb/prishniparni/) (Uraria picta)
- Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum)
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Tribulus terrestris)

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Ashtangahrudayam Chikitsasthana, Mutraghata Adhyaya 11/35. Also referenced in Charaka Samhita for respiratory and urinary system disorders.

## How does it work?

- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) action of [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) improves urine flow and facilitates dissolution and passage of urinary calculi
- Anti-inflammatory properties of [Brihati](/herb/brihati/) and [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) reduce urinary tract inflammation and cystitis
- Coolant and diuretic properties of [Prishniparni](/herb/prishniparni/) support kidney function and reduce burning micturition
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity of the combined formulation helps manage urinary tract infections

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Urinary disorders (dysuria, retention) - validated by diuretic action studies on [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/)
- Urinary calculi (stones) - supported by lithotriptic effects demonstrated in experimental models
- Urinary tract infections - corroborated by antimicrobial activity of combined formulation
- Respiratory conditions (adjunct use) - supported by anti-tussive and [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) properties of [Brihati](/herb/brihati/) and [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/)

## 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

- No significant adverse effects reported at standard dosage. Detailed pharmacokinetic studies on the specific decoction blend remain limited.
- May interact with lithium and diuretic medications due to inherent diuretic properties. Patients with renal impairment should use under medical supervision.

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Kashayam (decoction), Kashayam tablet (modern), Concentrated liquid (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30 mL (liquid) or 2 tablets twice daily before meals, as per Sahasrayogam/AFI

**Bioavailability:** Hot decoction form provides rapid absorption of steroidal [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) ([solasodine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasodine)) and [saponins](/reference/saponins/). Oral bioavailability of solasodine is moderate — enhanced by hot aqueous medium.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals (Bhojana-purva), morning and evening

**Shelf Life:** Same day (fresh), 6 months (preserved liquid), 3 years (tablet)

**Storage:** Fresh kashayam: use same day. Concentrates: amber glass bottles at room temperature. Tablets: airtight containers at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Solasodine, [Solamargine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solamargine), [Solasonine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasonine), [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin), [Carpesterol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carpesterol)

**Quality Parameters:** pH, specific gravity, total solids, extractive values, solasodine content by HPLC, total alkaloids, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water (for tablets); as is (for liquid kashayam)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Dashamularishta](/formulation/dashamularishta/)
- [Talisadi Churna](/formulation/talisadi-churna/)
- [Sitopaladi Churna](/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/)
- Kantakaryavaleha

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/brihatyadi-kashayam/

## 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.