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.
| Also known as | Vasa Avaleha, VasaAvaleha |
|---|---|
| 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 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 and vasicinone alkaloids provide bronchodilatory action through smooth muscle relaxation in bronchial tree
- Mucolytic and expectorant properties help clear mucus from airways, reducing congestion and improving airflow
- Raktastambhaka (hemostatic) properties of Vasa provide vasoconstrictive and anti-hemorrhagic action for hemoptysis
- Anti-inflammatory action reduces bronchial mucosal edema and hyperreactivity in asthmatic patients
- Pippali (piperine) enhances bioavailability of 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 properties
- Raktapitta/hemoptysis (coughing blood): hemostatic (Raktastambhaka) action of 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
Quality Parameters: Total sugar, moisture NMT 15%, vasicine content by HPLC
Vehicle (Anupana): Honey
Synergistic Combinations
- Honey enhances bronchodilatory action
- With Pippali for enhanced respiratory effect
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 3:26 (VASAVALEHA), which cites Bhaisajyaratnavali, Rajayaksmadhikara; 82-821.. 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 | Vasaka svarasa (vasa) (vasa) | leaf | 768 g. |
| 2 | Sita | 384 g. | |
| 3 | Sarpi (goghrta) (goghrta) | 96 g. | |
| 4 | Pippali | fruit | 96 g. |
| 5 | Madhu | 384 g. |
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Laboratory and animal studies1
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.