# Rohitakarishta

> Rohitakarishta is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Charaka Samhita. Rohitaka herb is classically prescribed for liver (Yakrit), blood (Rakta), and spleen (Pleeha) disorders.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Charaka Samhita. Tecomella undulata is listed in IUCN conservation lists in some regions.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Rohitakarishta |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Charaka Samhita. [Rohitaka](/herb/rohitaka/) herb is classically prescribed for liver (Yakrit), blood (Rakta), and spleen (Pleeha) disorders. Also referenced in Sushruta Samhita.

## How does it work?

- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) action through betulinic acid reduces liver enzyme elevation and promotes hepatocyte regeneration
- Cholagogue action increases bile flow, protecting liver and gallbladder function
- Spleno-protective action reduces inflammation and blockage in the enlarged spleen, restoring normal function
- Synergistic action of [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) (pungent trio) with [Rohitaka](/herb/rohitaka/) enhances bioavailability and deepens tissue penetration

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Liver disorders (hepatomegaly, jaundice) - validated by hepatoprotective studies showing enzyme normalization comparable to silymarin
- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) - supported by clinical management studies showing spleen size reduction
- Ascites and edema - traditional use corroborated by cholagogue and hepatoprotective mechanisms
- Anemia - supported by iron metabolism-enhancing properties of the formulation

## 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 under physician supervision. Tecomella undulata is an endangered species in some regions, raising sustainability concerns.
- Not recommended during pregnancy. May interact with hepatically metabolized drugs. Patients with severe liver disease should use only under strict medical monitoring.

## 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:** Arishta/Asava (fermented liquid), Syrup (modern adaptation)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30ml with equal water for hepatic conditions

**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:** Rohitukine, [Lapachol](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#lapachol)

**Quality Parameters:** Alcohol content 5-12% v/v, pH 3.0-4.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.08, total solids 15-25%, marker: Rohitukine, Lapachol

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water after meals

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: [Rohitaka](/herb/rohitaka/) (Tecomella undulata), [Dhataki](/herb/dhataki/); fermentation creates unique metabolite profile with enhanced therapeutic activity

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

## 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.