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 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 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 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 adjunct), Carpesterol
Extraction Methods
- Traditional Avaleha Kalpana: decoction of Kantakari + Haritaki concentrated and processed with jaggery, honey, ghee, and spices (Pippali, Twak, Ela, Tamalpatra, Nagakesara)
- Powdering and blending of individual herbs
- Hydroethanolic extraction for standardized capsule form
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)
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.