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.
| Also known as | Brihatyadi Kashayam, BrihatyadiKashayam |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Ingredients
- Brihati (Solanum indicum)
- Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
- Prishniparni (Uraria picta)
- Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum)
- 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 action of Gokshura improves urine flow and facilitates dissolution and passage of urinary calculi
- Anti-inflammatory properties of Brihati and Kantakari reduce urinary tract inflammation and cystitis
- Coolant and diuretic properties of Prishniparni support kidney function and reduce burning micturition
- 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
- 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 properties of Brihati and 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 (solasodine) and 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, Solasonine, Diosgenin, 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
- Talisadi Churna
- Sitopaladi Churna
- Kantakaryavaleha
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
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