# Vasa Avaleha

> Vasa Avaleha is a classical Ayurvedic avaleha, a semi-solid herbal confection. Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part II (Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare); officially standardized formulation with established quality parameters.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part II (Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare); officially standardized formulation with established quality parameters

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) Avaleha |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Charaka Samhita (2500 BCE/1000 BCE); Sushruta Samhita (500 BCE); various Nighantus (pharmaceutical texts); Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part II

## How does it work?

- [Vasicine](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vasicine) and [vasicinone](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vasicinone) [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) provide bronchodilatory action through smooth muscle relaxation in bronchial tree
- Mucolytic and [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) properties help clear mucus from airways, reducing congestion and improving airflow
- Raktastambhaka ([hemostatic](/glossary/pharmacology/#hemostatic)) properties of [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) provide vasoconstrictive and anti-hemorrhagic action for hemoptysis
- Anti-inflammatory action reduces bronchial mucosal edema and hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) ([piperine](/reference/piperine/)) enhances bioavailability of [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) alkaloids and provides synergistic respiratory stimulation

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Tamaka Shwasa (bronchial asthma): randomized clinical study validates significant improvement in symptoms and lung function in 66 patients
- Kasa (chronic cough/bronchitis): multicenter study confirms clinical efficacy with mucolytic and [bronchodilator](/reference/bronchodilator/) properties
- Raktapitta/hemoptysis (coughing blood): hemostatic (Raktastambhaka) action of [Vasa](/herb/vasa/) validated for controlling respiratory hemorrhage
- Anti-allergic respiratory action: decreased eosinophil count in clinical study confirms anti-allergic mechanism

## 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

- Multicenter clinical trials confirm no adverse effects at indicated doses (6g twice daily for 28 days); safe for regular use in respiratory conditions
- Excess amounts may cause stomach discomfort; recommended doses should not be exceeded without supervision
- Included in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Part II - manufacturing standards established by Government of India

## 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:** Avaleha (confection), Syrup

**Standard Dosage:** 6-12g twice daily with honey

**Bioavailability:** Sugar-base matrix with honey provides sustained release of alkaloids

**Optimal Timing:** After meals for respiratory conditions

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (avaleha)

**Storage:** Airtight container, cool place

**Marker Compounds:** Vasicine, Vasicinone, [Deoxyvasicine](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#deoxyvasicine)

**Quality Parameters:** Total sugar, moisture NMT 15%, vasicine content by HPLC

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Honey

### Synergistic Combinations

- Honey enhances bronchodilatory action
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for enhanced respiratory effect

---

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

## 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.