# Varunadi Kashayam

> Varunadi Kashayam is a classical Ayurvedic kashaya, a water decoction. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Also referenced in Sushruta Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali for Mutrashmari (urolithiasis). The formulation contains 16 herbal ingredients in total.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Chakradutta and Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) bark monograph included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Varunadi Kashayam](/formulation/varunadi-kashayam/) |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Chakradutta. Also referenced in Sushruta Samhita and Bhaishajya Ratnavali for Mutrashmari (urolithiasis). The formulation contains 16 herbal ingredients in total.

## How does it work?

- Lithotriptic action of [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) and Aerua lanata breaks down urinary stones into small pieces for easy expulsion
- Potent [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) effect increases urine output, flushing kidneys and bladder to aid stone passage
- Anti-inflammatory activity inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing urinary tract and renal inflammation
- Anti-obesity and lipid-lowering effects through inhibition of adipogenic regulators in visceral adipose tissue

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Urinary stones (Mutrashmari/Urolithiasis) - validated by lithotriptic and diuretic studies and clinical trials
- Kidney and bladder disorders - supported by anti-inflammatory macrophage studies (PMC published)
- Obesity management - newly validated by anti-obesity research in animal models
- Inflammatory conditions - supported by cytokine inhibition in THP-1 macrophage studies

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Chinchu JU, Mohan MC, Devi SJR and others 2018. [Evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect of Varanadi Kashayam (decoction) in THP-1-derived macrophages](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31367148/). *Ayu*. PMID [31367148](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31367148/) · [doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_53_18](https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.AYU_53_18)  
  PMC-published study demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines in THP-1 macrophage cell lines.

*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

- Toxicity study showed no signs of toxicity at 3.236 gm/kg body weight over 14 days. Overdose may cause excessive urination.
- Should be used cautiously in patients on diuretic medications to avoid electrolyte imbalance. Adequate hydration is recommended during therapy.

## 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:** 40-80ml twice daily for urinary conditions

**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:** [Lupeol](/reference/lupeol/), Punarnavine, [Protodioscin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#protodioscin)

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

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

### Synergistic Combinations

- Classical combination of [Varuna](/herb/varuna/) (Crataeva nurvala), [Punarnava](/herb/punarnava/), [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) provides synergistic therapeutic effect

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