Sarivadyasava
Sarivadyasava is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Prameha Pidika Adhyaya (chapter on diabetic complications). Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita extol Sariva as a premier herb for pacifying Pitta dosha.
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) monograph included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. PCIM&H recognized. |
|---|
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Sarivadyasava |
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Prameha Pidika Adhyaya (chapter on diabetic complications). Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita extol Sariva as a premier herb for pacifying Pitta dosha.
How does it work?
- Blood purification (Raktashodhana) through elimination of toxins via hepatic and renal pathways
- Anti-inflammatory and cooling (Sheeta Virya) action of Sariva pacifies Pitta dosha and reduces skin inflammation
- Immunomodulatory synergy from Guduchi, Tulsi, and Amalaki strengthens host defense against skin infections
- Detoxification through enhanced liver and kidney function promotes elimination of metabolic waste products
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Blood purification and detoxification - validated by hepatic and renal detoxification mechanism studies
- Skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, acne) - supported by PASI score improvement in open-label trial
- Fever management (adjunct) - corroborated by pilot study showing faster temperature reduction in dengue
- Urinary disorders and diabetes complications (Prameha Pidika) - traditional use supported by anti-inflammatory and detoxifying mechanisms
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 recommended dosage. Clinicians note visible improvement in skin conditions within 10-14 days.
- Not recommended during pregnancy. May interact with immunosuppressive medications. Patients with diabetes should monitor blood sugar as some ingredients may have hypoglycemic effects.
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
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: Hemidesmine, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde
Quality Parameters: Alcohol content 5-12% v/v, pH 3.0-4.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.08, total solids 15-25%, marker: Hemidesmine, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde
Vehicle (Anupana): Equal quantity of water after meals
Synergistic Combinations
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:37 (SARIVADYASAVA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali, Pramehapidakadhikara; 22-25.. 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 | Sariva * | root | 192 g. |
| 2 | Mustaka (musta) | rhizome | 192 g. |
| 3 | Lodhra | stem bark | 192 g. |
| 4 | Nyagrodha | stem bark | 192 |
| 5 | Pippala (asvattha) | fruit | 192 g. |
| 6 | Sati | rhizome | 192 g. |
| 7 | Ananta (Sveta sariva) | root | 192 g. |
| 8 | Padmaka | stem | 192g. |
| 9 | Bala (hrivera) | root | 192 g. |
| 10 | Patha * | root | 192 g. |
| 11 | Dhatri (amalaki) | pericarp | 192 g. |
| 12 | Guducika (guduci) * | stem | 192 g. |
| 13 | Usira * | root | 192 g. |
| 14 | Sveta candana * | Hr.WD. | 192 g. |
| 15 | Rakta candana * | heart wood | 192 g. |
| 16 | Yamani (yayani) * | fruit | 192 g. |
| 17 | Katurohini (katuka) | Rz./Rt. | 192 g. |
| 18 | Patra (tejapatra) * | leaf | 192 g. |
| 19 | Sthulaila * | seed | 192 g. |
| 20 | Suksmaila * | seed | 192 g. |
| 21 | Kustha | root | 192 g. |
| 22 | Svarna Patri | leaf | 192 g. |
| 23 | Haritaki * | pericarp | 192 g. |
| 24 | Water * | 24.576 l. | |
| 25 | Guda | 14.400 kg. | |
| 26 | Dhataki * | flower | 480 g. |
| 27 | Draksa * | dry fruit | 2.880 kg. |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
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