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Amritarishta: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and more!

By Dr Ashok Pal +2 more

Introduction: 

Ayurvedic medicines are widely used in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Amritarishta is an Ayurvedic formulation. The ingredients in amritarishta include amrita, patala, bilva, gambhari, shyonaka, agnimanta, bruhati, prashniparni, shaliparni, kantakari, jala, gokshura, jaggery, jeeraka, nagara, parpata, katuki, ativisha, saptaparna, pippali, maricha, and self-generated alcohol.1 It contains 5 to 8% of self-generated natural alcohol. It also has water that may help in absorption and proper digestion and may boost natural immunity.2 The main ingredient in amritarishta is the dried stem of amrita/guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).3 Amritarishta may have some effects on arthritis, gouty arthritis, fever, rheumatic fever, viral fever, auto-immune disorders, and skin disorders.1

amritarishta uses

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Chemical Constituents of Amritarishta: 

The chemical constituents of amritarishta include alkaloids, steroids, and a high amount of phenolic compounds.3 

Properties of Amritarishta:

Amritarishta may have  the following beneficial properties:

  • It may have cholesterol-lowering properties. 3
  • It may have a  diuretic effect (may increase  urine passage)4
  • It may benefit  heart health 5
  • It may have a blood sugar lowering properties6
  • It may have  anti-microbial activity7
  • It may have an immunomodulatory effect (may modify  the immune system functioning)
  • It may have bone-strengthening properties.
  • It may have anti-malarial properties
  • It may benefit liver health
  • It may have anti-cancer activity
  • It may have  antioxidant activity.8

Potential Uses of Amritarishta:

Some of the potential uses of amritarishta are described as follows:

Potential uses of Amritarishta for diabetes

A study by Tiwari et al., 2014, was conducted where amritarishta was tested for its blood sugar-lowering activity in animals. The results showed that it significantly lowered the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (bad cholesterol), , and triglycerides (fats) levels and elevated the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (good cholesterol). This result suggests that amritarishta might help lower the blood sugar levels.6 However, this study is insufficient and requires more studies to support the potential use of amritarishta for decreasing blood sugar levels in the body. Diabetes is a very serious condition; therefore, doctors’ consultation is necessary before taking amritarishta for managing blood sugar levels in the body.  

Also Read: Paneer Dodi: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Potential uses of Amritarishta for heart-related diseases

High triglyceride (fats) and cholesterol levels in the blood may be linked to heart-related diseases. In a study conducted in 2013, amritarishta was found to lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level and increase the HDL level. It significantly lowered the atherogenic level (reflects the triglyceride and HDL cholesterol). These results suggest that amritarishta may have  anti-atherosclerotic (reduces the fats deposition in arteries) activity that might be beneficial for managing heart-related diseases.3 This information is insufficient and require more human trials to suggest the uses of amritarishta. Therefore, people should speak to their concerned doctors and only have amritarishta if prescribed.

Potential uses of Amritarishta for arthritis and osteoporosis

The dried stem of amrita is the main ingredient in amritarishta.3 In traditional medicine, amrita with ginger has been used to manage rheumatoid arthritis. The extract of amrita has been stated to increase the joint cartilage thickness in animal studies. It was also reported to relieve osteoporosis (a condition where the bones become weak and brittle) in animals. Therefore, amrita might be helpful in dealing with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.8 However, these claims are related to animals and not to humans. Therefore, amritarishta needs large-scale human trials to support its potential uses for osteoporosis and arthritis.

Potential uses of Amritarishta for mental conditions

In a study, the amrita extracts reduced anxiety (caused due to sleep deprivation) and other mood disorders in animals. Also, the herb amrita may have  antioxidant properties that might enhance the weakened age-related cognitive (related to thinking, remembering, and reasoning) function, including intellectual decline, memory loss, and change in behaviour and personality.9 However, this information is insufficient and more studies are required to suggest the benefits of amritarishta for mental conditions. People should never use any herbal preparations to self-medicate themselves.

Potential uses of Amritarishta for kidney-related diseases

The herb amrita may relieve nephrotic syndrome (the body excretes too much protein in the urine) due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disease mostly occurring in children. The amrita extract may have benefits in managing  kidney diseases like nephrotic syndrome and urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella, E. coli, and other gram-negative microbes.9 You must consult a qualified doctor for proper advice on kidney-related diseases.

Although studies show the benefits of amritarishta in different health conditions, this information is insufficient. Hence, there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of amritarishta on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using amritarishta for any medical condition.

Based on my experience, I highly recommend considering Amritarishta, a polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine that has been traditionally used for various ailments. Recent studies have shown that this medicine might exhibit remarkable hepatoprotective properties, meaning it can help protect and support the health of the liver.

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

How to Use Amritarishta? 

Amritarishta can be taken with water after food.2

However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking amritarishta. Your doctor will examine you thoroughly and advise you on the dose and form accordingly. In addition, we recommend you do not replace or discontinue your ongoing medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations without seeking the medical advice of a doctor.

Side Effects of Amritarishta:

There is no sufficient scientific information on the side effects of amritarishta in humans. But if you notice any side effects after taking amritarishta, you must notify your doctor. They will be the best person to provide appropriate treatment for any side effects.

I would recommend considering Amritarishta, an Ayurvedic medicine that has been traditionally used for Vatasanshman karma (alleviating Vata dosha), Brihangan karma (promoting proper digestion), and specifically for conditions like Kamala (Jaundice) and Pandu (anaemia). The combination of various herbs in Amritarishta is believed to have synergistic effects, working together to balance Vata, improve digestion, and address specific conditions like Jaundice and anaemia.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Precautions to Take with Amritarishta:

Pregnancy: There is no sufficient data on the safe usage of amritarishta during pregnancy. Stay on the safer side and avoid using amritarishta during this time.

Breastfeeding: There is no sufficient data on the safe usage of amritarishta while breastfeeding. Therefore, consult your doctor before using amritarishta while breastfeeding.

Elderly people: There is no sufficient information on the safe usage of amritarishta in elderly people. Therefore, consult your Ayurvedic practitioner before giving amritarishta to elderly people.

Before consulting, people should never use amritarishta or any other herb to self-medicate themselves.

Interactions With Other Drugs:

There is no sufficient information on the interaction of amritarishta with any medicine. Therefore, if you are on any medication and want to take amritarishta, you must consult your doctor as they would guide you best on this.

Also Read: Kantakari: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Can I take amritarishta regularly?

You should always consult your doctor before taking any Ayurvedic preparation. They will guide you properly regarding the dosage and how long you can take amritarishta.

Is amritarishta good for diabetes?

Amritarishta may be good for diabetes. In a study conducted on animals, amritarishta lowered the FBG along with cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and increased the HDL levels. The lowered FBG suggested that it might be beneficial for diabetes.6 However, human studies are required to confirm the blood glucose-lowering activity of amritarishta in humans. Diabetes is a serious health condition and needs proper diagnosis. And only use it if prescribed by doctors.

Amritarishta is useful for managing which conditions?

Amritarishta might be useful for dealing with fever, viral fever, rheumatic fever, arthritis, gouty arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and skin disorders.1

Is amritarishta good for the heart?

Amritarishta might be beneficial to the heart. In a study (Tiwari et al., 2014), amritarishta reduced triglyceride, cholesterol, and LDL level and elevated the HDL level. This might be useful for managing heart-related diseases.3 However, this information needs scientific support and more studies on humans are also required to suggest the uses of amritarishta for heart health.

Can I take amritarishta without consulting a doctor?

It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking amritarishta. You can describe your condition/problems to them, and accordingly, they will prescribe you the form and dosage.

Are there any side effects of amritarishta?

There is not enough data available on the side effects of amritarishta, but if you notice any symptoms, you must immediately consult your doctor.

What is the main ingredient in amritarishta?

The dried stem of amrita, also called guduchi, is the main ingredient in amritarishta.3

Can I take amritarishta during pregnancy?

It is better to avoid taking amritarishta during pregnancy as there is not enough information available on its safe usage during pregnancy.

Can amritarishta interact with any medicines?

There is no sufficient information available on the interaction of amritarishta with any medicine. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking amritarishta.

What is amritarishta?

Amritarishta is an Ayurvedic formulation and contains 5 to 8% of self-generated natural alcohol.1,2

References: 

1. Rouf MA, Laila Mitu N, Kumar Das A, Atanu, Huq MS. Evaluation of hepatoprotective activity of ayurvedic Amritarishta. Int J Herb Med [Internet]. 2020;8(5):108–15. Available from: https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/65150577/7_5_91_962-with-cover-page-v2.pdf?Expires=1651479131&Signature=GJpamvNGvdLlMSXpNrJXBbK4x654AMnutTce8fj~fpdZm7wApuxDS9YYkHpHnMgmMbdJuLx0DsW3DB7mIIRGQNbd2Gxvqx1IuK1yEIKNPKwe3Yxm8lubHzK-UzDypmR2suhFUP6Zz~cN-cfjt 

2. Verma DN, Bavalatti DN, Kundal DP, Dr. Manjusha rajagopal. Ayurvedic Management of Anjanamika (External Horedolum)- A Case Report. World J Pharm Res [Internet]. 2020;9(4):1123–8. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1585390647.pdf 

3. Tiwari P. Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic potential of amritarishta prepared by traditional and modern methods in hyperlipidemic rats. Res J Pharmacogn Phytochem [Internet]. 2014;5(6):315–9. Available from: https://indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:rjpp&volume=5&issue=6&article=009 

4. Tiwari P. Evaluation of diuretic potential of draksharishta prepared by traditional and modern methods in experimental rats. Pharmacologyonline [Internet]. 2014;6(2):71–4. Available from: https://rjppd.org/HTML_Papers/Research Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics__PID__2014-6-2-10.html 

5. Tiwari P. Cardioprotective activity of amritarishta on isoproterenol induced myocardial infarction. Res J Pharmacol Pharmacodyn [Internet]. 2013;5(6):356–61. Available from: https://rjppd.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2013-5-6-19 

6. Tiwari P. Antidiabetic Potential of Amritarishta Prepared by Traditional and Modern Methods in Alloxan Induced Diabetic rats. Res J Pharmacol Pharmacodyn [Internet]. 2014;6(3):129–34. Available from: https://rjppd.org/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Research%20Journal%20of%20Pharmacology%20and%20Pharmacodynamics;PID=2014-6-3-13 

7. Tiwari P. Antimicrobial activity of Amritarishta prepared by traditional and modern methods. Res J Pharm Technol [Internet]. 2014;4(2):114–6. Available from: https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ajpr&volume=4&issue=2&article=008 

8. Ghosh S, Saha S. Tinospora cordifolia: One plant, many roles. Anc Sci Life [Internet]. 2012;31(4):151. Available from: http://www.ancientscienceoflife.org/text.asp?2012/31/4/151/107344 

9. Dhama K, Sachan S, Khandia R, Munjal A, Iqbal HMN, Shyma K, et al. Medicinal and Beneficial Health Applications of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi): A Miraculous Herb Countering Various Diseases/Disorders and its Immunomodulatory Effects. 2016;96–111. Available from: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Medicinal-and-Beneficial-Health-Applications-of-A-Dhama-Sachan/664a235d1d0b22e6ba0ae3adcde78f7a105a5a72

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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