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.
| Substance type | Compound formulation of several ingredients, not a single plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Polyherbal Avaleha (confection) - classical Ayurvedic compound formulation |
| Also known as | Polyherbal formulation: Solanum surattense Burm.f. (Kantakari/Vyaghri) + Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki) as principal herbs, Vyaghri Haritaki, VyaghriHaritaki |
| 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 |
| Latin/Botanical | Polyherbal formulation: Solanum surattense Burm.f. (Kantakari/Vyaghri) + Terminalia chebula Retz. (Haritaki) as principal herbs |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Solasonine and solanine (steroidal glycoalkaloids from Kantakari)
- Solasodine (steroidal aglycone from Kantakari)
- Chebulinic acid and chebulagic acid (from Haritaki)
- Gallic acid and ellagic acid (from Haritaki)
- Tannins (from Haritaki - 32-45%)
- Diosgenin (from Kantakari)
- Piperine (from Pippali, if included in formulation)
- Beta-sitosterol
- Carpesterol (from Kantakari fruits)
How does it work?
- Antitussive and bronchodilatory mechanism through Kantakari steroidal alkaloids relaxing bronchial smooth muscle and reducing cough reflex sensitivity, combined with Haritaki’s mucolytic action
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic mechanism through solasonine and tannin-mediated inhibition of mast cell degranulation and reduction of histamine release in airways
- Mild laxative mechanism proposed through Haritaki’s chebulinic acid stimulating gentle peristalsis
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Traditionally used as a premier remedy in Kasa (cough) and Shwasa (asthma). Pharmacological studies have reported bronchodilatory and cough-suppressant properties.
- Traditionally used for Pratishyaya (chronic rhinitis/sinusitis). Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties have been reported for its constituent herbs.
- Traditionally used as a mild laxative and for detoxification, to maintain digestive health. Pharmacological studies have reported a purgative action for Haritaki.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. 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)
- 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
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
Optimal Timing: After meals with warm water or milk; morning and evening; at bedtime for nocturnal cough/asthma
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 adjunct), Carpesterol
Synergistic Combinations
- This IS a synergistic formulation: Kantakari (bronchodilator, expectorant) + Haritaki (mild laxative, 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)
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
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