Punarnavasava
Punarnavasava is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Charaka Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali (circa 400-200 BCE origin). The Arishta preparation method (fermenting decoctions with jaggery) described in Rasatarangini of Nagarjuna (circa 10th century CE).
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Charaka Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Punarnava monograph included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. PCIM&H recognized. |
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Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Punarnavasava |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Charaka Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali (circa 400-200 BCE origin). The Arishta preparation method (fermenting decoctions with jaggery) described in Rasatarangini of Nagarjuna (circa 10th century CE).
How does it work?
- Diuretic action of Punarnava and Gokshura promotes fluid excretion, reducing edema and ascites
- Hepatoprotective activity through boeravinones (from Punarnava) and chebulinic acid promotes liver cell regeneration
- Nephroprotective action supports kidney function and reduces fluid retention in chronic kidney disease
- Anti-inflammatory synergy from Musta, Amalaki, and Vidanga provides hepatoprotective and immune support
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Edema and dropsy (Shotha) - validated by RCT showing 1.8 cm ankle circumference reduction in CKD patients
- Kidney support and nephroprotection - supported by diuretic and nephroprotective mechanism studies
- Liver disorders and hepatomegaly - corroborated by hepatocyte regeneration studies with boeravinones
- Anemia and spleen disorders - traditional use supported by anti-inflammatory and blood-supportive properties
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
- Contains 5-10% self-generated alcohol. Generally safe at standard dosage. May cause excessive urination at higher doses; maintain adequate hydration.
- Patients on diuretic or antihypertensive medications should use with medical supervision due to additive diuretic effects. Not recommended in severe hepatic or renal failure without physician guidance.
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: Arishta/Asava (fermented liquid), Syrup (modern adaptation)
Standard Dosage: 15-30ml with equal water
Bioavailability: Self-generated alcohol enhances extraction and absorption of both water-soluble and fat-soluble compounds; fermentation produces bioactive metabolites not present in raw herbs
Optimal Timing: After meals, twice daily
Shelf Life: Indefinite per classical texts; commercially labeled 5-10 years. Improves with age.
Storage: Room temperature, tightly sealed, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Marker Compounds: Punarnavine, Boeravinone B
Quality Parameters: Alcohol content 5-12% v/v, pH 3.0-4.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.08, total solids 15-25%, marker: Punarnavine, Boeravinone B
Vehicle (Anupana): Equal quantity of water after meals
Synergistic Combinations
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:23 (PUNARNAVASAVA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali, Sotharogadhikara; 197-200.. 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 | Sunthi * | rhizome | 48 g. |
| 2 | Marica | fruit | 48 g. |
| 3 | Pippali * | fruit | 48 g. |
| 4 | Haritaki | Fr.P. | 48 g. |
| 5 | Bibhitaka | Fr.P. | 48 g. |
| 6 | Amalaki | Fr.P. | 48 g. |
| 7 | Darvi (daru haridra) | stem | 48 g. |
| 8 | Svadamstra (goksura) | fruit | illegible |
| 9 | Brhati | root | illegible |
| 10 | Kantakari * | whole plant | illegible |
| 11 | Vasa mula (vasa) * | root | illegible |
| 12 | Eranda mula (eranda) * | root | illegible |
| 13 | Katuki | Rt./Rz. | illegible |
| 14 | Gajapippali | fruit | illegible |
| 15 | Sothaghni (punarnava) * | root | illegible |
| 16 | Picumarda (nimba) | stem bark | illegible |
| 17 | Gudici * | stem | illegible |
| 18 | Suska milaka (milaka) * | root | illegible |
| 19 | Duralabha | root | illegible |
| 20 | Patola * | illegible | |
| 21 | Dhataki | flower | illegible |
| 22 | Draksa | dry fruit | illegible |
| 23 | Sita | illegible | |
| 24 | Maksika (madhu) | illegible | |
| 25 | Water | illegible |
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.
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.