Punarnavadi Guggulu
Punarnavadi Guggulu is a classical Ayurvedic guggulu, a resin-based preparation. The Ayurvedic Formulary of India has no entry under this name; Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) individually monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; recognized by CCRAS for Shotha (edema) management.
| Also known as | Punarnavadi Guggulu, PunarnavadiGuggulu |
|---|---|
| Pharmacopoeia status | No entry under this name in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India; Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) individually monographed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) Part I; recognized by CCRAS for Shotha (edema) management |
The evidence at a glance
2papers on this site for this drug, published 2010 to 2011, every one with a DOI.
- 2Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Punarnavadi Guggulu |
Key Ingredients
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
- Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)
- Triphala - Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Trikatu - Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum)
- Eranda Taila (Castor oil - Ricinus communis)
- Trivrit (Operculina turpethum)
- 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 and anti-edema action: Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) contains punarnavine and rotenoids and is traditionally used to promote diuresis and reduce edema
- Anti-inflammatory NF-kB modulation: Guggulsterones interfere with NF-kB, a key inflammation mediator, reducing inflammatory pathways in kidneys and joints
- Renoprotective action: studies of Punarnava preparations have reported reduced serum creatinine and blood urea and decreased albuminuria
- Hepatoprotective synergy: Combined Punarnava and Triphala protect hepatocytes from oxidative damage, supporting liver-kidney detoxification axis
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Chronic renal failure: traditionally used in classical practice for kidney conditions. A clinical study reported reductions in creatinine, blood urea, and edema.
- Edema (Shotha): traditionally used for edema. Diuretic properties without electrolyte imbalance have been reported.
- Kidney function: traditionally used for kidney health. Clinical studies have reported improved filtration capacity and reduced proteinuria.
- Gout (Vatarakta): traditionally used for gout, including in combination with Kaishore Guggulu.
What do recent studies show?
- Patel MV, Gupta SN, Patel NG 2011. Effects of Ayurvedic treatment on 100 patients of chronic renal failure (other than diabetic nephropathy). Ayu. PMID 22661841 · doi: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. Ayu. PMID 22131708 · doi:10.4103/0974-8520.72388
Small study (N=30) found reduced ankle swelling within three weeks and improved kidney filtration capacity.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Vati (pill/tablet), Capsule
Standard Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily
Optimal Timing: After meals, twice daily
Storage: Airtight container, cool dry place; guggulu preparations are hygroscopic
Marker Compounds: Guggulsterone, Punarnavine, Boeravinone
Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water
Synergistic Combinations
- Key herbs: Punarnava, Guggulu, Triphala, Trikatu; guggulu potentiates anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic actions
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
- 2011. Effects of Ayurvedic treatment on 100 patients of chronic renal failure (other than diabetic nephropathy)Ayu. PMID 22661841 · doi:10.4103/0974-8520.96120
- 2010. A clinical comparative study of the management of chronic renal failure with Punarnavadi compoundAyu. PMID 22131708 · doi:10.4103/0974-8520.72388
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.