# Gandharvahastadi Kashayam

> Gandharvahastadi Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Sharangadhara Samhita, classified under Vata-Kapha balancing formulations. Also referenced in Sahasrayogam for constipation and flatulence management.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Sharangadhara Samhita. Manufactured under Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Gandharvahastadi Kashayam](/formulation/gandharvahastadi-kashayam/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Sharangadhara Samhita, classified under Vata-Kapha balancing formulations. Also referenced in Sahasrayogam for constipation and flatulence management.

## How does it work?

- Prostaglandin-mediated stimulation of intestinal motility by [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) (castor root) promotes bowel evacuation
- Agni (digestive fire) enhancement by Shunthi and Musta improves overall digestive capacity
- Mild purgative action of [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) and [Trivrit](/herb/trivrit/) clears lower intestinal blockages without causing dependency
- [Vata-balancing](/glossary/concepts-m-y/#vata-balancing) properties of [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/) and [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/) relieve associated lower back pain and flatulence

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Constipation - validated by case series showing effective bowel regulation over 21 days
- Flatulence and bloating - supported by digestive fire (Agni) enhancement mechanism
- Vata disorders with low back pain - corroborated by anti-inflammatory properties of [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/) and [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/)
- Loss of appetite - supported by prokinetic action of Shunthi and Musta

## 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

- Generally safe at recommended dosage. Excessive use may lead to loose stools or abdominal cramping. Not recommended during pregnancy due to purgative ingredients.
- Should be used cautiously in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Physician supervision recommended for prolonged use to prevent electrolyte imbalance.

## 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/AFI

**Bioavailability:** Hot decoction provides rapid absorption. When administered with [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila, lipid-mediated absorption is enhanced. Shunthi ([ginger](/herb/ginger/)) acts as bioenhancer for other constituents.

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals, preferably at bedtime with [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila for Vatanulomana (normalizing Vata)

**Shelf Life:** Same day (fresh), 6 months (preserved), 3 years (tablet)

**Storage:** Fresh: use same day. Concentrates: amber glass at room temperature. Tablets: airtight containers at room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Ricinoleic acid derivatives, 6-[Gingerol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#gingerol) (from Shunthi), [Cedrene](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cedrene) (from [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/)), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)

**Quality Parameters:** pH, specific gravity, total solids, extractive values, ricinoleic acid derivatives, HPTLC fingerprint, 6-gingerol content (from Shunthi), microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Eranda Taila (castor oil) 5-10 mL is the classical anupana

### Synergistic Combinations

- Eranda Taila (castor oil — classical anupana)
- Dashamula Kashayam
- Rasnadi Kashayam
- [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) preparations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/gandharvahastadi-kashayam/

## 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.