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 |
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 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, and other aromatic constituents
- Anthelmintic (Krimi) activity supported by documented antiparasitic properties of Chitrak (plumbagin) and 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. 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.
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 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 (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
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
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