# Panchatikta Ghrita

> Panchatikta Ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic ghrita, a medicated ghee. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); standard quality parameters established for manufacturing.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI); Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API); standard quality parameters established for manufacturing

## Names and identification

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

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali Kushta Adhikara (Panchatikta [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)|Panchatikta Ghrita); Ashtanga Hridayam (Mahatiktaka [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/)|Mahatiktaka Ghrita); Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana; Sushruta Samhita

## How does it work?

- Five bitter herbs (Panchatikta) provide potent Pitta-Rakta pacification, reducing inflammatory cascades in blood and skin
- [Neem](/herb/neem/) ([nimbidin](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#nimbidin), [azadirachtin](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#azadirachtin)) delivers antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory action targeting dermatological pathogens
- [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) acts as an immunomodulator, restoring balanced immune response in autoimmune skin conditions
- [Turmeric](/herb/turmeric/) ([curcumin](/herb/curcumin/)) inhibits NF-kB pathway, reducing chronic inflammation in psoriasis and eczema
- Ghee base serves as Snehana (oleation) medium for Panchakarma preparatory procedures enhancing detoxification

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Kushta (skin diseases including psoriasis, eczema): multicenter clinical trials validate 65% improvement when combined with supportive therapies
- Raktapitta (bleeding disorders): traditional blood-purifying use supported by anti-inflammatory and pitta-pacifying pharmacological profiles
- Vrana (non-healing ulcers): topical and internal use supported for chronic wound management
- Snehapana (Panchakarma oleation): validated as preparatory procedure medium for Virechana in dermatological conditions

## 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

- Multicenter clinical trial confirms acceptable safety and tolerability in psoriasis patients over 12-week treatment period
- [Mahatiktaka Ghrita](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#mahatiktaka-ghrita) demonstrates excellent microbial stability for over 494 days without preservatives - inherent self-preserving quality
- Due to bitter taste, may cause mild nausea in sensitive individuals; ghee content requires caution in hyperlipidemic and diabetic patients

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Ghrita (medicated ghee), Capsule (for convenience)

**Standard Dosage:** 12-24ml for skin conditions and detox

**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:** Kutkin, [Vasicine](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vasicine), [Tinosporin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tinosporin)

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value <4, peroxide value <5 meq/kg, moisture <0.5%, rancidity test negative, marker: Kutkin, Vasicine, Tinosporin

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

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: 5 bitter herbs: [Nimba](/herb/nimba/), [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/), [Vasa](/herb/vasa/), [Katuki](/herb/katuki/), [Patola](/herb/patola/); ghee enhances tissue penetration (yogavahi property)

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