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
Substance type	Compound formulation of several ingredients, not a single plant
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 (Vitis vinifera / Raisins) - 768g
Pippali (Piper longum / Long pepper) - 768g
Sharkara (sugar) - 2.4kg
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra / Licorice) - 96g
Shunthi (Zingiber officinale / Ginger) - 96g
Vamshalochana (Bambusa bambos / Bamboo manna) - 96g
Amalaki Swarasa (Phyllanthus emblica juice) - 12.288L
Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum / Cinnamon)
Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea)
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 (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 provides gastroprotective action and enhances nutrient absorption while reducing inflammatory damage to GI mucosa
Pippali (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 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. Ayu. PMID 24250134 · doi: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, terpenoids, and 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 and efflux transporters. This is a traditionally optimized bioavailability-enhanced formulation.

Optimal Timing: After meals with warm milk for 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 / OPCs (from Draksha), Piperine (from Pippali, if present in formulation), Glycyrrhizin (from Yashtimadhu, if present), Total polyphenols, Sugar content (Brix)

Extraction Methods

Traditional Avaleha Paka process: 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 Churna added for respiratory conditions
With Sitopaladi Churna for cough and cold management

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.