# Panchagavya Ghrita

> Panchagavya Ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic ghrita, a medicated ghee. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) for Apasmara (epilepsy), Jvara (fever), Unmada (mania), and Kamala (jaundice); standardization based on AFI preparation methods; regulated under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) for Apasmara (epilepsy), Jvara (fever), Unmada (mania), and Kamala (jaundice); standardization based on AFI preparation methods; regulated under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Panchagavya [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)|Panchagavya Ghrita |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sushruta Samhita (mania, epilepsy, fever, hepatitis); Charaka Samhita; Ashtanga Hridaya; Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) - for Apasmara, Unmada, Graha Roga, Manasika Roga

## How does it work?

- Panchagavya components provide ketogenic substrate through high-fat cow ghee content, mimicking ketogenic diet mechanism in epilepsy management
- [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (bacosides) and Shankhapushpi provide [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) and anticonvulsant action via GABAergic pathway modulation
- [Vacha](/herb/vacha/) (Acorus calamus) provides CNS-active compounds that reduce neural excitability and seizure threshold
- Phytochemical profile includes [proteins](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#proteins), amino acids, [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids), [steroids](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#steroids), phenolics, [tannins](/reference/tannins/), and [flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) with [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) action reducing oxidative stress in brain
- Synergistic interaction with conventional anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine) enables dose reduction and improved tolerability

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Apasmara (epilepsy): clinical study shows 25% complete seizure freedom, and dose-dependent 16.6-100% seizure protection in animal models
- Unmada (psychosis/mania): classical psychiatric indication supported by neuroprotective and GABAergic pharmacological evidence
- Adjuvant anti-epileptic therapy: demonstrated synergistic interaction with phenytoin and carbamazepine enabling dose reduction
- [Kamala](/herb/kamala/) (jaundice/liver disorders): traditional [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) use referenced in Sushruta Samhita

## 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

- No known side effects at recommended doses; however people with diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease should exercise precautions
- Very high doses may cause diarrhea and indigestion; cow urine component requires quality-assured sourcing and proper processing per AFI standards
- Interaction potential with conventional anticonvulsants noted - PG enhances efficacy of phenytoin and carbamazepine, requiring dose adjustment 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:** [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Capsule (for convenience)

**Standard Dosage:** 6-12ml twice daily for neurological conditions

**Bioavailability:** Ghee is an excellent lipid carrier crossing blood-brain barrier; enhances absorption of fat-soluble phytochemicals by 3-5x compared to aqueous preparations

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals on empty stomach for best absorption

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (as per ASU guidelines for [ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) preparations); improves with aging (Purana Ghrita concept)

**Storage:** Airtight glass/stainless steel container, cool dry place, protected from light and moisture

**Marker Compounds:** Bacosides, Colostrum proteins

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value <4, peroxide value <5 meq/kg, moisture <0.5%, rancidity test negative, marker: Bacosides, Colostrum proteins

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

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: 5 cow products: milk, curd, ghee, urine, dung + Kushtha, [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/); ghee enhances tissue penetration (yogavahi property)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/panchagavya-ghrita/

## 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.