Brihatyadi Kashayam
Brihatyadi Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Its key ingredients are Brihati (Solanum indicum), Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), Prishniparni (Uraria picta), Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum) and Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). It is described in 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 is reported to increase urine flow; the formulation is traditionally used for urinary calculi
- Anti-inflammatory properties have been reported for Brihati and Kantakari
- Coolant and diuretic properties of Prishniparni support kidney function and reduce burning micturition
- Antimicrobial activity has been reported for the combined formulation
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Urinary disorders (dysuria, retention): traditionally used for these conditions. Studies have reported diuretic action of Gokshura.
- Urinary calculi (stones): traditionally used for urinary stones. Experimental studies have reported lithotriptic effects.
- Urinary tract infections: traditionally used for these conditions. Studies have reported antimicrobial activity of the combined formulation.
- Respiratory conditions (adjunct use): traditionally used as an adjunct for respiratory conditions. Anti-tussive and expectorant properties have been reported for Brihati and Kantakari.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. 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
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.
Optimal Timing: Before meals (Bhojana-purva), morning and evening
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
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water (for tablets); as is (for liquid kashayam)
Synergistic Combinations
- Dashamularishta
- Talisadi Churna
- Sitopaladi Churna
- Kantakaryavaleha
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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