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 conditions¹. It may be used in cosmetics for the skin². It is a herbo-mineralo, hydro-alcoholic preparation that may be used to manage memory and sleep-related disorders³.

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   

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 properties⁴
• It may benefit brain health¹
• 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 properties⁷.

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 more⁴. This information is insufficient and requires more studies on humans to prove the potential uses of saraswatarishta for digestive ailments.

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 system⁹.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

2. Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta for Intellectual Disability

According to a study⁶ 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. 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.

Did you know? Saraswatarishta might aid in minimising the discomfort experienced with periods along with its effects on mental disorders⁸.

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

3. Potential Uses of Saraswatarishta for the Brain

In a study⁷ 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). 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.

When Saraswatarishta is consumed with gold, it might help to enhance speaking, thinking and wisdom. It is believed to stimulate and nourish our body¹⁰.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

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 problems⁴. 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.

How to Use Saraswatarishta?

You can take saraswatarishta with water⁶. However, it is advisable that you consult your doctor before taking saraswatarishta. They will tell you the dose you can take. 

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.

Also Read: Guduchi (Giloy): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

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: Kumaryasava: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

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.

Also Read: Gulkand(Rose Petal Jam): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

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. Prabhu J, Jayakumari S, Prabhu K, Kumar JA, Subramanian M, Kavimani. Saraswatarishta reverses neuronal injury in brain tissues of scopolamine-induced rat model. J Anat Soc India [Internet]. 2019;68(4):269–73. Available at: https://www.jasi.org.in/temp/JAnatSocIndia684269-4364334_120723.pdf 
3. 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_PHARMACEUTICAL_PREPARATION_AND_DETERMINATION_OF_QUALITY_STANDARDS_OF_SARASWATARISHTA_A_HERBO-MINERAL_ALCOHOLIC_FORMULATION 
4. 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/
5. 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 
6. 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
7. 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/ 
8. Integration of Modern Scientific Advances and Technological Developments in Ayurveda. J Res Ayurvedic Sci [Internet]. [cited 2025 Nov 04]. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/jras/pages/default.aspx
9. Kharat MS, Parulkar GD. SARASWATARISHTA: a miraculous rasayana. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2016;5(11):358-61. doi:10.20959/wjpr201611-7144. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/1477903050.pdf
10. Dhotre V, Kale A, Parade D, Patil A, Bane S. Role of Ayurveda in ADHD w.s.r. Vataja Unmada – a case study. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2023;12(5):1361-9. Available from: https://wjpr.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/article_issue/22fa278eb25996ffb890900f933e05be.pdf

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.

15

3