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.
| Also known as | Kalyanaka Ghritam, KalyanakaGhritam |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Ashtanga Hrudayam Uttarasthana 6/26-33 (Mahakalyanaka Ghritam); Charaka Samhita (Kalyanaka Ghrita|Kalyanaka Ghrita); Chakradatta (Ksheerakalyanaka Ghrita); Bhaisajya Ratnavali; Sharangadhara Samhita; Sahasrayoga
How does it work?
- Polyherbal synergy of 28+ plant extracts in lipid medium enhances bioavailability of neuroprotective compounds
- Haridra (curcumin) provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on neural tissue, reducing neuroinflammation
- Sariva and 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, 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 Ghritam
- Saraswatarishta
- Manasamitra Vatakam
- Ashwagandha Churna
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 6:7 (KALYANAKA GHRTA), which cites Astangahrdaya, Uttarasthana, Adhyaya 6; 26-28½.. 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 | Haritaki | ९ (garbled) | 12 g. |
| 2 | Bibhitaka | pericarp | 12 g. |
| 3 | Amalaki | pericarp | 12 g. |
| 4 | Visala (rakta indravaruni) | fruit | 12 g. |
| 5 | Bhadraila (sthulaela) | seed | 12 g. |
| 6 | Devadaru | Hd. Wd. | 12 g. |
| 7 | Elavaluka | stem bark | 12 g. |
| 8 | Sveta sariva | root | 12 g. |
| 9 | Krsna sariva | root | 12 g. |
| 10 | Haridra | rhizome | 12 g. |
| 11 | Daru haridra | stem | 12 g. |
| 12 | Salaparni * | whole plant | 12 g. |
| 13 | Prsniparni * | whole plant | 12 g. |
| 14 | Phalini (priyangu) * | flower | 12 g. |
| 15 | Nata (tagara) | Rt./Rz. | 12 g. |
| 16 | Brhati * | whole plant | 12 g. |
| 17 | Kustha | root | 12 g. |
| 18 | Manjistha * | stem | 12 g. |
| 19 | Nagakesara | stamens | 12 g. |
| 20 | Dadima-phala tvak | fruit | | ty (garbled) |
| 21 | Vella (vidanga) | fruit | 12 g. |
| 22 | Talisa patra (talisa) | leaf | 12 g. |
| 23 | Ela (siksmaila) | seed | 12 g. |
| 24 | Malati mukula (jati) * | flower | 12 g. |
| 25 | Utpala * | flower | 12 g. |
| 26 | Danti | root | 12 g. |
| 27 | Padmaka | Hd. Wd. | 12 g. |
| 28 | Hima (rakta candana) | Hd. Wd. | 12 g. |
| 29 | Sarpi (go ghrta) | 768 g. |
* 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 studies1
- 2024. Product development and characterization of a lipid-based Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation: Kalyanaka GhritaJournal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine. PMID 39413551 · doi:10.1016/j.jaim.2024.101011
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