Arogyavardhini is a traditional multi-herb supplement that has been utilized for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to address various liver and skin ailments. Ayurveda, the ancient medical system originating from India, embraces holistic and natural healing approaches, including this plant-based remedy, to promote both mental and physical well-being. Despite its long-standing history, there are only a limited number of clinical studies that have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments. Moreover, there are several health concerns associated with the use of arogyavardhini that warrant careful consideration.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of arogyavardhini supplements, detailing their common applications and assessing their safety.

What is Arogyavardhini?

Arogyavardhini, known by several names, is a significant formulation in Ayurvedic medicine. Some of its common aliases include:

• arogyavardhini vati
• arogyavardhini gutika
• arogyavardhini rasa
• sarvroghar vati

This supplement is a carefully crafted blend of various ingredients, typically including the following:

The components, presented either as powders or liquid extracts, are combined into a cohesive paste often bound with a starch agent. This concoction is characterized by a deep black hue and a notably bitter flavor. A study conducted in 2016 examining the pharmacological properties of Arogyavardhini revealed that it is rich in nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, starches, and steroids. Additionally, it contains various plant compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols. Arogyavardhini stands as a vital herbal formulation within traditional Ayurvedic practices, consisting of 13 diverse ingredients that encompass dried fruits, plant extracts, as well as processed metals and minerals.

The Potential Health Benefits and Applications

Although arogyavardhini has a longstanding history in Ayurvedic medicine, it is important to note that scientific investigation into its efficacy is still in its infancy. The existing studies are generally inadequately designed and provide only limited evidence supporting its claims. Therefore, while considering its traditional applications, it is wise to approach these uses with skepticism and to regard even the scientific claims with a degree of caution.

Traditional Applications

One of the foundational beliefs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine is that optimal wellness is achieved through the balance of three vital energies within the body, commonly referred to as doshas. The three doshas consist of vata, pitta, and kapha. Conversely, an imbalance among these energies is thought to contribute to a variety of health issues.

Arogyavardhini is believed to restore equilibrium among the three doshas and has been traditionally employed to address a range of ailments, including:

• fever
• obesity (motapa)
• acne (acne vulgaris)
• eczema (kandu)
• dermatitis
• edema (soth)
• jaundice (pandu), a condition characterized by the accumulation of yellow pigments in the bloodstream
• liver disorders (yakrit vikara)
• digestive issues
• loss of appetite (bhukh nahi lagna)
• irregular bowel movements

Measuring the effects of arogyavardhini on doshas scientifically poses challenges; therefore, researchers have focused on how this herbal formulation influences specific diseases and health conditions.

Potential Liver Health Support

Arogyavardhini is often touted for its ability to address liver diseases. Various studies have investigated its protective effects on liver function in both human and animal subjects. In one experiment, researchers assessed the protective properties of this concoction against liver damage in rats exposed to a toxic substance.

One cohort received a daily dose of 41 mg of arogyavardhini per pound (90 mg per kg) of body weight for one week, while other groups received either standard medication or no treatment. The rats treated with arogyavardhini exhibited smaller increases in blood fat, urea, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels compared to those receiving only the toxic substance, indicating a degree of liver function protection.

In another study involving 32 individuals with indicators of fatty liver disease, including elevated ALT levels, one group consumed an Ayurvedic formulation known as Triphala Guggulu alongside arogyavardhini, while adhering to a diet and exercise plan. This group demonstrated significant improvements in liver function tests, blood lipid levels, and a reduction in symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and nausea, compared to those who followed only the diet and exercise regimen. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain what effects, if any, arogyavardhini would have had independently.

Normalization of Blood Lipid Levels

Additional investigations involving both humans and animals suggest that arogyavardhini may hold promise in enhancing blood lipid profiles, potentially lowering the risk of heart disease. In one study, 96 participants with abnormal lipid levels were administered 5 grams of arjuna bark powder, an Ayurvedic herb, for three weeks, followed by 500 mg of arogyavardhini for an additional four weeks. Participants exhibited significant improvements in their lipid profiles, particularly concerning triglycerides and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.

However, since arjuna bark powder was also part of the regimen, it is difficult to ascertain whether these benefits were attributable solely to arogyavardhini. Furthermore, the absence of a control group in this study complicates the interpretation of results. A study conducted on rats also indicated that arogyavardhini significantly improved triglyceride levels and both LDL and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels after just one week.

Addressing Stomach Condition Symptoms

Arogyavardhini has frequently been employed within Ayurvedic medicine to manage chronic gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. In a previous study, participants suffering from malnourishment due to chronic gastrointestinal conditions were given 1.6 ounces (45.5 grams) of the formula over a 31-day period, leading to notable improvements in their nutritional status. However, as arogyavardhini was not the only Ayurvedic treatment utilized in this research, attributing the outcomes solely to this remedy is not feasible. Thus, further studies and randomized controlled trials are warranted to explore arogyavardhini's efficacy in treating chronic digestive disorders.

In summary, arogyavardhini has a long-standing application in Ayurvedic medicine, demonstrating potential benefits for liver health and blood lipid normalization, although additional research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness.

Potential Side Effects

Arogyavardhini, a traditional Ayurvedic formulation, raises concerns regarding the possibility of heavy metal toxicity. One of the predominant safety issues surrounding Ayurvedic remedies is the presence of specific metals and minerals. Therefore, it is crucial to procure your herbal Ayurvedic preparations from trustworthy sources, adhere strictly to the prescribed dosages, and engage in discussions with your healthcare professional beforehand.

This caution is reinforced by various studies that have detected elevated levels of lead and mercury in individuals utilizing Ayurvedic products. However, it is worth noting that other research focusing on arogyavardhini has concluded that this herbal blend is safe for both humans and animals. In particular, two studies conducted on rats indicated that the mercury and copper found in this herbal mix do not pose significant toxic risks. The first study noted mercury accumulation in the kidneys but found no metal buildup in the liver or brain. Conversely, the second study reported no marked alterations in behavior, liver function, or kidney performance.

Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that heavy metals, such as mercury, are exceptionally toxic and should never be consumed. Given the absence of extensive long-term human studies, the consumption of arogyavardhini cannot be endorsed until more safety data becomes accessible. As it stands, due to insufficient comprehensive research on humans, arogyavardhini is not currently considered safe, particularly because of concerns about its heavy metal content.

Recommended Dosage Guidelines

Research regarding the safety and potential side effects of arogyavardhini is currently limited, leading to uncertainties surrounding its ideal dosage. Certain groups of individuals, including children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as those with specific medical conditions or those on particular medications, are advised to completely refrain from using arogyavardhini. Traditionally, Ayurvedic texts have indicated that a daily dosage ranging from 500 mg to 1 gram of arogyavardhini may be appropriate. Nonetheless, the consumption of this supplement is generally not recommended due to significant safety concerns, particularly regarding its potential heavy metal content. Given the absence of comprehensive safety studies, the precise dosage remains unclear, and the usage of arogyavardhini is strongly advised against.

The Final Verdict

Arogyavardhini, an herbal formulation rooted in traditional Ayurvedic practices, is commonly utilized to address various health conditions. While its effectiveness is acknowledged, it is important to note that not all of its applications have undergone rigorous scientific investigation to date. Certain claimed benefits, particularly its potential to regulate blood lipid levels and aid in liver ailments, demonstrate some promise, albeit based on a very limited body of research.

Despite these potential advantages, it is advisable to exercise caution and generally refrain from using this supplement, particularly due to the possibility of it containing heavy metals that can accumulate in the body over time. More comprehensive safety studies are essential before arogyavardhini can be confidently recommended for widespread use.