# Chyawanprash

> Chyawanprash is a classical Ayurvedic avaleha, a semi-solid herbal confection. [Safety and Efficacy of Chyawanprash as a Prophylaxis Treatment for COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39544586/). [Chyawanprash, An Ancient Indian Ayurvedic Medicinal Food, Regulates Immune Response in Zebrafish Model of Inflammation by Moderating Inflammatory Biomarkers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34867361/).

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Official monograph in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) with physicochemical and assay standards (minimum 0.5% gallic acid); listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India; one of the most widely recognized and commercially produced Ayurvedic formulations globally

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Chyawanprash |

## Key Ingredients

- Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica / Indian gooseberry) - primary ingredient
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) (Tinospora cordifolia)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (Asparagus racemosus)
- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (Bacopa monnieri)
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) (Withania somnifera)
- [Bala](/herb/bala/) (Sida cordifolia)
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Piper longum)
- [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) (Tribulus terrestris)
- Dashamula (ten roots)
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (cow ghee)
- [Tila](/herb/tila/) Taila ([sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila))
- [Madhu](/herb/madhu/) (honey)
- Sharkara (sugar)
- 50+ herbs total in classical formulation

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana ([Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) Adhyaya) - oldest reference; Ashtanga Hridaya; the formulation is attributed to the sage Chyawan and described as 3000+ year old Rasayana

## How does it work?

- Amalaki provides extremely high vitamin C content and [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) (gallic acid, [catechin](/reference/catechin/), [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)) with potent [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and free radical scavenging activity
- HPLC-identified phenolics (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, [rutin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#rutin), ferulic acid) contribute synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects
- [Adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) herbs ([Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/), [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/)) modulate HPA axis for stress resilience and immune homeostasis
- [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) enhances bioavailability of other active compounds through inhibition of hepatic and intestinal glucuronidation
- Multi-herb synergy provides broad-spectrum immunomodulation: enhanced neutrophil function, NK cell activity, and antibody production
- Ghee and [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base provides lipid medium for enhanced absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants and adaptogens

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Rasayana (rejuvenation/immunity): meta-analysis of 5 RCTs validates [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) and prophylactic benefits including COVID-19 prevention
- Medhya Rasayana (cognitive enhancement): 2025 research validates role as cognitive enhancer for brain vitality and mental acuity
- Vyadhikshamatva (disease resistance): immunomodulatory effects validated in zebrafish inflammation models and human clinical trials
- Balya (strength-promoting): daily use validated for general vitality, respiratory health, and anti-aging benefits across multiple studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Sharma S, Sethuraman G, Kumari K 2024. [Safety and Efficacy of Chyawanprash as a Prophylaxis Treatment for COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39544586/). *Cureus*. PMID [39544586](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39544586/) · [doi:10.7759/cureus.71532](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.71532)  
  Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs confirmed Chyawanprash provided prophylactic benefit against COVID-19 with 3-times immunity boost and no adverse effects across all age groups
- Balkrishna A, Tomer M, Manik M and others 2021. [Chyawanprash, An Ancient Indian Ayurvedic Medicinal Food, Regulates Immune Response in Zebrafish Model of Inflammation by Moderating Inflammatory Biomarkers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34867361/). *Frontiers in pharmacology*. PMID [34867361](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34867361/) · [doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751576](https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.751576)  
  Chyawanprash exerted strong prophylactic effect in zebrafish models, efficiently protecting from inflammatory manifestations at human equivalent dose through immunomodulation

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has 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

- Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs confirms no adverse effects across 15-75 age groups when used throughout the year; safe for prophylactic daily use
- High sugar content requires monitoring in diabetic patients; sugar-free variants available for diabetics
- API mandates minimum 0.5% gallic acid content as quality standard; consumer-grade products vary significantly in quality - brand verification important

## 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:** Avaleha (semi-solid confection/jam), Granules (modern), Capsules (modern), Chewable tablets (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20 g (1-2 tablespoons) once or twice daily, as per AFI Part I / Charaka Samhita

**Bioavailability:** Ghee and [sesame oil](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#tila-taila) base provides lipid-mediated absorption of fat-soluble actives ([withanolides](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#withanolides), piperine). Honey (added cool) provides enzymatic bioenhancement. Piperine increases bioavailability of curcuminoids and other phenolics by 20-2000%. Amalaki tannin-vitamin C complex provides sustained antioxidant release over 6-8 hours.

**Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach, followed by warm milk. Second dose before bedtime if taking twice daily.

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

**Storage:** Store in wide-mouth glass or food-grade HDPE jars with airtight lids. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Protect from moisture. Refrigeration after opening recommended.

**Premium Sourcing Tier:** See Chyawanprash Royale for the luxury-tier provenance variant featuring Junglee Amla, Karaunj wild monofloral honey, Mongra Kashmiri Keshar, Majdool dates, Afghan Anjeer, and Munakkha.

**Marker Compounds:** Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), Gallic acid, Piperine, [Cinnamaldehyde](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cinnamaldehyde), 1,8-[Cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole), Ellagic acid, [Eugenol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#eugenol)

**Quality Parameters:** Total solids (NLT 65%), pH (3.5-5.0), vitamin C content (NLT 25 mg/100g in classical, higher in modern), total fat, total sugar, moisture (<25%), HPLC for gallic acid, piperine, cinnamaldehyde, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits (TBC, yeast, mould, coliforms), heavy metals, aflatoxins, pesticide residues

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm milk (classically prescribed)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) Churna
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) Churna
- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Ghritam
- Warm milk (primary anupana)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/chyawanprash/

## 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.