# Punarnavadi Guggulu

> Punarnavadi Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic guggulu, a resin-based preparation. Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) individually monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; recognized by CCRAS for Shotha (edema) management.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) individually monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; recognized by CCRAS for Shotha (edema) management

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Punarnavadi [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|Punarnavadi Guggulu |

## Key Ingredients

- [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (Boerhavia diffusa)
- Shuddha [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/)|Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)
- [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) - [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) (Terminalia chebula), [Bibhitaki](/herb/bibhitaki/) (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) - Shunthi ([Zingiber](/herb/zingiber/) officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Piper longum)
- [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) Taila (Castor oil - Ricinus communis)
- [Trivrit](/herb/trivrit/) (Operculina turpethum)
- [Danti](/herb/danti/) (Baliospermum montanum)

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 7); also referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Shotha/Mutrakrichra Chikitsa) and Yoga Ratnakara

## How does it work?

- [Diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) and anti-edema action: [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) (Boerhavia diffusa) contains punarnavine and rotenoids that promote diuresis and reduce edema without disturbing electrolyte balance
- Anti-inflammatory NF-kB modulation: Guggulsterones interfere with NF-kB, a key inflammation mediator, reducing inflammatory pathways in kidneys and joints
- Renoprotective action: [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) improves glomerular filtration rate, reduces serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and decreases albuminuria through nephroprotective mechanisms
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) synergy: Combined [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/) and [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) protect hepatocytes from oxidative damage, supporting liver-kidney detoxification axis

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Chronic renal failure management validated in clinical study of 100 patients showing significant reduction in creatinine (20.71%), blood urea (36.15%), and edema (71.56%)
- Edema (Shotha) reduction validated through demonstrated diuretic properties without electrolyte imbalance
- Kidney function improvement validated through enhanced filtration capacity and reduced proteinuria in clinical studies
- Gout (Vatarakta) management validated when combined with Kaishore [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) in clinical case series

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Patel MV, Gupta SN, Patel NG 2011. [Effects of Ayurvedic treatment on 100 patients of chronic renal failure (other than diabetic nephropathy)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22661841/). *Ayu*. PMID [22661841](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22661841/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.96120](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.96120)  
  Study of 100 CRF patients showed serum creatinine reduced by 20.71%, blood urea reduced by 36.15%, albuminuria reduced by 36.70%, hemoglobin increased by 4.65%, and edema reduced by 71.56%.
- Prashanth GS, Baghel MS, Ravishankar B and others 2010. [A clinical comparative study of the management of chronic renal failure with Punarnavadi compound](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131708/). *Ayu*. PMID [22131708](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131708/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.72388](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.72388)  
  Small study (N=30) found reduced ankle swelling within three weeks, improved kidney filtration capacity, and cleansed urinary tract with healthy urine output support.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has 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 at recommended doses; may cause loose stools due to castor oil component; patients with severe kidney disease should use under strict medical supervision with regular monitoring of kidney function
- Avoid in pregnancy and lactation; may interact with diuretic medications and antihypertensives; discontinue if allergic reaction occurs; not recommended for children without physician guidance

## 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:** Vati (pill/tablet), Capsule

**Standard Dosage:** 2 tablets twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) resin acts as natural bioenhancer; guggulsterones have moderate oral bioavailability (~40%); lipophilic matrix aids absorption of co-formulated herbs

**Optimal Timing:** After meals, twice daily

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (guggulu preparations per ASU); potency may decrease after 1 year

**Storage:** Airtight container, cool dry place; guggulu preparations are hygroscopic

**Marker Compounds:** Guggulsterone, Punarnavine, Boeravinone

**Quality Parameters:** Weight variation ±5%, disintegration <60 min, hardness 4-8 kP, assay: Guggulsterone, Punarnavine, Boeravinone, guggulsterone content

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/), Guggulu, [Triphala](/herb/triphala/), [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/); guggulu potentiates anti-inflammatory and [hypolipidemic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hypolipidemic) actions

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

## 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.