# Rasnasaptakam Kashayam

> Rasnasaptakam Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Earliest reference in Ashtanga Hridaya commentaries. Hints of formula in Vangasena Samhita (circa 11th century CE).

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Sahasrayogam and Kerala Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias. Available as standardized tablets and liquid decoctions from licensed manufacturers.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Rasnasaptakam Kashayam](/formulation/rasnasaptakam-kashayam/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Earliest reference in Ashtanga Hridaya commentaries. Hints of formula in Vangasena Samhita (circa 11th century CE). Documented extensively in Kerala Ayurvedic tradition for Vata disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

## How does it work?

- Anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6) by [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) and [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/)
- Ama (toxin) digestion by [Rasna](/herb/rasna/)'s digestive action helps resolve metabolic waste contributing to joint inflammation
- Vata-Kapha balancing through the synergistic seven-herb combination reduces joint stiffness and swelling
- [Analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) action from [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/) and [Eranda](/herb/eranda/) provides direct pain relief in musculoskeletal conditions

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis - validated by clinical trial showing 35% improvement in pain scores
- Chronic low back pain - supported by double-blind trial at Amrita Institute
- Fever associated with body aches - supported by anti-inflammatory and [antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) properties of [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/)
- Sciatica and neuralgia - traditional use corroborated by analgesic mechanisms of [Devadaru](/herb/devadaru/) and [Eranda](/herb/eranda/)

## 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 significant adverse effects reported at standard dosage. Research gaps include long-term safety profiling and standardized extract optimization.
- Comparative trials against standard NSAIDs for specific arthritis types are still needed. Should be taken under physician supervision for chronic conditions.

## 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:** Kashayam (decoction), Kashayam tablet, Concentrated liquid

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30ml twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Aqueous decoction provides good bioavailability for water-soluble compounds; concentration step may reduce volatile components

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals, typically morning and evening

**Shelf Life:** 1 day (fresh kashayam); 2 years (kashayam tablet); 6 months (concentrated liquid with preservative)

**Storage:** Fresh: refrigerate, use within 24h. Tablet/liquid: cool dry place, airtight

**Marker Compounds:** Isorasnol

**Quality Parameters:** pH 4.0-6.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.05, total solids 2-8%, marker assay: Isorasnol

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm, usually taken on empty stomach

### Synergistic Combinations

- Classical combination of [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) and 6 other herbs provides synergistic therapeutic effect

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

## 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.