Dadhi
Dadhi is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
| Substance type | Animal-derived substance, not a plant |
|---|
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dadhi |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus)
- Lactic acid (responsible for sour taste)
- Proteins: casein, whey proteins, bioactive peptides
- Calcium (higher bioavailability than milk due to lactic acid)
- Vitamins: B2 (riboflavin), B12, folate
- Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
- Exopolysaccharides (from bacterial fermentation)
- Short-chain fatty acids (produced during fermentation)
- Bacteriocins (antimicrobial peptides)
How does it work?
- Probiotic action: Live Lactobacillus cultures colonize the gut, compete with pathogenic bacteria, produce bacteriocins, and strengthen intestinal barrier function
- Digestive enhancement (Deepana): Lactic acid lowers gut pH, stimulates gastric acid and enzyme secretion, improving protein and mineral digestion
- Immunomodulation: Probiotic bacteria stimulate mucosal IgA production, activate dendritic cells and natural killer cells, and modulate T-helper cell balance
- Calcium absorption: Lactic acid chelation increases calcium bioavailability by 30-40% compared to raw milk; supports bone health
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Grahani (malabsorption/IBS): Probiotic restoration of gut flora and enhanced digestion scientifically validated as therapeutic for IBS, malabsorption, and chronic diarrhea
- Deepana-Pachana (appetizer and digestant): Lactic acid-mediated stimulation of gastric secretions and enzyme activity confirms traditional classification as a digestive stimulant
- Aruchi (anorexia/loss of appetite): Sour taste stimulates salivary and gastric secretion reflex; probiotic metabolites improve gut-brain signaling for appetite regulation
What do recent clinical trials show?
3 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
- Ayurvedic restriction against nighttime consumption validated: heavy, sour, and hot properties may exacerbate acid reflux and disturb sleep; increases Kapha when consumed at night
- Regular excessive consumption may aggravate Rakta (blood) disorders, skin diseases, and Kapha conditions per Ayurvedic texts; modern evidence links excess dairy to acne in susceptible individuals
- Contraindicated in Hematemesis (Raktapitta), bleeding disorders, and during fever according to Ayurvedic texts
- Lactose intolerant individuals may tolerate yogurt better than milk due to bacterial lactase, but sensitivity varies
What is it made of?
Nutritional Profile
- Protein: 3.5g/100ml
- Fat: 3.2g/100ml
- Calcium: 150mg/100ml
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus, Streptococcus thermophilus (10^7-10^9 CFU/ml)
- Vitamin B12: 0.75μg/100ml
- Riboflavin: 0.14mg/100ml
Analytical Methods: AOAC methods, Microbiological plate count
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Fresh curd, Buttermilk base, Medicated curd
Standard Dosage: 50–200 mL with meals
Bioavailability: Enhanced mineral absorption due to lactic acid fermentation
Optimal Timing: With lunch; avoid at night per Ayurvedic texts
Standardized Extract: N/A — fermented whole food
Shelf Life: 24–48 hours at 4°C
Storage: Refrigerated; ceramic or glass containers preferred
Marker Compounds: Lactobacillus spp., Lactic acid, Calcium, B-vitamins
Quality Parameters: pH 4.0–4.5, live culture count >10^6 CFU/mL, no artificial thickeners
Vehicle (Anupana): Vehicle for digestive and appetizer formulations
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.