Health Benefits of Arogyavardhini and What the Science Tells Us

Arogyavardhini is a combination of herbs and minerals used for ages to address a multitude of health concerns while bringing balance back to the body. This ancient formula has been traditionally used to treat skin issues, liver disorders, stomach ailments, and more. It is both a time-honored tradition and a subject of modern scientific study, making it an intriguing area for exploration.

What is arogyavardhini?

Arogyavardhini is an herbal and mineral blend based on Ayurvedic medicine that targets various health issues. The term 'arogya' signifies good health, while 'vardhini' denotes an improver, encapsulating the essence of a formulation designed to improve and enhance health.

Arogyavardhini is considered a versatile and holistic remedy, and it helps rebalance the three doshas — vata, pitta, and kapha.

Different arogyavardhini forms: rasa vs. vati

In the world of Ayurveda, there are two notable variations of arogyavardhini — arogyavardhini vati and arogyavardhini rasa. Despite their similar names, the compositions of Ayurvedic formulations may differ based on the specific recipes of practitioners or manufacturers. While both arogyavardhini vati and arogyavardhini rasa aim to achieve similar effects and contain common ingredients, they may not have the exact same formula, with ingredient ratios potentially varying.

• Arogyavardhini vati. Tablet or pill form.
• Arogyavardhini rasa. Typically found in powdered form.

When choosing between vati and rasa forms, several factors come into play, including the specific health condition that needs to be addressed, the practitioner's preferences, and the traditional practices of a particular Ayurvedic region or school. Additionally, arogyavardhini is available in other forms, such as paste formulations, and it may go by different names depending on the variation.

Traditional uses of arogyavardhini

Arogyavardhini, as described in Ayurvedic texts, has been revered for its therapeutic properties in addressing skin and liver disorders. Ayurvedic practitioners have harnessed its versatility to manage a broad spectrum of health issues.

Skin. Widely acknowledged for its efficacy, arogyavardhini is considered a potent remedy for diverse skin conditions, ranging from leprosy to acne.

Liver. Arogyavardhini has demonstrated effectiveness in managing liver disorders such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and jaundice.

Gastrointestinal system. Renowned for its impact on the gastrointestinal system, arogyavardhini is purported to alleviate symptoms like lack of appetite, indigestion, irregular bowel movements, and enhanced digestion. Notably, it acts as a carminative, relieving gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort.

Cardiac health. In heart health, arogyavardhini is believed to reduce fat accumulation and promote overall heart health.

Beyond these specific applications, arogyavardhini is also attributed to strengthening organs, alleviating inflammation, contributing to hormonal balance, and is used to treat certain fevers.

These traditional uses underscore the remarkable versatility of arogyavardhini in addressing a myriad of health conditions, offering a holistic approach deeply rooted in centuries-old Ayurvedic wisdom.

Arogyavardhini: does science agree?

It is important to note that while some studies suggest the effectiveness of arogyavardhini as a traditional herbal-mineral remedy, further research is needed to determine its safety and efficacy conclusively. Most studies on this remedy have been conducted in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, making it difficult to isolate the remedy's impact, as lifestyle changes themselves are known to benefit various health conditions. Therefore, conducting more rigorous studies with larger sample sizes, randomized control designs, and comprehensive methodologies is essential to enhance our scientific understanding of arogyavardhini's effectiveness as an herbal remedy.

Nutrient-rich

A 2016 review of arogyavardhini rasa confirmed a diverse array of bioactive ingredients, including cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids, flavonoids, saponins, amino acids, starch, and sugars, highlighting its rich and varied nutrient content.

Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a health condition that involves a combination of obesity, high triglycerides (fats in the blood), problems with blood sugar, and insulin resistance.

In a study with 70 participants, half of them implemented only lifestyle changes, and the other half received arogyavardhini along with lifestyle modifications for eight weeks.

People 20–60 years old with obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL (good cholesterol), high blood pressure, and blood sugar issues were included in the double-blind randomized clinical trial. Those already on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar and those with severe health conditions were excluded from the study.

The group that received arogyavardhini and lifestyle changes demonstrated significant improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels compared to the group that only implemented lifestyle modifications, suggesting that arogyavardhini may benefit individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Liver health

The liver is a vital organ essential for the body's overall well-being. It is vulnerable to various factors, such as lifestyle choices and dietary habits. Arogyavardhini has been used traditionally for treating liver diseases and has gained recognition for its effectiveness.

To assess the impact of arogyavardhini on liver health, a randomized, retrospective, open-ended study involving 32 individuals with elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver (without signs of liver failure) was conducted. The group combining arogyavardhini with lifestyle modifications exhibited promising outcomes in liver treatment and protection compared to those relying solely on lifestyle changes. This intervention notably improved clinical symptoms, enhanced liver function test results, improved lipid profiles, normalized fasting blood sugar levels, and facilitated weight management.

Other potential health benefits

While scientific evidence supporting the traditional uses of arogyavardhini is limited, its key ingredients are known for specific benefits:

• Haritaki. Addresses liver disorders, including fatty liver and cirrhosis.
• Bibhitaki. Aids digestion and combats parasitic worms in the GI system.
• Amalaki. Exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties, supporting liver health.
• Shuddh shilajit. Renews vitality and acts as a potent antioxidant.
• Guggulu. Supports cholesterol balance.
• Chitrak. Addresses digestive disorders.
• Picrorhiza kurroa. Has therapeutic properties in liver disorders.

Saftey and precautions

Use caution with arogyavardhini due to its mineral and heavy metal components like mercury. However, a study administering Arogyavardhini vati to rats at doses up to 10 times the human equivalent for 28 days revealed no appreciable toxic effects on the brain, liver, or kidneys, suggesting a relatively safe profile regarding its mercury and copper content.

Improper or inadequate purification of these ingredients carries risks, as does self-medication, because over-dosage may result in severe poisoning. However, it is worth noting that up to the present time, no adverse effects have been reported for arogyavardhini.

Ensuring safe usage of arogyavardhini is crucial, akin to modern medicine. Essential precautions include:

Prescription requirement. Only use arogyavardhini under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner, medical doctor, or herbalist. Its purpose is to assist in balancing the doshas and is not intended for preventive measures in general health.

Recommended dosage. The standard recommended daily dose of arogyavardhini ranges from 500 mg to 1000 mg. Adhering to this prescribed range is crucial for safe consumption.

Contraindications. It is advised not to take arogyavardhini if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently on any medications. This precautionary measure ensures your well-being when taking arogyavardhini.

Arogyavardhini, rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom, is a versatile remedy with potential benefits for liver health, metabolic syndrome, and more. While scientific evidence grows, caution and adherence to recommended guidelines ensure safe utilization under professional guidance. Its rich tradition and evolving research underscore its promising role in holistic well-being.