Draksharishta
Draksharishta is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimandya / Pandu Rogadhikara). Also referenced in Ayurvedic Formulary of India.
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I. Approved in the National Formulary of Ayurvedic Medicine (Bangladesh, 2011). Referenced in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Quality standards documented though comprehensive safety evaluation methods are still being established. |
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Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Draksharishta |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Agnimandya / Pandu Rogadhikara). Also referenced in Ayurvedic Formulary of India. Draksharishta is one of the classical arishta preparations described for general debility, anemia, and respiratory conditions in traditional texts.
How does it work?
- Peripheral analgesic action: Grape-derived polyphenols (resveratrol, catechin, gallic acid) inhibit prostaglandin synthesis at peripheral inflammation sites.
- Anti-inflammatory pathway: Suppresses inflammatory pain through COX-mediated pathways (effective against carrageenan-induced inflammation but not neurogenic pain).
- Digestive enzyme stimulation: Polyphenols and fermentation metabolites modulate pepsin, amylase, and lipase secretion, improving nutrient absorption.
- Antioxidant protection: Resveratrol and catechin provide potent free radical scavenging, protecting tissues from oxidative stress during convalescence.
- Fermentation-enhanced bioavailability: Self-generated alcohol and organic acids from Dhataki-mediated fermentation improve solubility and absorption of lipophilic grape polyphenols.
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (validated by carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid writhing models)
- General debility and convalescence (validated by clinical observations of improved appetite and energy)
- Digestive impairment (validated by emerging digestive enzyme modulation research)
- Antioxidant tissue protection (validated by resveratrol and catechin biomarker identification in TLC profiling)
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Kabir AU, Samad MB, D Costa NM and others 2012. Investigation of the central and peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Draksharishta an Indian Ayurvedic formulation. Journal of basic and clinical pharmacy. PMID 24826047 · doi:10.4103/0976-0105.105335
Carrageenan-induced paw edema and acetic acid writhing tests showed significant results (P < 0.05), indicating peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. DRK significantly suppressed inflammatory pain (P < 0.05) but not neurogenic pain. - Pillai D, Pandita N 2016. Determination of Quality Standards for Draksharishta, a Polyherbal Ayurvedic Formulation. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 27168691 · doi:10.4103/0250-474x.180262
TLC profiling identified gallic acid, catechin, and resveratrol as key bioactive markers. Established physicochemical quality standards including pH, specific gravity, alcohol content, total solids, and reducing sugars.
2 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
- No serious side effects reported in medical literature at recommended doses (15-30 mL twice daily after meals). Excessive use may cause mild gastric irritation or mouth ulcers.
- Contraindicated in diabetes mellitus due to jaggery content that may spike blood sugar levels. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should consult a doctor before use.
- Contains self-generated alcohol; patients with liver disease, alcohol sensitivity, or those on hepatotoxic medications should exercise caution. Overuse may cause loose stools.
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: Arishta (fermented decoction), Syrup (modern)
Standard Dosage: 15-30 mL twice daily after meals with equal water, as per AFI Part I
Bioavailability: Fermentation enhances resveratrol and polyphenol extraction. Alcohol medium improves lipophilic polyphenol absorption. Natural grape sugars partially convert to alcohol during fermentation, generating novel bioactive esters. Superior polyphenol bioavailability compared to simple decoction.
Optimal Timing: After meals, twice daily. Useful as general tonic and for debility.
Shelf Life: 10 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Arishta
Storage: Store in well-closed amber glass or HDPE containers in a cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 30°C. Protect from sunlight.
Marker Compounds: Resveratrol, Trans-resveratrol, Quercetin, Gallic acid, Catechin, Tartaric acid
Quality Parameters: pH (3.0-4.5), specific gravity (1.03-1.07), self-generated alcohol (5-12%), total solids, total sugar (higher than most Arishtas due to Draksha), total acidity, resveratrol content, total polyphenols, microbial limits, heavy metals, absence of methanol
Vehicle (Anupana): Equal quantity of water
Synergistic Combinations
- Abhayarishta
- Lohasava
- Punarnavadi Mandura
- Dhatri Loha
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:20 (DRAKSARISTA), which cites Sarngadharasamhita, Madhyamakhanda, Adhyaya 10 ; 69-71. 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 | Draksa * | dry fruit | 2.400 kg |
| 2 | Water for decoction * | 49.152 l. reduced to 12.288 l. | |
| 3 | Guda * | 9.600 kg | |
| Praksepa dravyas | |||
| 4 | Tvak * | stem bark | 48 g |
| 5 | Ela (suksmaila) * | seed | 48 g |
| 6 | Patra (tejapatra) * | leaf | 48 g |
| 7 | Kesara (nagakesara) * | stamens | 48 g |
| 8 | Priyangu | flower | 48 g |
| 9 | Marica * | fruit | 48 g |
| 10 | Krsna (pippali) | fruit | 48 g |
| 11 | Vidanga | fruit | 48 g |
| 12 | Dhataki * | flower | 384 g |
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.
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
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.
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 2016. Determination of Quality Standards for Draksharishta, a Polyherbal Ayurvedic FormulationIndian journal of pharmaceutical sciences. PMID 27168691 · doi:10.4103/0250-474x.180262
- 2012. Investigation of the central and peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Draksharishta an Indian Ayurvedic formulationJournal of basic and clinical pharmacy. PMID 24826047 · doi:10.4103/0976-0105.105335
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.