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.
| Also known as | Panchagavya Ghrita, PanchagavyaGhrita |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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 (bacosides) and Shankhapushpi provide neuroprotective and anticonvulsant action via GABAergic pathway modulation
- Vacha (Acorus calamus) provides CNS-active compounds that reduce neural excitability and seizure threshold
- Phytochemical profile includes proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, steroids, phenolics, tannins, and flavonoids with 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 (jaundice/liver disorders): traditional 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 (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 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; ghee enhances tissue penetration (yogavahi property)
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 6:25 (PANCAGAVYA GHRTA), which cites Astangahrdaya, Uttarasthana, Adhyaya 7; 18.. 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 | Gomaya svarasa | illegible | |
| 2 | Ksira | illegible | |
| 3 | Dadhi (godadhi) * | 3.072kg. | |
| 4 | Mutra (gomutra) * | 3.072 | |
| 5 | Havi (goghrta) | 768 g. |
Cells marked illegible are damaged in the source scan. The ingredient name is shown where it was readable, and nothing is inferred to fill a gap.
* 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 studies2
- 2015. Panchagavya Ghrita, an Ayurvedic formulation attenuates seizures, cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in pentylenetetrazole induced seizures in ratsIndian journal of experimental biology. PMID 26245029
- 2015. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interaction of Panchagavya Ghrita with phenytoin and carbamazepine in maximal electroshock induced seizures in ratsAyu. PMID 27011723 · doi:10.4103/0974-8520.175538
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.
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