Dashmool Dashmoolarishta

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Dashmool Dashmoolarishta

Key Ingredients

• Brihat Panchamoola (Five major roots): Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), Gambhari (Gmelina arborea), Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), Agnimantha (Premna mucronata)
• Laghu Panchamoola (Five minor roots): Shalaparni (Desmodium gangeticum), Prishniparni (Uraria picta), Brihati (Solanum indicum), Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
• Additional arishta ingredients: Chitraka, Lodhra, Pushkarmoola, Giloy, Dhataki (fermenting agent), Jaggery

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana, Shadvirechanashatashritiya Adhyaya) - Dashamoola is one of the Mahakashaya groups. Arishta preparation described in Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda) and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. The concept of ten roots is one of the oldest in Ayurveda, predating most individual formulations.

How does it work?

• Anti-inflammatory action: Phytochemical alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins from the ten roots collectively inhibit inflammatory mediators (COX, LOX pathways).
• Analgesic effect: Central and peripheral pain modulation through prostaglandin synthesis inhibition.
• Anti-platelet activity: Prevents excessive platelet aggregation, potentially beneficial in inflammatory joint conditions.
• Vata-pacifying action: In Ayurvedic pharmacology, the ten roots specifically balance Vata dosha, addressing neurological, musculoskeletal, and reproductive disorders.
• Enhanced bioavailability: Self-generated alcohol (5-7%) from Dhataki-mediated fermentation acts as a natural solvent, improving extraction and absorption of lipophilic bioactives.

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Postpartum care and recovery (validated by gynecological review and traditional obstetric practice documentation)
• Osteoarthritis and joint pain (validated by MIA-induced osteoarthritis mouse model showing pain and pathology improvement)
• Inflammatory conditions and pain management (validated by analgesic and anti-inflammatory experimental studies)
• Cervicitis and gynecological inflammation (validated by proof-of-concept clinical study)

What do recent clinical trials show?

• Parekar RR, Bolegave SS, Marathe PA and others 2015. Experimental evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet potential of Dashamoola. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 25878458 · doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146565
  Dashamoola in arishta and kwath forms demonstrated significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet effects, validating traditional use in pain and arthritis management.
• Shetty YC, Godbharle S, Brahma S and others 2017. Evaluation of oral multi-herbal preparation of Dashmoolarishta on mice model of osteoarthritis. Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology. PMID 29040066 · doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0141
  Significant improvement in pain parameters and pathological markers in MIA-induced osteoarthritis mouse model, with reduction in inflammatory mediators and cartilage preservation.

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

• Possibly safe and well-tolerated in most individuals at recommended doses (12-24 mL once or twice daily after food). No significant side effects reported in the medical literature.
• Pregnant women should use only under medical guidance as some component roots have mild uterine-stimulating properties. Elderly patients with diabetes should monitor blood sugar due to jaggery content.
• Contains 5-7% self-generated alcohol; should be used cautiously by those with liver conditions, alcohol sensitivity, or those on medications metabolized by the liver.

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: Arishta (fermented decoction), Kwath Churna (decoction powder), Capsules (modern)

Standard Dosage: 15-30 mL (Arishta) or 3-6 g kwath churna twice daily, as per AFI

Bioavailability: Arishta form provides superior bioavailability due to alcohol-mediated extraction and absorption. Kwath (decoction) provides rapid absorption of water-soluble components. The ten roots provide broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity through multiple absorption pathways.

Optimal Timing: After meals for Arishta; before meals for Kwath (decoction)

Shelf Life: 10 years (Arishta), 2 years (Kwath Churna)

Storage: Arishta: well-closed amber containers at room temperature. Kwath Churna: airtight containers in cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 30°C.

Marker Compounds: Lupeol, Marmelosin, Ursolic acid, Beta-sitosterol, Solasodine, Pectolinarigenin

Quality Parameters: For Arishta: pH, specific gravity, alcohol content, total solids. For Kwath Churna: loss on drying, total ash, extractive values, HPTLC for all ten root markers, microbial limits, heavy metals

Vehicle (Anupana): Equal quantity of warm water (Arishta); prepared as decoction for Kwath Churna

Synergistic Combinations

• Balarishta
• Ashwagandharishta
• Rasnadi Kwath
• Maharasnadi Kwath