# Kalyanaka Ghritam

> Kalyanaka Ghritam is a classical Ayurvedic ghrita, a medicated ghee. 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.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); enlisted under National List of Essential Ayush Medicines (Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, January 2022); standardized per API norms by GMP-certified manufacturers

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kalyanaka [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)|Kalyanaka Ghrita [Mahakalyanaka Ghritam](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#mahakalyanaka-ghritam) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Ashtanga Hrudayam Uttarasthana 6/26-33 ([Mahakalyanaka Ghritam](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#mahakalyanaka-ghritam)); Charaka Samhita (Kalyanaka [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)|Kalyanaka Ghrita); Chakradatta (Ksheerakalyanaka [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)); Bhaisajya Ratnavali; Sharangadhara Samhita; Sahasrayoga

## How does it work?

- Polyherbal synergy of 28+ plant extracts in lipid medium enhances bioavailability of [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) compounds
- [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) ([curcumin](/herb/curcumin/)) provides anti-inflammatory and [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) effects on neural tissue, reducing neuroinflammation
- [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) and [Daruharidra](/herb/daruharidra/) provide cooling, pitta-pacifying action that calms aggravated mental states
- Lipid-based ghee medium crosses the blood-brain barrier, delivering active compounds directly to CNS
- Balances Tridosha with emphasis on Vata-Pitta pacification, restoring equilibrium in Manovaha Srotas (mental channels)

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Unmada (psychosis/schizophrenia): clinical studies confirm efficacy in psychiatric conditions including OCD with 44% improvement at follow-up
- Cognitive deficit in children: prospective clinical evaluation validates safety and efficacy for pediatric cognitive enhancement
- Fertility enhancement: traditionally used for both male (sperm quality) and female (ovum quality) fertility - clinically recommended by practitioners
- Apasmara (epilepsy): classical indication supported by pharmacological studies on anticonvulsant properties of ingredients

## 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

- Clinical trials confirm safe profile in children with cognitive deficits; no adverse events reported during treatment periods
- Caution advised for individuals with diabetes, high cholesterol, heart diseases, and hypertension due to ghee base
- Excessive consumption could lead to gastrointestinal distress; should be used under medical supervision

## 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:** Ghritam (medicated ghee), Soft gelatin capsules (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 6-12 g twice daily on empty stomach, as per Sahasrayogam/Ashtanga Hridayam

**Bioavailability:** Identical to Kalyanaka Ghrita. Ghee matrix provides superior absorption of both lipophilic and hydrophilic herbal actives. Enhanced CNS penetration for neurological indications.

**Optimal Timing:** On empty stomach, morning and evening, for Unmada (psychiatric), Apasmara (epilepsy), and cognitive conditions

**Shelf Life:** 2 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Ghrita

**Storage:** Store in airtight glass or tin containers in a cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Protect from light and moisture.

**Marker Compounds:** Bacoside A, Alpha-santalol, Beta-asarone (within limits), [Piperine](/reference/piperine/), Gallic acid

**Quality Parameters:** Same as Kalyanaka Ghrita — acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, refractive index, moisture, rancidity test, multi-marker HPTLC, microbial limits, heavy metals

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water or warm milk

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) Ghritam
- [Saraswatarishta](/formulation/saraswatarishta/)
- Manasamitra Vatakam
- [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) Churna

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/kalyanaka-ghritam/

## 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.