Age Ayurveda Nighantu

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
Also known asChyawanprash, Chyavanaprasha, Chyawanprash Avaleha
Pharmacopoeia statusOfficial 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

LanguageName
EnglishChyawanprash

Key Ingredients

  • Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica / Indian gooseberry) - primary ingredient
  • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
  • Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
  • Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  • Bala (Sida cordifolia)
  • Pippali (Piper longum)
  • Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
  • Dashamula (ten roots)
  • Ghrita (cow ghee)
  • Tila Taila (sesame oil)
  • Madhu (honey)
  • Sharkara (sugar)
  • 50+ herbs total in classical formulation

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana (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 (gallic acid, catechin, quercetin) with potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity
  • HPLC-identified phenolics (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, ferulic acid) contribute synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects
  • Adaptogenic herbs (Ashwagandha, Shatavari) modulate HPA axis for stress resilience and immune homeostasis
  • Piperine from 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 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 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?

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 base provides lipid-mediated absorption of fat-soluble actives (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, 1,8-Cineole, Ellagic acid, 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

Published research

Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.

Other clinical studies and reviews1

  1. 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 TrialsCureus. PMID 39544586 · doi:10.7759/cureus.71532

Laboratory and animal studies1

  1. 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 BiomarkersFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 34867361 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751576

Available from Age Ayurveda

This encyclopedia is published by Age Ayurveda. The products below are ours, and are listed here because they contain or use what this page describes.

  • Chyawanprash AvalehaA classical avaleha, traditionally used to support daily vitality and immune function.
  • Chyawan CapThe classical avaleha in capsule form, traditionally used to support daily vitality.
  • NutrijamAn amla-based herbal jam, traditionally used to support daily nourishment and immune function.

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.

Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.