Chitrakadi Vati

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Chitrakadi Vati

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Chakradatta (Agnimandya/Ajirna Chikitsa); also described in Yoga Ratnakara, Bhaishajya Ratnavali, and Sharangdhara Samhita

How does it work?

• Dual digestive action: Unique combination acts as an appetizer (Deepana) when taken before meals and as a digestive (Pachana) when taken after meals, demonstrating biphasic pharmacodynamic action
• Pitta regulation: Increases Pitta and regulates Vata in the stomach, promoting proper secretion of digestive Pitta (gastric juices) while Amalaki’s cooling Vipaka prevents Pitta excess and heartburn
• Plumbagin-mediated antimicrobial: Plumbagin from Chitraka provides antimicrobial activity in the gut, maintaining healthy microbial balance and preventing opportunistic infections
• Carminative and antiflatulent: Hing (asafoetida) and Rock Salt (Saindhava Lavana) reduce gas formation and aid electrolyte balance in the digestive tract
• Bioavailability enhancement: Piperine from Trikatu enhances absorption of all active phytoconstituents, increasing therapeutic efficacy

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Functional dyspepsia management validated in randomized trial showing 70% improvement rate
• Heartburn and acid reflux relief validated through Pitta-balancing mechanism with 60% symptom relief over 4 weeks
• Appetite stimulation (Deepana) and digestion enhancement (Pachana) validated through dual-action mechanism before and after meals
• Flatulence and bloating relief validated through carminative properties of Hing and Saindhava Lavana combination

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

• Generally safe herbal formulation without heavy metals; mild GI irritation possible in sensitive individuals; avoid in active gastric/duodenal ulcer; Rock Salt content requires caution in patients with hypertension or sodium-restricted diets
• Contraindicated during pregnancy due to Ushna Virya herbs; not recommended for children under 5 years without physician guidance; long-term use is generally safe but should be guided by a practitioner

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: Vati (tablet/pill), Modern compressed tablet

Standard Dosage: 250-500 mg twice daily before meals, as per AFI Part I

Bioavailability: Plumbagin from Chitraka is a potent bioactive with high oral absorption. Five types of salts (pancha lavana) enhance gastric acid and improve dissolution. Piperine acts as bioenhancer. Lemon juice bhavana provides citric acid matrix for improved disintegration.

Optimal Timing: Before meals (Bhojana-purva), 30 minutes before lunch and dinner for Agni deepana (appetite stimulation)

Shelf Life: 3 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Vati preparations

Storage: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture (contains multiple salts which are hygroscopic). Temperature not exceeding 30°C.

Marker Compounds: Plumbagin, Piperine, 6-Gingerol, Chavicine

Quality Parameters: Weight variation (±5%), hardness, friability (<1%), disintegration time (<30 min), moisture (<6%), plumbagin content by HPLC (within therapeutic range), piperine content, sodium content (from lavanas), HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits, heavy metals

Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water or buttermilk

Synergistic Combinations

• Hingwashtak Churna
• Agnitundi Vati
• Lavanbhaskar Churna
• Shankha Vati