# Drakshavaleha

> Drakshavaleha is a compound formulation of several ingredients. Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy publications (1986, 1999); formulation based on Ashtanga Hridaya classical standards.

## Key facts

- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Referenced in Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy publications (1986, 1999); formulation based on Ashtanga Hridaya classical standards

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Drakshavaleha |

## Key Ingredients

- [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) (Vitis vinifera / Raisins) - 768g
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) (Piper longum / Long pepper) - 768g
- Sharkara (sugar) - 2.4kg
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) (Glycyrrhiza glabra / Licorice) - 96g
- Shunthi ([Zingiber](/herb/zingiber/) officinale / [Ginger](/herb/ginger/)) - 96g
- Vamshalochana (Bambusa bambos / Bamboo manna) - 96g
- Amalaki Swarasa (Phyllanthus emblica juice) - 12.288L
- Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon)
- [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/) (Mesua ferrea)
- [Madhu](/herb/madhu/) (honey) - 768g

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

Ashtanga Hridaya Chikitsasthana 16/29-31 (Pandu Roga / anemia chapter); referenced in Brihat Trayi classical compendia

## How does it work?

- [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) (raisins) provides natural iron, natural sugars, and polyphenol antioxidants that directly support hemoglobin synthesis
- Amalaki juice provides high vitamin C content that enhances non-heme iron absorption from dietary and supplemental sources
- [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/) provides gastroprotective action and enhances nutrient absorption while reducing inflammatory damage to GI mucosa
- [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) ([piperine](/reference/piperine/)) enhances hepatic enzyme activity and bioavailability of iron and other nutritional compounds
- Nutritive caloric content from raisins, sugar, and honey provides energy substrate for debilitated and anemic patients

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Pandu (anemia): clinical study shows highly significant (p<0.001) improvement in pregnancy-related anemia
- Daurbalya (debility/weakness): nutritive and energy-providing properties support recovery from chronic debility
- Yakrit Roga (liver disorders): classical Ashtanga Hridaya indication for hepatic conditions supported by [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) ingredient profiles
- Garbhini Paricharya (pregnancy care): fetal protection demonstrated against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in animal model

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Kumar S, Singh G, Reddy KR 2013. [Effect of Drakshavaleha in cyclophosphamide induced weight loss and reduction in crown-rump length in developing mice embryo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24250134/). *Ayu*. PMID [24250134](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24250134/) · [doi:10.4103/0974-8520.119686](https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.119686)  
  Oral administration of Drakshavaleha to pregnant mice minimized cyclophosphamide-induced body weight loss with statistically significant recovery (P<0.001)

*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

- No side effects reported in medical literature at recommended doses; safe for use in pregnancy for anemia management
- Cytoprotective effect demonstrated against cyclophosphamide toxicity in pregnancy - fetal protective properties
- High sugar content requires monitoring in diabetic patients; consult practitioner for sugar-free alternatives

## 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:** Avaleha (semi-solid confection), Modified tablet (compressed Avaleha granules), Capsule (Avaleha granules)

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20g (1-2 tablespoons) twice daily with warm milk or water. Classical dose as per text reference.

**Bioavailability:** Polyherbal Avaleha preparation with ghee and honey as key vehicles. Ghee (clarified butter) serves as lipophilic carrier enhancing absorption of fat-soluble [polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols), [terpenoids](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#terpenoids), and [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) from herb components. Honey provides enzymatic activity and enhances mucosal absorption. The sugar matrix provides sustained release of actives in the GI tract. Multiple ingredients may provide mutual bioenhancement through inhibition of metabolic [enzymes](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#enzymes) and efflux transporters. This is a traditionally optimized bioavailability-enhanced formulation.

**Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm milk for [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/) (rejuvenation) effect; before meals for respiratory conditions; morning and evening doses

**Standardized Extract:** Not an extract-based product. Finished product standardized by: total polyphenol content, Brix (65-70), pH (4.0-5.5), HPTLC fingerprint matching reference batch, assay of key marker compounds from principal ingredients.

**Shelf Life:** 1-2 years (traditional preparation in glass/ceramic jar); 2 years (with permitted preservatives in modern packaging)

**Storage:** Clean, dry, airtight glass or food-grade plastic containers at room temperature (below 30 deg C). Use clean dry spoon for dispensing - moisture introduction causes microbial growth. Do not refrigerate unless specified - cold storage may crystallize sugars.

**Marker Compounds:** [Resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) / OPCs (from [Draksha](/herb/draksha/)), Piperine (from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/), if present in formulation), [Glycyrrhizin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycyrrhizinglycyrrhizin) (from [Yashtimadhu](/herb/yashtimadhu/), if present), Total polyphenols, Sugar content (Brix)

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Avaleha Paka process: [Draksha](/herb/draksha/) Kashayam (decoction) concentrated, then cooked with sugar/jaggery to Avaleha consistency (thread test), then Prakshepa Dravya (fine powders) and ghee/honey added off heat
- No standalone extraction - the Paka process IS the manufacturing method

### Synergistic Combinations

- Contains multiple synergistic ingredients as per classical formulation
- With warm milk (Anupana) for enhanced Rasayana effect
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) Churna added for respiratory conditions
- With [Sitopaladi Churna](/formulation/sitopaladi-churna/) for cough and cold management

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

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu)

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.