Abhayarishta: Uses, Benefits & How to Use

Introduction:

Abhayarishta is an ayurvedic formulation prepared by fermenting the decoction of the parts of the following plants – fruit of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz), fruit of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Garten), fruit pulp of Kapittha (Feronia elephantum Correa), root of Indravaruni (Citrusllus colocynthetis Schrad), fruit of Vidanga (Embillia ribes Burn.F.), root of Pippali (Piper longum Linn), bark of Lodhra (Sympolocos racemosa Roxb.), fruit of Maricha (Piper nigrum Linn), fruit of Kankola (Piper cubeba Linn), Guda (Jaggery) and water.¹  

Abhayarishta is a type of Arishta formulated by anaerobically fermenting the decoctions plant parts mentioned above (kasaya) with jaggery solution in a sealed container for a specific period. This process produces ethanol that in turn works as a preservative. Abhayarishta is a similar Arishta prepared using the decoctions of the plants mentioned above.^2–4 

The fermentation process of the Abhayarishta helps incorporate the most significant property, namely antioxidant activity, to act on anorectal diseases like piles.² 

Nutritional Content of Abhayarishta:

The nutritional value of the significant ingredients of Abhayarishta are: 

• Fruit of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)– Fatty acids, chebulinic acid, tannic acid, gallic acid, chebulin and tannin.³ 
• Fruit of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Garten) – Ascorbic acid, gallic acid, chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, ellagic acid, corilagin, emblicanin A and B, punigluconin, quercetin and tannins.⁵ 
• Fruit pulp of Kapittha (Feronia elephantum Correa) – Coumarins, tyramine derivatives, beta carotene, vitamins (riboflavin and thiamine) and Stigmasterol (unripe fruit).⁶ 
• Root of Indravaruni (Citrullus colocynthis Schrad) – anti-diabetic compounds and potential antidote to scorpion and snail bites.^7,8 
• Fruit of Vidanga (Embelia ribes) – Reducing sugars, Mucilage, Proteins, Amino acids, fats and oils, Tannins, Alkaloids, and Saponins.⁴ 

Researchers believe that Abhayarishta might be helpful in the symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) such as vomiting (emesis). Abhayarishta is believed to be anti-emetic.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Therapeutic Uses of Abhayarishta:

Since ancient times, Abhayarishta has been in use to treat various gastrointestinal and other various ailments related to the digestive and excretory system. It consists of a combination of various herbs which imparts a set of unique therapeutic qualities to the formulation to manage different illnesses. One of the major and vastly prevailing diseases of recent times is piles, which is mainly caused due to sedentary lifestyle and improper diet. Abhayarishta is one of the prime medications that has been found to be very beneficial in managing such diseases in the field of Ayurveda.⁹ 

Some of the therapeutic properties that makes Abhayarishta a better choice of remedy is: 

• Antioxidant²
• Laxative⁴  
• Improves gastrointestinal motility¹⁰ 
• Blood purifier³ 
• Antiemetic³ 
• Analgesic⁴ 
• Anthelminthic⁴ 
• Anti-bacterial⁴ 
• Antidyslipidemic⁵ 
• Anti-aging⁵ 
• Astringent⁶ 
• Carminative⁶ 
• Anti-ulcer⁶ 
• Hepatoprotective⁶ 
• Anti-tumour and cytotoxic⁶ 
• Antihistaminic⁶ 
• Anti-inflammatory⁶ 
• Anti-fungal⁶ 
• Antifertility⁶ 
• Anti-microbial⁶ 
• Anti-diabetic⁶ 
• Antidote⁷ 
• Diuretic^11- 
• Detoxing¹¹ 

Also Read: Multani Mitti – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

Benefits of Abhayarishta:

1. Benefits of Abhayarishta for Constipation

• Abhayarishta can be used as a laxative and hence, in dealing with constipation.
• Its diuretic property aids in improving the peristaltic movements of the gut and eases the excretion process. ^11,12 
• Abhayarishta eases defecation by improving digestion and softening the feces. ¹⁰ 

2. Benefits of Abhayarishta for Piles

• Abhayarishta possesses antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation, pain, and irritation in the perianal area caused due to constipation.
• In addition, it can improve the elasticity of the perianal area and help to soothe the symptoms of piles. ² 
• Abhayarishta reduces the pile mass and dries it in non-bleeding piles.⁹ 

3. Benefits of Abhayarishta for Vitiligo

• Vitiligo is a skin condition where one’s immune system destroys the pigment-synthesizing melanin cells.
• The immunomodulatory activity of the fruits of Terminalia chebula can increase the concentration of antioxidant enzymes, which helps manage the destruction of pigment-producing melanocytes.
• Abhayarishta has been found to help reduce the size of vitiligo patches on the skin when taken along with other supportive topical applicants like Marichyadi Lepa.¹ 

Also Read: Lodhra – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

How to Use Abhayarishta?

Abhayarishta is usually mixed with equal amounts of water and taken orally as directed by your Ayurvedic physician. ¹¹ 

Your Ayurvedic physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition. 

Also Read: Pippali – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Clinical efficacy of Marichyadi Lepa. [cited 2022 Feb 21]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353682219  

2. Chemical changes during fermentation of Abhayarishta and its standardization by HPLC-DAD – PubMed [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 21]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20433076/  

3. De T, De LC. Nutrient rich foods in human diet as immunity boosters. ~ 197 ~ Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Feb 22];10(3). Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351450889_Nutrient_rich_foods_in_human_diet_as_immunity_boosters  

4. Lal B, Mishra N. Importance of Embelia ribes: An update. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2022 Feb 22];4(10):3823. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.4  

5. Kavita MB, Poornima B, Mallika KJ. AMALAKI (DRIED POWDER OF EMBLICA OFFICINALIS GAERTN) AS FOOD SUPPLEMENT IN DYSLIPIDEMIA-AN ANALYTICAL STUDY. Plant Archives [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2022 Feb 24];16(1):217–25. Available from: http://plantarchives.org/PDF%2016%20-%201/217-225%20(PA3-3259).pdf  

6. Sharma M, Nagdev S, Bhurat M, Dhankani A, Jain M, Mude G. Feronia elephantum Correa: A Potential Traditional Drug. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Sep 29 [cited 2022 Feb 25];12(3):482–4. Available from: https://www.ijam.co.in/index.php/ijam/article/view/1965  

7. Rahimi R, Amin G, Ardekani MRS. A review on citrullus colocynthis schrad.: From traditional iranian medicine to modern phytotherapy. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [Internet]. 2012 Jun 1 [cited 2022 Feb 25];18(6):551–4. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22784342/  

8. Chenghe Shi, Sabiha Karim, Chunyong Wang, Mingjing Zhao, Ghulam Murtaza. A review on antidiabetic activity of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad РPubMed [Internet]. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica ̱ Drug Research. 2014 [cited 2022 Feb 25]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25265814/

9. Pardeshi K, Kadibagil V. A REVIEW ON: BHESHAJA CHIKITSA IN ARSHA. WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL RESEARCH [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2022 Feb 21]; Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348928648  

10. Anupam Alman V, Ashok Alman A, Professor A, Tantra MES Ayurved Mahavidyalay S, Ratnagiri K. CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF DHANYAK GHRITA, ABHAYARISHTA AND KANKAYAN VATI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ARSHA. Certified Journal │ Alman et al World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2022 Feb 21];10. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/930f5978f5fb655bbd8b11510be75b46.pdf  

11. View of CLINICAL EVALUATION OF ERAND MOOLADI BASTI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI W.S.R. TO SCIATICA – A CASE STUDY [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 21]. Available from: http://www.ijaprs.com/index.php/ijapr/article/view/1129/895  

12. Constipation (Vibandha) | National Health Portal of India [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 22]. Available from: https://www.nhp.gov.in/constipation-vibandha_mtl  

13. Hemorrhoids & Fistula In Ano (Arsha & Bhagandara) [Internet]. Central Council For Research In Ayurvedic Sciences, Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. [cited 2022 Feb 22]. Available from: http://ccras.nic.in/sites/default/files/II%20Ayurveda%20Day/English/Arsh%20&%20Bhagandar.pdf  

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