Chitrakadi Vati: Uses, Benefits, Dosage, & Side Effects

What is Chitrakadi Vati?

A common herbal remedy used in the Ayurvedic medical system is called Chitrakadi Vati. The majority of its constituents are Katu (pungent) in taste.

Due to the presence of the active ingredient Chitraka, this Ayurvedic formulation is called Chitrakadi Vati or Chitrakadi Gutika. Several Ayurvedic texts classify the word ‘Chitrakadi’ as Agni (or fire) since it enhances Pachakagni (or digestive fire) which is helpful in eliminating Ama and preventing various digestive issues that occur due to lack of Pachakagni (or digestive fire).

It aids in the digestion of undigested food particles and eliminates toxins that get accumulated in the body, due to the malabsorption of the food. This, in addition, enhances the body’s metabolism and digestion, preventing numerous ailments (1).

According to Ayurveda, Chitrakadi Vati is primarily used to treat ailments such as indigestion, anorexia, abdominal pain, flatulence, and constipation that arise due to the formation of Ama (toxic residues in the body as a result of improper digestion). Due to its Pachan (helps in digestion) and Deepan (appetizer) properties, it aids in Ama digestion and aids in Shodhana (detoxification) of the body.

It improves the Pitta dosha and balances the Vata and Kapha doshas.

When consumed according to the recommended duration and dosage, Chitrakadi Vati is regarded as safe for use. However, it is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking Chitrakadi Vati, if you are suffering from a chronic disease of any kind.

What Are The Ingredients (Composition) of Chitrakadi Vati?

A 250 mg Vati or tablet of Chitrakadi Vati contains:

What Are The Medicinal Properties of Chitrakadi Vati?

Chitrakadi Gutika has the following main medicinal properties:

• Carminative

• Aam Pachak (Ama Dosha Eliminator)

• Antispasmodic

• Fat Burner

• Digestive Stimulant

What Are The Therapeutic Indications of Chitrakadi Vati?

Chitrakadi Gutika (or Vati) is indicated in the following health ailments:

• Bloating

• Loss of appetite

• Flatulence

• Indigestion

• Constipation

• Abdominal Distension

• Obesity

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Ama Dosha

What Are The Uses and Benefits of Chitrakadi Vati?

This formulation is very useful to treat various health ailments. Here, we will discuss the 12 uses and benefits of Chitrakadi Vati. These are:

1) Chitrakadi Vati Benefits For Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which a person may pass hard and dry stools or may face difficulty emptying the bowels.

Rats were used to test the effectiveness of different doses of the Chitrakadi Vati extract as a laxative. By increasing the weight of the produced feces, the Chitrakadi Vati extract demonstrated a considerable laxative effect. The laxative properties of Chitrakadi Vati may be attributed to the presence of long pepper and black pepper (2). The studies done so far don’t seem to be enough to support these effects of Chitrakadi Gutika. For better guidance, you should speak with your doctor.

According to Ayurveda, constipation occurs due to an aggravated Vata dosha. Some of the factors that can aggravate Vata dosha in the large intestine and cause constipation are:

• Sleeping late at night

• High stress

• Depression

• Excessive intake of tea or coffee

• Consuming junk foods

By balancing the Vata dosha and reducing dryness in the intestine, Chitrakadi Vati helps in the treatment of constipation. It also makes the stool soft and easy to pass.

2) Chitrakadi Vati Benefits for liver

Studies have shown that consuming Chitrakadi Gutika with buttermilk can effectively help in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reversing the fatty infiltration of the liver (3).

The effectiveness of the Chitraka root extract in protecting the liver was studied in rats. The administration of this extract to the rats significantly decreased the serum marker levels, showing that the extract has a liver-protective effect by re-establishing the normal function of the hepatocytes (4).

3) It Helps to Manage Diabetes

Rats were used to study the anti-diabetic effects of Chitraka root extract. By boosting hepatic hexokinase activity and lowering levels of serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, hepatic glucose-6-phosphate, and lactate dehydrogenase, the root extract may have anti-diabetic activity (4).

In the study, it was also found that Plumbagin (extract’s active ingredient) has considerably lowered the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (4). However, if you are diabetic then before using Chitakadi Vati, you should consult with your doctor.

4) Chitrakadi Vati Benefits for Indigestion

Chitrakadi Gutika is a strong digestive stimulant and is an effective remedy for treating indigestion, flatulence, constipation, and stomach pain.

Indigestion (or dyspepsia) is characterized by a sensation of pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen. It can be accompanied by bloating, a feeling of fullness, and flatulence. It can also be a symptom of various digestive ailments.

According to Ayurveda, indigestion is termed Agnimandya, and it occurs due to Pitta dosha imbalance. Its imbalance causes Mand Agni (low digestive fire), and when the consumed food is left undigested due to Mand Agni, it leads to the formation of Ama (toxins in the body because of improper digestion).  Chitrakadi Gutika is one of the best Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of issues related to indigestion. Due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestion) properties, it helps to digest the Ama and thus is beneficial in the management of indigestion. This Vati also helps to balance the Pitta dosha.

5) Chitrakadi Vati (Gutika) Benefits for Anorexia

Anorexia (or loss of appetite) is a condition in which people have an extreme fear of gaining weight and can become dangerously thin.

According to Ayurveda, anorexia is caused by an imbalance of Tridoshas (i.e. Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas). Mandagni (or low digestive fire) in the body may affect your digestion and the food you eat might be left undigested, causing the formation of Ama (toxins in the body due to improper digestion). This can cause anorexia, which is known as Aruchi in Ayurveda.

Because of its Deepan and Pachan properties, Chitrakadi Gutika helps in the digestion of food. This Gutika also helps to improve the Pitta Dosha and brings Pachak Agni (digestive fire) to its normal state. Overall, it aids to improve the appetite.

6) It’s Beneficial for Managing Cholesterol

Chitrakadi Vati contains Maricha, which may prevent cholesterol absorption while promoting cholesterol transporter protein translocation. By helping in the breakdown of larger fat molecules into simpler, easier-to-digest molecules; and inhibiting fat storage in the body, this Vati can also enhance digestion. But, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of Chitrakadi Vati in lowering cholesterol. So, it’s better to get medical advice, before consuming this Vati.

7) Chitrakadi Gutika is Helpful To Manage Blood Clotting

Rats were used to study the impact of ginger extract on prostaglandin-E2 and platelet thromboxane-B2 production. High doses of ginger when taken orally have shown to considerably lower serum prostaglandin-E2 and thromboxane-B2 levels. The results show that ginger has anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties (5). But, it’s recommended to take Chitrakadi Vati only under the guidance of your doctor.

8) Chitrakadi Gutika has Antioxidant Properties

Numerous studies have shown that ginger has strong antioxidant properties. These properties of ginger are one of the main likely explanations for its protective effects against (5):

• Radiation toxicity and lethality, and

• A range of fatal substances.

Additionally, Asafoetida (Hing) plant extracts have shown antioxidant activity in test animals. According to the study’s findings, rats’ livers had lower levels of lipid peroxidation (6). Chitrakadi Gutika contains ginger and Hing, therefore it might have a comparable effect.

But, if you want to use this tablet for this property, consult with your doctor first.

9) Chitrakadi Vati Benefits for Obesity

Researchers have studied the effects of asafoetida (Hing) on weight gain and fat deposition in diabetic patients. Studies have shown that it decreases adipocyte cell size, abnormal fat, and body weight. Hence, it can be a good option for diabetes-induced obesity. Since Hing is one of the components in Chitrakadi Vati, thus it may have a comparable impact. Though, more research is needed on these effects of Chitrakadi Vati.

Moreover, this formulation contains ingredients like lemon and ginger that prevent weight gain and lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. It also helps in burning out the extra fat and gives you a well-toned body.

10) Chitrakadi Vati Benefits for Vomiting

Vomiting (also known as emesis) can be expressed as an involuntary, forceful expulsion of the contents present in the stomach through the mouth.

According to Ayurveda, vomiting occurs mainly due to an imbalance of all three doshas, but mainly due to Pitta and Kapha dosha imbalance. Usually, this imbalance is caused by various eating habits such as consuming a large amount of Amla (sour), Teekshna (sharp), Ati-Sheeta (cold food), Guru (heavy diet), Kashaya (pungent), or Apakwa (raw/uncooked) food. This can lead to the formation of Ama (toxins due to improper digestion) and cause indigestion.

Fear, excessive sleep, grief, fasting, etc. are some of the other external factors that affect the imbalance of all the three doshas.

Chitrakadi Gutika aids in the treatment of vomiting by balancing Vata and Kapha dosha and improving Pitta dosha. Apart from this, because of its Pachan (digestion) and Deepan (appetizer) properties, this Vati is also helpful in the digestion of Ama.

11) Chitrakadi Vati is Beneficial in Managing Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of Chitraka leaf extract were studied in rats. The prostaglandin synthesis and release may be decreased by this extract, resulting in its anti-inflammatory action (4). To determine how much it will be advantageous for human health, more research on humans is required.

12) Chitrakadi Vati Relieves Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

In Ayurveda, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is termed Grahani and is generally caused by:

• Excessive consumption of food products that are difficult to digest

• Consuming food products that cause allergy

• Unhealthy food choices

• Irregular eating intervals

• Overeating

• Mental factors such as stress, and emotional problems.

Diarrhea and constipation both can occur in IBS. The presence of powerful herbs like Sonth, Pippali, Saunf, etc. in Chitrakadi Gutika, is very helpful in treating this painful ailment. This formulation aids prevent constipation and also reduces mental stress.

What Are The Side Effects of Chitrakadi Vati?

Chitrakadi Vati is generally well tolerable and safe when used according to the advice of your doctor.

Chitrakadi Vati Side Effects in Pitta Dosha Disorders

When used to treat a person with Kapha Dosha disorders, Chitrakadi Vati doesn’t have any adverse effects. But in case the patient has Pitta dosha disorders, then this Vati may cause adverse effects such as:

• Burning sensation in the abdomen

• Heartburn

• Burning feeling after a bowel movement

• Hyperacidity

Side Effects of Chitrakadi Vati During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

Chitrakadi Vati shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding; as it may cause abnormalities or birth defects in the growing fetus or it may pass through breast milk to the newborn and result in serious health issues.

Chitrakadi Vati Side Effects Due To Its Over Dosage

This Vati contains four different types of salt, thus in case of overdosage, its higher salt content may cause:

• Diabetes insipidus

• Hypertension

• Hypernatremia

• Gastritis

An excessive dosage taken without consulting a doctor may also result in other side effects like fever, ulcerative colitis, bleeding, stomach pain, bloating, sour burps, abdominal distension, etc.

Contraindications Of Chitrakadi Vati

Because of the presence of four types of salt in Chitrakadi Vati, this formulation should be avoided in the following diseases:

• Diabetes insipidus

• Hypertension

• Hypernatremia (High Level of Sodium in the Blood)

As this Vati increases the acid production in the stomach, it may also not be appropriate for the following ailments:

• Heartburn

• Mouth ulcers

• Peptic Ulcer

• Burning sensation in the abdomen

• Ulcerative colitis 

What is the Therapeutic Dosage of Chitrakadi Vati?

Depending upon the health condition, age, and Dosha, there might be different ideal therapeutic dosages for each person. Thus, it is always advised to consult your doctor, as he/she will examine your medical condition and prescribe you the right dosage for the specific time period.

The therapeutic dosage of Chitrakadi Vati may vary according to age:

For Adults: 1 or 2 tablets (of 500 mg) twice a day with lukewarm water or buttermilk

For Children: ½ or 1 tablet (of 125 – 250 mg) twice a day infused in normal or lukewarm water

The maximum dose of Chitrakadi Gutika should not exceed 2000 mg in a day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effect of Chitrakadi Vati on Tridosha?

It balances Vata and Kapha Dosha and improves Pitta Dosha.

How to use Chitrakadi vati?

It can be used in the form of:

• Chitrakadi Vati extract

• Chitrakadi Gutika (tablet)

How long can I take Chitrakadi Vati?

You can take this Vati for as long as the period recommended by your doctor.

The doctor will examine your medical condition and prescribe you the exact dosage for the specific time period.

Is Chitrakadi vati good for liver?

Yes, this formulation might be good for your liver.

Studies show that consumption of this Vati with buttermilk is beneficial in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by returning the fatty infiltration of the liver to a normal level (3).

Can a Diabetic patient take Chitrakadi Vati?

Yes, a Diabetic patient can take this Vati but only after consulting with their doctor.

Can I take other health supplements along with Chitrakadi Vati?

It is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking any other health supplements along with this Vati.

Should I take Chitrakadi Vati before or after meals?

You should take this Vati with lukewarm water or buttermilk after meals.

References:

1) Effectiveness of Ayurveda treatment in Urdhwaga Amlapitta: A clinical evaluation

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0975947620301376

2) EVALUATION OF LAXATIVE ACTIVITY OF CHITRAKADI VATI, AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION IN RATS

https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2007/vol1/44_Kumar.pdf

3) Clinical Efficacy of Chitrakadi Gutikain Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-A Case Study

https://www.ijacare.in/index.php/ijacare/article/view/250/203

4) Phytochemistry and pharmacological studies of Plumbago Zeylanica L.: a medicinal plant review

https://clinphytoscience.springeropen.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s40816-021-00271-7.pdf

5) Some phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research

https://sci-hub.st/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.085

6) Biological activities and medicinal properties of Asafoetida: A review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5506628/

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered as a substitute for prescriptions suggested by local health care professionals.

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