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.
| Substance type | Compound formulation of several ingredients, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The evidence at a glance
1paper on this site for this drug, every one with a DOI.
- 1Laboratory and animal studies
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Everything listed here is laboratory or animal work, which does not show an effect in people.true See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Chitrakaharitaki |
| Latin/Botanical | Polyherbal formulation: Plumbago zeylanica (Chitrak) + Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) as principal herbs |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Plumbagin (from Chitrak - naphthoquinone)
- Chebulinic acid (from Haritaki)
- Gallic acid and ellagic acid (from Haritaki and Amla)
- Tannins (hydrolyzable - from Terminalia species)
- Piperine (from Pippali and Kalimirch)
- Gingerols and shogaols (from ginger)
- Vitamin C (from Amla/Indian gooseberry)
- Essential oils from cardamom and cinnamon
- Bael alkaloids (from Aegle marmelos)
- Polyphenols from Dashmoola combination
How does it work?
- Mucolytic and 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 activation of gastric acid secretion and enzyme release
- Immunomodulatory activity has been reported for some constituents (vitamin C, tannins, polyphenols)
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Respiratory disorders (Kasa, Shwasa): traditionally used for cough and breathing complaints. Pharmacological reviews have reported mucolytic, antitussive, and bronchodilatory properties in its constituent herbs.
- Digestive weakness (Agnimandya): traditionally used for weak digestion. Carminative and digestive-stimulant properties have been reported for piperine, ginger, and other aromatic constituents.
- Anthelmintic use (Krimi): traditionally used for worm infestation. Antiparasitic properties have been reported for Chitrak (plumbagin) and Haritaki (tannins).
What do recent studies show?
- Bhinde SM, Bhinde SS, Kori VK and others 2020. A compendious review of Chitraka Haritaki Avaleha - A polyherbal Ayurveda formulation for bronchial asthma. Ayu. PMID 34566379 · doi: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.
Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. 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 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
- Gallic acid
- Chebulagic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Piperine
- Tannins
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 Vrindamadhava.
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water or milk for digestive and respiratory conditions; traditionally used in Pratishyaya (coryza/cold) and Kasa (cough)
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
Synergistic Combinations
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
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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.