# Vyaghri Haritaki > Vyaghri Haritaki 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 and Ayurvedic Formulary of India; Kantakari (individual ingredient) is a well-documented Ayurvedic herb. ## Key facts - **Family:** Polyherbal Avaleha (confection) - classical Ayurvedic compound formulation - **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Ayurvedic Formulary of India; Kantakari (individual ingredient) is a well-documented Ayurvedic herb ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Vyaghri [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)|Vyaghri Haritaki | | Latin/Botanical | *Polyherbal formulation: Solanum surattense Burm.f. ([Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/)/Vyaghri) + Terminalia chebula Retz. ([Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)) as principal herbs* | ## Key Phytochemical Constituents - [Solasonine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasonine) and [solanine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solanine) (steroidal glycoalkaloids from [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/)) - [Solasodine](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#solasodine) (steroidal aglycone from [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/)) - Chebulinic acid and chebulagic acid (from [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)) - Gallic acid and ellagic acid (from [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)) - [Tannins](/reference/tannins/) (from [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/) - 32-45%) - [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin) (from [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/)) - [Piperine](/reference/piperine/) (from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/), if included in formulation) - Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol) - [Carpesterol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#carpesterol) (from [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) fruits) ## How does it work? - Antitussive and bronchodilatory mechanism through [Kantakari](/herb/kantakari/) steroidal [alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids) relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and reducing cough reflex sensitivity, combined with [Haritaki](/herb/haritaki/)'s mucolytic action - Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic mechanism through solasonine and tannin-mediated inhibition of mast cell degranulation and reduction of [histamine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#histamine) release in airways - Mild [laxative](/reference/laxative/) and detoxification mechanism through Haritaki's chebulinic acid stimulating gentle peristalsis and binding toxins in the GI tract ## Which traditional uses are supported by research? - Antitussive and anti-asthmatic efficacy validated through pharmacological studies confirming bronchodilatory and cough-suppressant properties, supporting premier use in Kasa (cough) and Shwasa (asthma) - Treatment of Pratishyaya (chronic rhinitis/sinusitis) supported by anti-inflammatory and [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) properties of constituent herbs - Mild laxative and detoxification role validated through Haritaki's well-established purgative pharmacology, confirming traditional use in maintaining digestive health ## 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 - Traditional avaleha preparation considered safe at recommended doses (5-10g with honey or warm water); Kantakari's steroidal alkaloids are buffered by the jaggery/honey matrix of the confection - Solanine-containing herbs should be used cautiously during pregnancy; long-term safety data from controlled clinical trials is lacking; recommended to use under Ayurvedic practitioner supervision ## 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 (confection/lehyam), Churna (powder blend), Capsule, Tablet **Standard Dosage:** 5-10 g Avaleha twice daily with warm water or milk; 3-5 g churna twice daily; 500 mg-1 g extract capsule twice daily **Bioavailability:** This is a polyherbal formulation combining Kantakari (Solanum surattense) with Haritaki (Terminalia chebula). Solasodine (from Kantakari) has moderate oral bioavailability (~25-35%). Chebulagic acid and gallic acid (from Haritaki) are absorbed as described in Haritaki/[Triphala](/herb/triphala/) profiles. The Avaleha (jaggery/sugar-based confection) matrix serves as a taste-masking and slow-release vehicle. Ghee and honey used as processing adjuncts enhance bioavailability of both hydrophilic and lipophilic components. **Optimal Timing:** After meals with warm water or milk; morning and evening; at bedtime for nocturnal cough/asthma **Standardized Extract:** Avaleha as per AFI (Ayurvedic Formulary of India) specifications; individual herb extracts: Kantakari >0.5% solasodine, Haritaki >3% gallic acid by HPLC **Shelf Life:** Avaleha: 18-24 months; Churna blend: 12-18 months; Capsules/Tablets: 24-36 months **Storage:** Avaleha in wide-mouth glass or food-grade plastic jars at 15-25 deg C. Do not refrigerate (crystallization of sugar). Use dry, clean spoon for dispensing. Capsules in standard pharmaceutical packaging. **Marker Compounds:** Solasodine (from Kantakari), Solanine (from Kantakari), Chebulagic acid (from Haritaki), Gallic acid (from Haritaki), Ellagic acid (from Haritaki), Piperine (from [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) adjunct), Carpesterol ### Extraction Methods - Traditional Avaleha Kalpana: decoction of Kantakari + Haritaki concentrated and processed with jaggery, honey, ghee, and spices (Pippali, Twak, Ela, [Tamalpatra](/herb/tamalpatra/), [Nagakesara](/herb/nagakesara/)) - Powdering and blending of individual herbs - Hydroethanolic extraction for standardized capsule form ### Synergistic Combinations - This IS a synergistic formulation: Kantakari ([bronchodilator](/reference/bronchodilator/), [expectorant](/reference/expectorant/)) + Haritaki (mild laxative, [Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/), respiratory tonic) - Enhanced with Pippali (bioenhancer, respiratory stimulant) - Chaturjata (Twak, Ela, Tamalpatra, Nagakesara) - aromatic and carminative blend within the formulation - Honey and ghee as Yogavahi (bioenhancers and vehicles) --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/vyaghri-haritaki/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India 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.