# Kumaryasava

> Kumaryasava is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. Chavannapalli's commentary on Madhava Nidana (16th century) describes Kumari Asava for menstrual pain and uterine tone enhancement.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. Kumari (Aloe vera) monograph in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Kumaryasava |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. Chavannapalli's commentary on Madhava Nidana (16th century) describes Kumari Asava for menstrual pain and uterine tone enhancement.

## How does it work?

- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) action through reduction of liver [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and promotion of hepatocyte recovery
- Hormonal regulation through Apana Vata balancing restores normal ovulation and menstruation in PCOS
- Deepana-Pachana (appetite stimulant and digestive) action enhances digestive capacity and nutrient absorption
- Iron supplementation through [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) addresses anemia commonly associated with gynecological disorders

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Liver disorders (jaundice, hepatomegaly) - validated by PMC-published hepatoprotective study in rat models
- Gynecological disorders including PCOS - supported by double-blind trial showing improved LH/FSH ratios
- Digestive weakness and anorexia - corroborated by deepana-pachana mechanism studies
- Anemia - traditional use supported by iron supplementation through [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) component

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Khan MA, Gupta A, Sastry JL and others 2015. [Hepatoprotective potential of kumaryasava and its concentrate against CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26681887/). *Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences*. PMID [26681887](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26681887/) · [doi:10.4103/0975-7406.168029](https://doi.org/10.4103/0975-7406.168029)  
  PMC-published study demonstrated both Kumaryasava and its concentrate protected against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, evidenced by reduced SGOT, SGPT, ALP levels and elevated serum albumin.

*2 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

- Contains 5-10% self-generated alcohol and [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) (iron calx). Excessive use may cause loose stools or gastric irritation due to [Aloe vera](/herb/aloe-vera/)'s purgative properties.
- Not recommended during pregnancy. Patients with iron overload conditions (hemochromatosis) should avoid due to [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) content. Long-term use requires periodic liver function monitoring.

## 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:** Asava (fermented infusion), Syrup (modern), Capsules (modern)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30 mL twice daily after meals with equal water, as per AFI Part I

**Bioavailability:** Fermentation converts aloe [polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides) to simpler sugars and generates novel metabolites. Alcohol enhances absorption of [anthraquinones](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#anthraquinones) and [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/) iron. Iron from Bhasma form is nano-particulate and highly bioavailable — superior to conventional iron supplements. Fermentation medium provides ideal environment for iron absorption.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice daily, for Yakrit Roga (liver disorders), Pandu (anemia), and Udara Roga (abdominal disorders)

**Shelf Life:** 10 years from date of manufacture as per ASU guidelines for Asava preparations

**Storage:** Store in well-closed amber glass or HDPE containers in a cool, dry place. Temperature not exceeding 30°C. Protect from sunlight.

**Marker Compounds:** [Barbaloin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#barbaloin) (Aloin A), Aloe-[emodin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#emodin), Iron (from [Loha Bhasma](/herb/loha-bhasma/)), [Piperine](/reference/piperine/), Gallic acid

**Quality Parameters:** pH (3.0-4.5), specific gravity, self-generated alcohol (5-12%), total solids, total sugar, total acidity, aloin content (within safe limits), total anthraquinones, iron content (from Loha Bhasma, within therapeutic limits), barbaloin by HPLC, microbial limits, heavy metals, absence of methanol

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Lohasava](/herb/lohasava/)
- [Arogyavardhini Vati](/formulation/arogyavardhini-vati/)
- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) Mandura
- [Dhatri Loha](/herb/dhatri-loha/)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/kumaryasava/

## 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.