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.
| Also known as | Gandharvahastadi Kashayam, GandharvahastadiKashayam |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 (castor root) promotes bowel evacuation
- Agni (digestive fire) enhancement by Shunthi and Musta improves overall digestive capacity
- Mild purgative action of Haritaki and Trivrit clears lower intestinal blockages without causing dependency
- Vata-balancing properties of Devadaru and 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 and 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 Taila, lipid-mediated absorption is enhanced. Shunthi (ginger) acts as bioenhancer for other constituents.
Optimal Timing: Before meals, preferably at bedtime with 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 (from Shunthi), Cedrene (from Devadaru), Beta-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 preparations
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 4:5 (GANDHARVAHASTADI KVATHA CURNA), which cites Sahasrayoga, kasayaprakarana; 394.. 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 | Gandharvahasta (eranda) | root | 1 part |
| 2 | Ciribilva | leaf | 1 part |
| 3 | Hutasa (citraka) | root | 1 part |
| 4 | Visva * | rhizome | 1 part |
| 5 | Pathya (haritaki) | pericarp | 1 part |
| 6 | Punarnava (rakta punarnava) | root | 1 part |
| 7 | Yavasaka (yavasaka) * | 1 part | |
| 8 | Bhumitala * | root | 1 part |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
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.
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