Chyavanprash is a renowned Ayurvedic formulation that has a long history of usage as well as a detailed mention in the literature of Indian medicine.
With the introduction of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in 1940, and with various provisions related to Ayurvedic Drugs in 1964, firms started to manufacture Chyavanprash at commercial scale as an Ayurvedic medicine.
For the last 6 decades, many people around the world have been enjoying the health benefits of Chyavanprash.
History and its relevance today
There is a long mythological story associated with Chyavanprash. The creator of the formulation made it to give it to sage Chyavan for the boon of youthfulness.
It was a great achievement of the Indian medical tradition in making people understand the concept of 'aging' back then and the ways to stall it, which is, of course, a billion-dollar industry today.
The first mention of Chyavanprash was found in Charaka Samhita, a revered book in Ayurveda that dates back to the 8th century BC.
Ingredients of Chyavanprash
The formulation has a super concentrated blend of 45+ herbs and spices that act singly and synergistically to restore health.
The main ingredient being Amla (Indian gooseberry) is one of the richest sources of Vitamin C. The phytoconstituents of this superfood possess antioxidant principles that contribute to the rejuvenating properties of Chyavanprash.
The presence of cow ghee, sesame oil makes it a lipid-based (fat medium as a base) Rasayana that helps in better absorption of the phytonutrients.
Role of Chyavanprash in Health
Chyavanprash is a rejuvenating tonic that bestows benefits like longevity, immunity, strength, enhancement of memory, optimum strength of sense organs, and much more along with the capacity to allay a wide range of health concerns.
- It can improve digestion and metabolism due to the presence of many spices like Twak, Ela, Patra, Nagakesara, Pippali etc.
- Improves the functioning of the respiratory system because of the presence of botanicals like Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Pushkaramula (Inula racemosa), and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- The cocktail of various herbs and Vitamin C-rich Amla provide antioxidant, adaptogenic effects
- Studies have proven that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases. The presence of Dashamoolas (10 roots) offers an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Chyavanprash can also improve the functioning of the reproductive system due to the presence of powerful botanicals like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Main Phytochemicals in Chyavanprash
Amla has a range of potent antioxidant molecules, including Vitamin C, flavonoids, tannins, gallic acid, quercetin, etc.
Gallic acid is one of the main phytochemicals present in Chyavanprash and the Ayurveda Formulary of India mentioned that the Chyavanprash formulation contains not less than 0.5% of gallic acid when assayed through specific methods.
Gallic acid (GA) is a naturally available phytochemical present in amla fruit which contributes to its antioxidant effect. The phytochemical has great potential to facilitate defense against gut microbes and modulate immune responses.
Quercetin is another antioxidant phytochemical in Amla that has anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to reduce allergies and prevent neurological diseases.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis identified several other biologically active phenolics in Chyavaprash, i.e., protocatechuic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, rutin, ferulic acid which account for its therapeutic activity.
