Saraswatarishta: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!

Introduction:

Saraswatarishta is an Ayurvedic formulation that combines 18 ingredients, including brahmi, vidarikand, shatavari, ginger, myrobalan, dill, long pepper, jalap, laung, kuth, bach, ashwagandha, baheda, elaichi, giloyi, vidanga, tejpatta, and pure gold. Various studies have found that some of these 18, including brahmi, ashwagandha, laung, elaichi, and ginger, may help with neurological conditions.¹

It may be used in cosmetics for the skin.² It is a herbo-mineralo, hydro-alcoholic preparation that may be used to manage memory and sleep-related disorders.³

Nutritional Value of Saraswatarishta:

As Brahmi is the primary ingredient of saraswatarishta, the nutritional value of saraswatarishta is due to brahmi that contains the following nutritients:^4,5

• Carbohydrates: 5.9 gm
• Protein: 2.1 gm 
• Fats: 0.6 gm
• Energy: 38 cal 
• Crude fibre: 1.05 gm
• Calcium: 202 mg
• Iron: 7.8 mg 
• Phosphorus: 16 gm⁵   

Did you know? Saraswatarishta might aid in minimising the discomfort experienced with periods along with its effects on mental disorders.

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

Properties of Saraswatarishta:

Saraswatarishta may have  the following beneficial properties:

• It may act as a tranquilliser (may provide a calming and sedative effect)
• It may have an anxiolytic effect (may relieve  anxiety)
• It may have an antidepressant effect
• It may have digestive properties
• It may have a diuretic effect (may increase passage of urine)
• It may have antioxidant properties
• It may have nootropic effect (may enhance cognitive (related to learning, remembering, thinking) functions)
• It may have an immunomodulatory effect (may modulate  the immune system)
• It may have intellect-providing properties ⁴
• It may benefit brain health ¹
• It may have anti-stress activity
• It may have antipsychotic effect (may lower  psychotic symptoms like hallucination, delusion, and anxiety)⁶
• It may have memory-enhancing properties.⁷

Saraswatarishta is said to be a “Rasayana” in Ayurveda and it might aid to improve overall well-being and lengthen life. It improves the body’s immune system.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta:

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

1. Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta for the Digestive System

Saraswatarishta may have digestive properties such as laxative (may relieve constipation), carminative (may relieve gas), and antispasmodic effect (may relieve spasm). These properties of saraswatarishta might be helpful in constipation, loss of appetite, and more.⁴ This information is insufficient and requires more studies on humans to prove the potential uses of saraswatarishta for digestive ailments.

2. Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta for Intellectual Disability

According to a study report by Geethika et al., 2018, 30 children with intellectual disabilities were chosen for a human study and given saraswatarishta. The findings showed a significant enhancement in adaptive functioning (the ability of a person to handle common demands when compared to others of similar age and background), which is involved in the intellectual disability of children.⁶ However, this study information is insufficient and more such studies are required to confirm the use of saraswatarishta for managing intellectual disabilities of humans. People should not use saraswatarishta to self-medicate themselves before consulting a doctor.

3. Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta for the Brain

In a study conducted in 2020, saraswatarishta was tested for memory-enhancing properties in animals. The results showed that the pre-treatment with saraswatarishta benefitted memory and learning impairment caused by drugs and also enhanced memory and learning abilities. According to this observation, saraswatarishta may be employed as a beneficial measure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (impaired ability to remember and think).⁷ However, these studies are carried out on animals; hence, more human trials are required to support the true extent of saraswatarishta for enhancing memory in humans. So, it is essential to seek medical advice before using saraswatarishta for any health condition.

4. Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta for the Heart

The herbs in sarawatarishta, including brahmi, haritaki, and vidari, may act as a heart tonic and aid in managing heart diseases. In addition, the herbs in saraswatarishta may have hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) properties that might be helpful for managing heart problems.⁴ However, this information is insufficient and more human studies are needed to suggest the potential uses of saraswatarishta for heart health.

Though studies show the benefits of saraswatarishta in different health conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to develop the true scope of the benefits of saraswatarishta on human health. Additionally, every person may respond differently to saraswatarishta. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using saraswatarishta for any medical condition.

When Saraswatarishta is consumed with gold, it might help to enhance speaking, thinking and wisdom. It is believed to stimulate and nourish our body.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Saraswatarishta?

You can take saraswatarishta with water.⁶

However, it is advisable that you consult your Ayurvedic doctor before taking saraswatarishta. They will tell you the correct dose you can take. In addition, we recommend you do not replace or discontinue your ongoing medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations of saraswatarishta without seeking the medical guidance of your doctor.

Side Effects of Saraswatarishta:

There is no major study reporting the side effects of saraswatarishta in humans. However, if you notice any symptoms after having saraswatarishta, you must notify your doctor; they will help you and guide you accordingly.

Precautions to Take With Saraswatarishta:

Before using saraswatarishta or any other herbs for their properties, you need to consult with your healthcare provider. They will be able to guide you better about the possible precautions you need to take to avoid unwanted side effects. General precautions may be followed while taking any herb.

• Pregnant women and breastfeeding women: There is insufficient information on the safe usage of saraswatarishta during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Avoid using saraswatarishta during these times to be on the safe side.
• Older people: There is no sufficient data available on the safety of saraswatarishta in older people. Consult your doctor before taking saraswatarishta.
• Children: Children are sensitive and people need to be extra cautious while giving saraswatarishta to small children.

Also Read: Daruharidra: Uses, Benefits & How To Use

Interactions With Other Drugs:

There is insufficient information on the interaction of sarawatarishta with other medicines. However, one should not presume that there are no interactions at all. Therefore, if you are taking any medication, consult your doctor before taking saraswatarishta; they will give you the best advice depending on your condition and guide you accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Jethalia V, Hasyagar SV, Bhamidipati K, Chatterjee J. Analysing the role of saraswatarishta in the treatment of neurological disorders based on network pharmacology. Vol. 3, Neuroscience Research Notes. 2021. p. 23–35. Available at: https://neuroscirn.org/ojs/index.php/nrnotes/article/view/106 

2. Koyande AK, Gadgil SS. Pharmaceutical Preparation and Determination of Quality Standards of Saraswatarishta: a Herbo-Mineral Alcoholic Formulation. Int J Res Ayurveda Pharm. 2020;11(5):88–93. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346617923

3. Santwani K, Shukla V, Santwani M, Thaker G. An assessment of Manasika Bhavas in menopausal syndrome and its management. AYU (An Int Q J Res Ayurveda). 2010;31(3):311. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3221064/ 

4. Saurabh Shankar P, Preeti B, Santanu Associate Professor B, Gajanan D, Rupesh D, Patel Saurabh Shankar C, et al. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) as functional food ingredient in food processing industry. J Pharmacogn Phytochem [Internet]. 2018;7(3):189–94. Available at: https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue3/PartC/7-2-458-986.pdf 

5. Geethika G, Bhat V. A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Saraswatharishta In Mudhata W . S . R Intellectual Disability Of Children. 2018;8(7):12–6. Available at: http://www.iosrphr.org/papers/vol8-issue7/Version-2/C0807021216.pdf 

6. Rajopadhye BD, Sahasrabudhe RA. Memory enhancing activity of saraswatarishta in mice. Biomed Pharmacol J. 2020;13(4):2033–9. Available at: https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol13no4/memory-enhancing-activity-of-saraswatarishta-in-mice/ 

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