Kumaryasava: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Kumaryasava is an Ayurvedic formulation, which has aloe vera as the main ingredient. Asavas are medicinal preparations prepared by soaking the drugs (decoction or powder) in a solution of jaggery or sugar for a definite period. It undergoes the fermentation process by producing alcohol, which facilitates the extraction of active constituents of drugs. Kumaryasava is composed of Aloe barbadensis, Terminalia chebula, Ricinus communis, Myristica fragrans, Syzygium aromaticum, Woodfordia fruticosa, Piper cubeba, Nardostachys jatamansi, jaggery and water². As per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Kumaryasava should comprise not less than 5% v/v and not more than 10% v/v of self-generated alcohol³. Phytochemical analysis of Kumaryasava showed the presence of saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, and anthraquinone glycosides¹.  

Nutritional Value of Kumaryasava

The phytochemical screening of Kumaryasava showed the presence of carbohydrates in addition to phytochemicals¹.   

Uses of Kumaryasava

• The phytochemicals present in Kumaryasava, such as saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, and anthraquinone glycosides, contribute to its various therapeutic uses¹.
• Kumaryasava is one of the most widely used over-the-counter products.
• It is used as a health tonic for adults and children to treat weak digestion, urinary disorders, liver impairment, and cough¹.  

In my clinical experience, Kumaryasava may help provide relief and support in managing discomfort associated with urinary tract stones. It’s sometimes considered as part of a natural approach to urinary tract health¹¹.

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

Benefits of Kumaryasava

As per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Kumaryasava is beneficial in managing various conditions like digestive impairment, duodenal ulcers, urinary disorders, bleeding disorders, epilepsy, worm infestation, loss of memory, weakness, diseases of the abdomen, and tastelessness⁴. 

1. Benefits of Kumaryasava as a Liver Protective Agent

• Kumaryasava has been widely used because of its various benefits in managing liver disorders.
• Kumaryasava provides protection against hepatotoxicity.
• Its hepatoprotective activity is attributed to the many antioxidant phytochemicals present in it.
• It is a useful hepatoprotective formulation⁵.  

2. Benefits of Kumaryasava in Treating Gastric Disorders

• Kumaryasava has many benefits in managing gastric conditions.
• Kumaryasava helps in relieving discomfort due to gas and acidity.
• It also relieves constipation.
• Additionally, it helps by stimulating digestive enzymes⁶. 

In clinical practice, Kumaryasava is sometimes considered helpful in managing issues like reduced appetite and supporting patients with diabetes. It is believed to stimulate digestive enzymes, which may aid in improving digestion¹³.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

3. Benefits of Kumaryasava in Managing Painful Periods

• According to a study, the administration of Kumaryasava was found to be safe and effective in relieving the signs and symptoms associated with dysmenorrhoea (medical term for painful periods).
• Kumaryasava could reduce the overall pain associated with dysmenorrhoea⁷.  

From a clinical point of view, Kumaryasava may help patients who experience painful or difficult urination (dysuria). Its main ingredient, Aloe vera, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which might help reduce discomfort¹¹.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Kumaryasava?

As per the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Kumaryasava should be taken after meals and with water⁸. It can be taken with water for managing indigestion and constipation^9,10. The Ayurvedic Physician will prescribe you the form and dosage as per your health condition.

Did you know Kumaryasava is believed to aid in menopausal problems? This effect can be attributed to aloe vera as the major ingredient that helps to soothe the pain and difficulties associated with menopause¹².

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions to Take with Kumaryasava

Patients with ongoing medication for chronic diseases should consult a doctor before using Kumaryasava. Keep the following points in mind: 

• During Pregnancy: There is a lack of data related to the safe use of Kumaryasava in pregnant women. Therefore use this medicine only after consulting the physician.  
• During Breastfeeding: There is not enough data to support its safe usage during breastfeeding. Therefore kindly follow the doctor’s advice before using it.  

Also Read: Pippali (Long Pepper): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Interactions with Other Drugs

As per the Essential drug list of Ayurveda, there are no specific contraindications associated with Kumarysava⁸. However, notify your doctor regarding all the medicines and health supplements that you take before taking Kumaryasava.  

Also Read: Babool (Acacia Nilotica): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Elamthuruthy AT, Shah CR, Khan TA, Tatke PA, Gabhe SY. Standardization of marketed Kumariasava – An Ayurvedic Aloe vera product. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis [Internet]. 2005 Apr 29 [cited 2022 Feb 11];37(5):937–41. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7874865_Standardization_of_marketed_Kumariasava_-_An_Ayurvedic_Aloe_vera_product
2. Selvan PS, Sanmuga Priya E. Determination of ethanol content in ayurvedic formulations kumaryasava and mustakarista by gas chromatography. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences [Internet]. 2015 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Feb 11];77(1):120. Available from: https://www.ijpsonline.com/articles/determination-of-ethanol-content-in-ayurvedic-formulations-kumaryasava-and-mustakarista-by-gas-chromatography.html
3. Jagdish Manwar RM, Satish Padgilwar MV. Effect of Preparation Method on Antioxidant Activity of Ayurvedic Formulation Kumaryasava. Journal of Homeopathy & Ayurvedic Medicine. 2012;01(04). Available from: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effect-of-Preparation-Method-on-Antioxidant-of-Manmode-Manwar/306c7e970a553ce38c2a7932b4cf8fedd6acb07a
4. The ayurvedic formulary of India | Part 1. Second Edition. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee. Government of India. Available from: https://pcimh.gov.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=1&ls_id=56&lid=54
5. Khan MA, Gupta A, Sastry JLN, Ahmad S. Hepatoprotective potential of kumaryasava and its concentrate against CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences [Internet]. 2015 Oct 1 [cited 2022 Feb 15];7(4):297. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26681887/
6. Motghare KP, Yeokar V. A Review on Traditional Ayurveda Formulations and their Therapeutic Importance. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics [Internet]. 2019 May 15 [cited 2022 Feb 15];9(3):650–3. Available from: http://www.jddtonline.info/index.php/jddt/article/view/2663
7. Lal P, Lal SK, Garg S. A CLINICAL COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF KUMARYASAVA AND RAJAHPRAVARTANI VATI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PRATHMIK KASTARTAVA W.S.R. TO (PRIMARY DYSMENORRHOEA): A PROSPECTIVE OPEN LABEL SINGLE CENTER STUDY. undefined. 2017. Available from: https://www.jahm.co.in/index.php/jahm/article/view/1688
8. Essential Drugs List (EDL)_Ayurveda | Department of Ayush Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Available from: https://nischennai.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/siddha-essential-drugs-list-2013.pdf
9. Ajirna (Indigestion) | National Health Portal of India [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 11]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366808191_Indigestion-induced_hyperacidity_Vidagdhajirna_treated_with_Ayurveda_therapy_a_single_case_study
10. Constipation (Vibandha) | National Health Portal of India [Internet]. [cited 2022 Feb 11]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360642968_Constipation-A_major_health_disorder_Role_of_herbal_medicine_treatment
11. Singhal R, Barla MA, Roushan R. Ayurvedic management of renal cyst – a case study. J Ayurveda. 2022;16:263-6. doi:10.4103/joa.joa_48_22. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rakesh-Roushan-3/publication/364292657_Ayurvedic_Management_of_Renal_Cyst/links/6343c294ff870c55ce14741a/Ayurvedic-Management-of-Renal-Cyst.pdf
12. Dey A, Dhadhal S, Maharjan R, Nagar PS, Nampoothiri L. Partially purified non-polar phytocomponents from Aloe barbadensis Mill. gel restores metabolic and reproductive comorbidities in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rodent model—an “in-vivo” study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;291:115161. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115161. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874122001994
13. Alexandar S, Joy JM. Pharmacognostical Evaluation and HPTLC profiling of the root of Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2022;15(3):1245-0. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2022.00208. Available from: https://rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2022-15-3-51

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.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

11