Age Ayurveda Nighantu

Sanjivani Vati

Sanjivani Vati is a classical Ayurvedic vati, a herbal tablet or pill. 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.

Key facts
Also known asSanjivani Vati, SanjivaniVati
Pharmacopoeia statusListed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) Part I; classified under Schedule E(1) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act (contains Vatsanabha - requiring controlled dispensing); recognized by CCRAS; quality standards defined for Shuddha Vatsanabha and Shuddha Bhallataka processing

Names and identification

LanguageName
EnglishSanjivani Vati

Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sharangdhara Samhita (Madhyama Khanda); also described in Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya with references dating to approximately 500 CE; prominently featured in Bhaishajya Ratnavali

How does it work?

  • Ama Pachana (toxin digestion): Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasa with light, sharp, dry qualities and warm potency collectively digest metabolic toxins (Ama) and prevent further formation by correcting Mandagni
  • Diaphoretic antipyretic: The formulation induces perspiration, breaks the fever cycle, and reduces body temperature through peripheral vasodilation and enhanced heat dissipation
  • Antimicrobial defense: Vidanga (embelin), Vacha (beta-asarone), and Guduchi demonstrate activity against Salmonella typhi, H. pylori, and other enteric pathogens
  • Immunomodulation: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) as an adaptogen and immunomodulator enhances overall immunity and manages chronic fevers and infections through upregulation of phagocytic activity
  • Toxin neutralization (Vishaghna): Shuddha Vatsanabha (processed aconite) in micro-doses acts as a powerful Vishaghna (antitoxin) while processed Bhallataka provides antirheumatic and immune-stimulant action

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

  • Fever management (Jwara Chikitsa) validated through demonstrated diaphoretic and antipyretic mechanisms breaking fever cycle
  • Toxin elimination (Ama Pachana/Vishaghna) validated through antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi and H. pylori and cellular-level metabolic correction
  • Gastro-enteritis (Visuchika) management validated through combined antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-correcting actions
  • Immunomodulation validated through Guduchi’s demonstrated enhancement of phagocytic activity and adaptive immune response

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 Shuddha Vatsanabha (purified aconite) and Shuddha Bhallataka (purified marking nut) which are toxic in unpurified form - MUST be prepared strictly according to classical Shodhana protocols; use only under qualified Ayurvedic physician supervision
  • Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and young children; avoid in Pitta-predominant conditions; therapeutic dose must be strictly adhered to; overdose can be dangerous; not for self-medication or OTC purchase; short-term use during acute conditions recommended

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: Vati (pill/tablet), Capsule

Standard Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice daily

Bioavailability: Tablet/pill form provides controlled disintegration; some vatis use honey/guggulu as bioenhancing binders

Optimal Timing: Before or after meals as indicated

Shelf Life: 2 years per ASU guidelines for vati

Storage: Airtight container, cool dry place, protected from moisture

Marker Compounds: Embelin, Tinosporin, Piperine

Quality Parameters: Weight variation ±5%, disintegration <30 min, friability <1%, marker: Embelin, Tinosporin, Piperine

Vehicle (Anupana): Warm water or as specified

Synergistic Combinations

Composition

As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 12:35 (SANJIVANI VATI), which cites Sarngadharasamhita, Madhyamakhanda, Adhyaya 7; 18-19.. 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.

#IngredientPartQuantity
1Vidanga *fruit1 part
2Nagara (Sunthi) *rhizome1 part
3Krsna (pippali) *fruit1 part
4Pathya (haritaki) *pericarp1 part
5Amala (amalaki)pericarp1 part
6Bibhitakapericarp1 part
7Vacarhizome1 part
8Guduci *stem1 part
9Bhallataka-suddhafruit1 part
10Visa (vatsanabha)-suddha (vatsanabha)root tuber1 part
11Gomutra *Q. S. for mardana

* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.

Source scan of the formulary

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.