Dashamoola Katutraya Kashayam
Dashamoola Katutraya Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Ashtanga Hridaya (Dashamoola Kwatham section). Refined in the Travancore region and documented in Kerala Bhaishajya Ratnavali as Dashamoolakatutrayam Kashayam for stubborn coughs, chronic arthritis, and post-natal weakness.
| Also known as | Dashamoola Katutraya Kashayam, DashamoolaKatutrayaKashayam |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Ashtanga Hridaya and Kerala Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Dashamoola (component) separately listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dashamoola Katutraya Kashayam |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Ashtanga Hridaya (Dashamoola Kwatham section). Refined in the Travancore region and documented in Kerala Bhaishajya Ratnavali as Dashamoolakatutrayam Kashayam for stubborn coughs, chronic arthritis, and post-natal weakness.
How does it work?
- COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibition by Dashamoola roots provides broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory action
- Bioavailability enhancement by Trikatu (especially Pippali and Maricha) increases systemic absorption of glycosides by up to 50%
- Bronchodilatory action from Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) and Trikatu components improves respiratory function
- Deep tissue warming action from the Katutraya (three pungent herbs) penetrates and resolves chronic Vata-Kapha disorders
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Chronic arthritis and inflammation - validated by RCT showing CRP/ESR reduction comparable to NSAIDs
- Respiratory disorders (asthma, chronic cough) - supported by clinical trial showing 30% FEV1 improvement
- Post-natal weakness and recovery - traditional use supported by anti-inflammatory and restorative mechanisms
- Vata-Kapha imbalances with joint and respiratory involvement - corroborated by dual action on musculoskeletal and respiratory systems
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
- Well-tolerated in clinical trials. The pungent herbs (Trikatu) may aggravate Pitta dosha; use cautiously in hyperacidity and peptic ulcer.
- May potentiate anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant drugs. Monitor closely in patients on concurrent NSAID or blood-thinning therapy.
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 or 2 tablets twice daily before meals, as per Sahasrayogam
Bioavailability: Hot decoction provides rapid absorption. Trikatu (Katutraya) serves dual purpose — therapeutic and bioenhancer. Piperine increases absorption of other Dashamoola constituents. Synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of combined roots.
Optimal Timing: Before meals, morning and evening
Shelf Life: Same day (fresh), 6 months (preserved), 3 years (tablet)
Storage: Fresh: same day use. Concentrates: amber glass at room temperature. Tablets: airtight containers at room temperature.
Marker Compounds: Piperine, 6-Gingerol, Lupeol (from Dashamoola), Marmelosin (from Bilwa root), Solasodine (from Brihati/Kantakari)
Quality Parameters: pH, specific gravity, total solids, extractive values, piperine content by HPLC, total alkaloids, HPTLC fingerprint showing Dashamoola and Trikatu markers, microbial limits, heavy metals
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water (for tablets); taken as is (liquid)
Synergistic Combinations
- Dashamularishta
- Rasnadi Kwath
- Guggulu preparations
- Yogaraja Guggulu|Yogaraja Guggulu
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 4:9 (DASAMULA KATUTRAYA KVATHA CURNA), which cites Sahasrayoga,Kasayaprakarana; 107.. Names, parts and quantities are transcribed as printed and checked row by row against the book. Manufacturers' versions of a classical formulation can differ from the formulary.
| # | Ingredient | Part | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bilva | Rt./St. Bk. | 1 part |
| 2 | Syonika | Rt./St. Bk | 1 part |
| 3 | Gambhari | Rt./St. Bk. | 1 part |
| 4 | Patala | Rt./St.Bk. | 1 part |
| 5 | Agnimantha | Rt./St. Bk. | 1 part |
| 6 | Salaparni | illegible | 1 part |
| 7 | Prsniparni | illegible | 1 part |
| 8 | Brhati | whole plant | 1 part |
| 9 | Kantakari | illegible | 1 part |
| 10 | Goksura | illegible | 1 part |
| 11 | Sunthi | rhizome | 1 part |
| 12 | Marica | fruit | 1 part |
| 13 | Pippali | fruit | 1 part |
| 14 | Vrsa (vasa) | root | 1 part |
Cells marked illegible are damaged in the source scan. The ingredient name is shown where it was readable, and nothing is inferred to fill a gap.
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