Author(s):
Asha Kumari, Kanchana Swami, Purva Pareek, Sakhitha K.S, Anupam Srivastava
Email(s):
Email ID Not Available
DOI:
10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00009
Address:
Asha Kumari*1, Kanchana Swami2, Purva Pareek3, Sakhitha K.S4, Anupam Srivastava5
1MD Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
2PhD Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
3PhD Scholar, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
4Assistant Professor, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
5Professor and HOD, Department of Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 1,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Introduction: Balarishta (BA) is a classical Ayurvedic polyherbal fermented formulation described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali under Vatavyadhi Adhikara. Prepared through Sandhana Kalpana, it contains self-generated alcohol that enhances extraction, bioavailability and preservation of phytoconstituents. Traditionally, BA is used in Agnimandhya (digestive impairment), Daurbalya (weakness), Karshya (emaciation)Vataja rogas (neuromuscular disorders) etc. Methods: This review integrates information from Ayurvedic classics (Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Sahasthra Yoga, Ayurveda Sara Sangraha), official references (API, AFI) and contemporary scientific literature. Data on its formulation, pharmaceutical preparation, pharmacodynamics, phytochemical profile and pharmacological studies were systematically compiled. Results: BA is composed of twelve key ingredients including Sida cordifolia (Bala), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Woodfordia fruticosa (Dhataki), Tribulus terrestris (Goks Hura), and others with jaggery as the fermentable base. The formulation is attributed with Balya (strength-promoting), Brimhana (nourishing) and Vatashamaka (Vata-pacifying) actions. Phytochemicals such as ephedrine, with anolides, phytosterols, and flavonoids contribute antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. Experimental studies have reported BA’s significant antioxidant, antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities, validating its traditional therapeutic claims. However, limited investigations have been conducted on BA as a complete formulation. Conclusion: BA is a time-tested Ayurvedic formulation with tonic and restorative effects, offering potential in managing weakness, emaciation and Vata-related disorders. Its long shelf life, improved palatability and therapeutic properties highlight its relevance in integrative healthcare. Further research on its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and clinical efficacy is essential for scientific validation and wider global acceptance.
Cite this article:
Asha Kumari, Kanchana Swami, Purva Pareek, Sakhitha K.S, Anupam Srivastava. Comprehensive Review of Balarishta: A Polyherbal Fermented Formulation. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2026; 19(1):43-0. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00009
Cite(Electronic):
Asha Kumari, Kanchana Swami, Purva Pareek, Sakhitha K.S, Anupam Srivastava. Comprehensive Review of Balarishta: A Polyherbal Fermented Formulation. Asian Journal of Research in Chemistry. 2026; 19(1):43-0. doi: 10.52711/0974-4150.2026.00009 Available on: https://ajrconline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-1-9
REFERENCES:
1. Rao Prabhakar G, Sharangdhara Samhita of Aacharya Sharangdhar, English commentary Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan Reprint 2016, Madhyam Khanda. 10/1,194
2. Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Part I, Government of India. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy, 2003.
3. Muralidhar R, Chaudhary A, Ravishankar B, Dey S, Prajapati PK. A comparative Pharmaceutico-pharmacoclinical study of different samples of Shirisharishta and its shwashara effect. Ayu. 2004; 7: 45-9.
4. Prakash A, Verma RK, Ghosal S. Alkoloid constitutesof Sida acuta,ssia humailis, sida rhomabifolia and Sida spinosa. Planta Medica. 1981:43:384-388.
5. Ghosal S,Chauhan RR,Mehta R.Chemical constitutents of Malvaceae, Alkaloids of Sida cordifolia. Phytotherapy research 1975: 14: 830-8329
6. Preethi Tiwari,Phenolic and flavonoid and Antioxidant potentioal of balaristha prepared by Traditional and Modern Methods,Asian Journal of Pharmacuetiacal Analysis, vol.4, issue 1, ,5 P.734, 10 (2014)
7. Sharma P.V, Dravyaguna vigyana part - 2, Chaukhambha Visvabharti, Varanasi, Reprint 2012, p.734.
8. Ayurvedic Formulary of India, part I, (1:24) Government of India. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy, 2003.
9. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part II (Formulations), First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; 2, 27-29, 36-38, 48 -51(2007)
10. Angidi Ravindra, A text book of Bhaishajya Kalpana Vijnana, Edition: 2024, Chaukhambha Subharati Prakashan, pg no. 291
11. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.I, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.19-20 drug, n. 10 (2007)
12. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.VI, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.240, drug, n.91, (2007)
14. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.I, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.105-6, drug, n. 22 (2007)
15. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.II, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.183-4 drug, n. 76 (2007)
16. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.I, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.45-46, drug, n. 23 (2007)
17. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.III, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.163-5, drug, n. 73(2007)
18. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.I, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.136-7, drug, n. 64 (2007)
19. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.II, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.145-8, drug, n. 62, (2007)
20. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.I, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.110-110, drug, n. 52, (2007)
21. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.III, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.220-1, drug, n. 99 (2007)
22. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol.I, First Edition, Govt. of India, MHFW, Dept of Ayush, New Delhi; Pg.49-50, drug, n. 25 (2007)
23. Khare CP (2007). CP Khare, CCRAS Indian Medicinal Plant 2007.p.459
24. Sharma A K. Medicinal property of BALA (Sida cordifolia LINN. and its species). Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 1(2), 2013, 1-9
25. Aggarwal R, Diwanay S, Patki P, Patwardhan B. Studies on immunomodulatory activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). J App Pharm Sci. 2012; 2(1): 170-175.
26. Mohanty I, Arya DS, Dinda A, Talwar KK, Joshi S, Gupta SK. Mechanisms of cardioprotective effect of Withania somnifera in experimentally induced myocardial infarction. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2004; 94(4): 184-190.
27. Singh N, Verma P, Pandey BR, Gilca M. Role of Withania somnifera in prevention and treatment of cancer. Int J of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research. 2011; 3(4): 274-279.
28. D Dubey, R Patnaik, G Ghosh, RN Padhy. In Vitro Antibacterial Activity, Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Leaf Extract and Host Toxicity Testing With In Vitro Cultured Lymphocytes from Human Umbilical Cord Blood. Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives. 2014; 5(5): 298- 312.
29. Bharti R, Chopra BS, Raut S, Khatri N. Pueraria tuberosa: A Review on Traditional Uses, Pharmacology, and Phytochemistry. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Jan 27; 11: 582506. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.582506.
30. MR Rachhadiya, PK Mahaveer, VS Rajkumar. Evaluation of antiulcer activity of castor oil in rats. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy. 2011; 2(4): 1349- 1353.
31. Bhagwat DP, Kharya MD, Bani S, Kaul A, Kaur K, Chauhan PS, Suri KA, Satti NK. Immunosuppressive properties of Pluchea lanceolata leaves. Ind J of Pharmacol. 2010; 42(1): 21-26.
32. Sharma SK, Goyal N. In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Root Extracts of Pluchea lanceolata. J of Pharma and Biomed Sci. 2011; 10(18): 1-3.
33. Verma SK, Jain V, Katewa SS. Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2009; 46(6): 503-506.
34. Khan A, Khan QJ, Gilani A. Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of cardamom in asthma. Bangladesh J Pharmacol. 2011; 6: 34-37.
35. Chanda S, Gehlot V, Das R, Mahant S, Das K, Singh K, Ahmad S. Antimicrobial activity of Paederia foetida extract against drug resistant Helicobacter pylori isolates from India. World J of Pharma Res. 2014; 3(4): 1234-1243.
36. Abu Ahmed AM, Islam Md.M, Rahman Md. A, Hossain Md. A. Thrombolytic, Cytotoxic and Antidiabetic Effects of Paederia foetida L. Leaf Extract. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2014; 4(5): 1244-1256.
37. Singh G, Singh BS, Kumar BRV. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils against keratinophilic fungi. Indian Drug. 1978; 16(2): 47-51.
38. Fatima MSL, S Sultana A, Ahmed, Sultana S. Pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris linn: A systemic review. World J of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2015; 4(2): 136-150.
39. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283468252_Evaluation_of_Antioxidant_activity_of_Marketed_Ayurvedic_Formulations-Balarishta.
39. Alam M, Dasan KK, Thomas S, Suganthan J. Anti - inflammatory potential of balarishta and dhanvantara gutika in albino rats. Anc Sci Life. 1998 Apr; 17(4): 305-12.
40. Preeti Tiwari. Antidiabetic Potential of Balarishta Prepared by Traditional and Modern Methods in Alloxan Induced Diabetic rats. Asian J. Research Chem. 2014; 7(7): 659-663.
41. Preeti Tiwari. Antihyperlipidemic Potential of Balarishta Prepared by Traditional and Modern Methods in High Fat Diet Induced Hyperlipidemic rats. Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci. 2014; 4(1): 7-11.
42. Maurya Bhavna, Mishra H.S., Agarwal Ajay Kumar. Validation of classical pharmacology of Sida cordifolia Linn. (Bala) through reverse pharmacology. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci [Internet].2024Apr.10[cited2025Aug.22]; 9(2): 204212. Availablefrom: https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2994