# Chitrakaharitaki

> Chitrakaharitaki is a compound formulation of several ingredients, from the Polyherbal Avaleha (confection) - classical Ayurvedic compound formulation family. Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a classical Avaleha formulation; listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India.

## Key facts

- **Family:** Polyherbal Avaleha (confection) - classical Ayurvedic compound formulation
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India as a classical Avaleha formulation; listed in Ayurvedic Formulary of India

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Chitrakaharitaki |
| Latin/Botanical | *Polyherbal formulation: Plumbago zeylanica ([Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/)) + Terminalia chebula ([Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)) as principal herbs* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Plumbagin](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#plumbagin) (from [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/) - naphthoquinone)
- Chebulinic acid (from [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/))
- Gallic acid and ellagic acid (from [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) and [Amla](/herb/amla/))
- [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) (hydrolyzable - from Terminalia species)
- [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) (from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) and Kalimirch)
- Gingerols and shogaols (from [ginger](/herb/ginger/))
- Vitamin C (from [Amla](/herb/amla/)/Indian gooseberry)
- Essential oils from cardamom and cinnamon
- Bael [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) (from Aegle marmelos)
- [Polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) from Dashmoola combination

## How does it work?

- Mucolytic and [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/) mechanism through plumbagin and piperine stimulation of bronchial secretion clearance, combined with anti-inflammatory reduction of airway inflammation
- Digestive enhancement through Agni deepana (digestive fire stimulation) via piperine and [gingerol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#gingerol) activation of gastric acid secretion and enzyme release
- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) mechanism through synergistic action of vitamin C, tannins, and polyphenols enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Respiratory disorder management (Kasa, Shwasa) validated through clinical observations and pharmacological review of mucolytic, antitussive, and bronchodilatory properties of constituent herbs
- Digestive weakness (Agnimandya) treatment supported by documented carminative and digestive-stimulant properties of piperine, [ginger](/herb/ginger/), and other aromatic constituents
- Anthelmintic (Krimi) activity supported by documented antiparasitic properties of [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/) (plumbagin) and [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) (tannins)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Bhinde SM, Bhinde SS, Kori VK and others 2020. [A compendious review of Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha - A polyherbal Ayurveda formulation for bronchial asthma](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34566379/). *Ayu*. PMID [34566379](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34566379/) · [doi:10.4103/ayu.AYU_340_20](https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.AYU_340_20)  
  Comprehensive review documenting the formulation's evolution from 9th century Vrindamadhava text to modern practice, with evidence supporting use in bronchial asthma through mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilatory actions.

*2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Stability study confirmed formulation stability over two years under accelerated conditions; traditionally considered safe when prepared according to classical methods and taken at recommended doses (5-10g with warm water or milk)
- Plumbagin from [Chitrak](/herb/chitrak/) has known dose-dependent toxicity; the avaleha preparation method with jaggery and honey matrices is designed to mitigate individual ingredient toxicity through traditional pharmaceutical processing

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Plumbagin
- Chitrak
- Haritaki
- Haritaki
- Amla
- Tannins
- Piperine
- Pippali

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Avaleha (confection/jam), Lehyam (electuary), Granules (modern adaptation)

**Standard Dosage:** 5-10g (approximately 1-2 teaspoons) twice daily with warm water or milk. Classical Avaleha formulation per Ashtanga Hridaya/Charaka Samhita.

**Bioavailability:** Compound formulation where jaggery/sugar matrix provides slow release of actives. Plumbagin from Chitraka is partially detoxified by cooking process. Chebulagic acid and gallic acid from Haritaki show enhanced absorption in the sugar-ghee matrix. Piperine from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (often an ingredient) bioenhances other components. Traditional Avaleha preparation method (cooking to Paka stage) optimizes extraction and bioavailability of all components simultaneously.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water or milk for digestive and respiratory conditions; traditionally used in Pratishyaya (coryza/cold) and Kasa (cough)

**Standardized Extract:** Compound preparation—standardize to gallic acid NLT 0.5% (from Haritaki) and total phenolics NLT 3%. Plumbagin content should be below 0.1% in final Avaleha (safety-moderated by cooking).

**Shelf Life:** 1 year (traditional Avaleha); 2 years (with modern preservation and packaging)

**Storage:** Room temperature in glass or food-grade containers. Use clean, dry spoon for dispensing—moisture introduction causes microbial spoilage. Protect from direct sunlight. Once opened, consume within 3 months.

**Marker Compounds:** Gallic acid (from Haritaki), Chebulagic acid (from Haritaki), Plumbagin (from Chitraka, reduced), Piperine (if Pippali is included), Ellagic acid

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Avaleha preparation: Haritaki decoction reduced, mixed with sugar/jaggery, cooked to thread-stage consistency, then Chitraka powder and other herb powders added with ghee and honey at appropriate temperatures
- No modern extract equivalent—the formulation IS the preparation method
- Modern adaptations: granulation of combined extracts with sugar base

### Synergistic Combinations

- Internal synergies between Chitraka (Agni/digestive fire) and Haritaki (Anulomana/[laxative](/reference/laxative/)) are the therapeutic basis
- With warm milk as Anupana for enhanced palatability and Vata pacification
- With [Trikatu](/herb/trikatu/) for enhanced digestive support
- With [Triphala](/herb/triphala/) for comprehensive GI tract management

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/chitrakaharitaki/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

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.