# Varanadi Ghritam

> Varanadi Ghritam is a classical Ayurvedic ghrita, a medicated ghee. Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy publications (1986, 2004); listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy publications (1986, 2004); listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Varanadi Ghritam](/formulation/varanadi-ghritam/) |

## Key Ingredients

- Varana (Crataeva religiosa)
- Sairyaka (Strobilanthes ciliatus)
- [Shatavari](/herb/shatavari/) (Asparagus racemosus)
- Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica)
- [Bilva](/herb/bilva/) (Aegle marmelos)
- [Brihati](/herb/brihati/) (Solanum indicum)
- [Karanja](/herb/karanja/) (Pongamia glabra)
- [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) (Terminalia chebula)
- [Moringa](/herb/moringa/) ([Moringa](/herb/moringa/) oleifera)
- Darbha (Desmostachya bipinnata)
- Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium)
- [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (clarified cow butter)

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Ashtanga Hridayam (Varunadi Gana by Vagbhata Acharya); Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Uttmanaga/head diseases context)

## How does it work?

- Varana (Crataeva religiosa) provides Lekhana (scraping) action that reduces abnormal tissue growths, cysts, and lipomas
- Chitraka ([plumbagin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#plumbagin)) enhances Agni and metabolism, reducing Kapha-[Meda](/herb/meda/) accumulation that underlies tumor and cyst formation
- Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium) provides potent anti-tumor and [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action in classical cancer adjuvant use
- Srotoshodhana (channel-clearing) action of combined herbs removes obstructions in body channels, preventing pathological accumulations
- Ghee base delivers lipophilic active compounds to deep tissues ([Meda](/herb/meda/), Asthi dhatu) where tumors and lipomas reside

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Granthi (tumors/cysts): case reports validate management of lipoma and abnormal growths with [Varanadi Ghritam](/formulation/varanadi-ghritam/)-based protocols
- Arbuda (tumors/cancer adjuvant): published study confirms biological response modifier activity in head and neck cancer patients
- Medoroga (obesity/metabolic disorders): Lekhana and Medohara actions of ingredients validated pharmacologically
- Gulma (abdominal masses): traditional use for abdominal growths supported by channel-clearing and anti-Kapha mechanisms

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Ravindran D, Hariharan I, Muwonge R and others 2014. [Efficacy of Varunadi Ghritha (polyherbal compound) in treated head and neck cancer cases as a biological response modifier](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25558162/). *Ayu*. PMID [25558162](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25558162/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.146236](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.146236)  
  Varanadi [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) demonstrated biological response modifier activity in treated head and neck cancer patients, supporting immune function post-treatment

*2 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 adverse effects reported in medical literature at recommended doses; considered safe for most individuals including pregnant women per some traditional references
- Bhallataka (marking nut) is a potent herb requiring proper Shodhana (purification); improperly processed formulations may cause skin irritation
- Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine references available from 1986 and 2004 publications for quality standards

## 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:** [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Capsule (for convenience)

**Standard Dosage:** 12-24ml before meals

**Bioavailability:** Ghee is an excellent lipid carrier crossing blood-brain barrier; enhances absorption of fat-soluble phytochemicals by 3-5x compared to aqueous preparations

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals on empty stomach for best absorption

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (as per ASU guidelines for [ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) preparations); improves with aging (Purana Ghrita concept)

**Storage:** Airtight glass/stainless steel container, cool dry place, protected from light and moisture

**Marker Compounds:** [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Plumbagin

**Quality Parameters:** Acid value <4, peroxide value <5 meq/kg, moisture <0.5%, rancidity test negative, marker: Lupeol, Plumbagin

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Warm water or warm milk

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: [Varuna](/herb/varuna/), Chitraka, Agni herbs in ghee; ghee enhances tissue penetration (yogavahi property)

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/formulation/varanadi-ghritam/

## 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.