# Vidangarishta

> Vidangarishta is a classical Ayurvedic fermented arishta or asava. Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Sharangadharasamhita Madhyamakhanda. Also referenced in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (16th century CE) and Yogaratnakara for anthelmintic indications.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). Referenced in Sharangadharasamhita and Bhavaprakasha. Vidanga (Embelia ribes) monograph in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Vidangarishta |

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Sharangadharasamhita Madhyamakhanda. Also referenced in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (16th century CE) and Yogaratnakara for anthelmintic indications.

## How does it work?

- [Embelin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#embelin) (from [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/)) exerts potent anthelmintic action by paralyzing intestinal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms)
- Kutaja provides anti-dysenteric and anti-amoebic action complementing the antiparasitic activity
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/)-mediated bioavailability enhancement increases systemic absorption of embelin and other active compounds
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action of [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) and [Rasna](/herb/rasna/) strengthens host defense against parasitic reinfection

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Intestinal parasites (Krimi Roga) - validated by clinical pilot showing 78% worm load reduction
- Abdominal bloating and flatulence - supported by digestive and carminative properties of formulation
- Skin abscesses and boils - traditional use corroborated by antibacterial profiling studies
- Urinary disorders and prostate enlargement - supported by anti-inflammatory and [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/) properties of components

## 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. Embelin has a narrow therapeutic index; adherence to recommended dosage is critical. Overdose may cause nausea and vomiting.
- Not recommended during pregnancy (embelin has anti-implantation properties). Liver function monitoring recommended during prolonged use. May interact with conventional anthelmintic drugs.

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Arishta/Asava (fermented liquid), Syrup (modern adaptation)

**Standard Dosage:** 15-30ml with equal water for anthelmintic action

**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:** Embelin, Vilangin

**Quality Parameters:** Alcohol content 5-12% v/v, pH 3.0-4.5, specific gravity 1.01-1.08, total solids 15-25%, marker: Embelin, Vilangin

**Vehicle (Anupana):** Equal quantity of water after meals

### Synergistic Combinations

- Key herbs: [Vidanga](/herb/vidanga/) (Embelia ribes), [Dhataki](/herb/dhataki/), [Guda](/glossary/concepts-a-m/#guda); fermentation creates unique metabolite profile with enhanced therapeutic activity

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

## 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.