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.
| 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 (from Vidanga) exerts potent anthelmintic action by paralyzing intestinal parasites (roundworms, tapeworms)
- Kutaja provides anti-dysenteric and anti-amoebic action complementing the antiparasitic activity
- Pippali-mediated bioavailability enhancement increases systemic absorption of embelin and other active compounds
- Immunomodulatory action of Triphala and 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 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
Composition
As given in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, entry 1:34 (VIDANGARISTA), which cites Sarngadharasamhita, Madhyamakhanda,Adhyaya 10;47-50. (printed exactly so at lines 5396-5397; the Devanagari colophon at line 5433 repeats it as शार्गधरसंहिता, मध्यमखण्ड, अध्याय 10; 47-50. 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 | Vidanga | fruit | 240 g. |
| 2 | Granthika (pippali) | root | 240 g. |
| 3 | Rasna | Rt/Lf. | 240 g. |
| 4 | Kutaja-tvak * | stem bark | 240 g. |
| 5 | Kutaja-Phala * | seed | 240 g. |
| 6 | Patha * | root | 240 g |
| 7 | Elavaluka * | stem bark | 240 g. |
| 8 | Dhatri (amalaki) * | pericarp | 240 g. |
| 9 | Water for decoction * | 98.304 l. | |
| reduced to | 12.288 l. | ||
| 10 | Ksaudra (madhu) | 14.400 kg. | |
| 11 | Dhataki * | 960 g. | |
| 12 | Tvak * | 96 g. | |
| 13 | Ela (suksmaila) * | seed | 96 g. |
| 14 | Patra (tejapatra) | leaf | 96 g. |
| 15 | Priyangu | flower | 48 g. |
| 16 | Kancanara | stem bark | 48 g. |
| 17 | Lodhra * | stem bark | 48 g. |
| 18 | Sunthi | rhizome | 384 g. |
| 19 | Marica * | fruit | 384 g. |
| 20 | Pippali | fruit | 384 g. |
* The scanned text was damaged at this row and the name was read from the entry's own Sanskrit verse.
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.
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