Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Khadiradi Vati

Khadiradi Vati is a classical Ayurvedic vati, a herbal tablet or pill. 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
Also known asKhadiradi Vati, KhadiradiVati
Pharmacopoeia statusListed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; Acacia catechu individually monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I and Indian Pharmacopoeia; quality standards established by CCRAS for Khadiradi Vati preparations

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishKhadiradi Vati

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda); described in various Samhitas and classical texts for Mukha Roga (oral diseases); also referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Mukha Roga Chikitsa) and Yoga Ratnakara

How does it work?

  • Oral antiseptic action: Khadira bark rich in catechins (flavonoids, catechin, catechuic acid, pyrocatechin, quercetin) provides astringent and antimicrobial action against oral pathogens including Streptococcus mutans
  • Anti-inflammatory mucosal healing: Yashtimadhu (glycyrrhizin) soothes inflamed oral and pharyngeal mucosa with cooling Virya (Madhura Rasa), while Kankola and Lavanga reduce local inflammation
  • Bioavailability enhancement: Pippali (piperine) boosts bioavailability of active compounds and warms channels through Ushna Virya, clearing stagnation in respiratory and oral Srotas
  • Astringent tissue tonification: Khadira’s Kashaya Rasa (astringent taste) tightens gum tissue, reduces bleeding, and strengthens oral mucosal integrity
  • Antimicrobial and deodorant: Camphor (Kapoor) and Lavanga (eugenol) provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial action and natural deodorant effect for halitosis management

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

  • Oral health management (tonsillitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, mouth ulcers) validated through antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus and E. coli in in-vitro studies
  • Cough and sore throat relief validated in clinical trial showing 65% improvement in cough scores within two weeks
  • Halitosis (foul breath) management validated through combined antimicrobial and deodorant action of camphor, clove, and cardamom
  • Voice clarity and hoarseness reduction validated through anti-inflammatory and mucosal-soothing actions of Yashtimadhu and Khadira

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 for oral use as a lozenge/dissolvable tablet; contains Gairika (red ochre mineral) which is safe in traditional doses; avoid swallowing large quantities; not recommended for children under 5 years
  • Camphor component contraindicated in very young children (risk of seizures); avoid in known allergy to any ingredient; long-term continuous use may cause oral dryness due to astringent action; pregnancy and lactation - use under guidance

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: Vati (lozenge), Modern lozenges, Mouth-dissolving tablets (modern)

Standard Dosage: 1-2 tablets to be sucked slowly, 3-4 times daily, as per AFI Part I

Bioavailability: Buccal dissolution provides direct delivery of catechin and tannins to oral mucosa. Catechin has astringent and antimicrobial action on oral tissues. Camphor and Ela volatiles provide immediate sensory effect. No first-pass metabolism for buccally absorbed compounds.

Optimal Timing: As needed for Mukha roga (oral diseases), throat irritation, or after meals for oral hygiene

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

Storage: Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and heat. Temperature not exceeding 25°C. Individual wrapping recommended.

Marker Compounds: Catechin, Epicatechin, Camphor, Eugenol (from Lavanga), 1,8-Cineole (from Ela)

Quality Parameters: Weight variation (±5%), hardness (moderate for buccal use), dissolution time (5-15 min buccal), moisture (<6%), catechin content from Khadira by HPLC, camphor content, volatile oil content, HPTLC fingerprint, microbial limits (oral product), heavy metals

Vehicle (Anupana): Not applicable — sucked directly in mouth. Do not chew or swallow whole.

Synergistic Combinations

Composition

As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 12:6 (KHADIRADI GUTIKA (MUKHAROGA)), which cites Carakasamhita, Cikitsasthana, Adhyaya 26; 206-210½.. 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.

#IngredientPartQuantity
1Khadira sara (khadira) *heart wood4.800 kg.
2Arimeda (vitkhadira)stem bark9.600 kg.
3Water for decoction *49.152 l., reduced to 12.288 l.
4Candana (sveta candana)heart wood12 g.
5Padmakaheart wood12 g.
6Usiraroot12 g.
7Manjistha *stem12 g.
8Dhataki *flower12 g.
9Ghana (musta) *rhizome12 g.
10Prapaundarika *12 g.
11Yastyahva (yasti)root12 g.
12Tvakstem bark12 g.
13Ela (suksmaila)seed12 g.
14Padma (kamala) *flower12 g.
15Kesara (naga kesara)stamens12 g.
16Laksa12 g.
17Rasanjana (daruharidra) *St. Ext.12 g.
18Mamsi (jata mamsi) *Rz./Rt.12 g.
19Haritakipericarp12 g.
20Bibhitakapericarp12 g.
21Amalakipericarp12 g.
22Lodhra *stem bark12 g.
23Balaka (hrivera) *root12 g.
24Haridra *rhizome12 g.
25Daru haridrastem12 g.
26Phalini (priyangu)flower12 g.
27Ela (suksmaila)seed12 g.
28Samanga (lajjalu) *12 g.
29Katphalastem bark12 g.
30Vaca12 g.
31Yavasa (yavasaka)whole plant12 g.
32Agaruheart wood12 g.
33Pattangaroot12 g.
34Gairika *12 g.
35Anjana (srotanjana)12 g.
36Lavangaflower bud48 g.
37Nakha (vyaghranakha)fruit48 g.
38Kakkola (kankola)fruit48 g.
39Jatikosa (jatiphala)Ar.48 g.
40KarpuraSub. Ext.192 g.

* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.

Source scan of the formulary

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.