Dhanyapanchakarishtam – Medicinal Properties, Ingredients, Indications, Dosage & More

Reference : Ayurveda Saar Sangraha/Asavarishta Prakran/Page no. 742-743

Abstract

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Atisara (diarrhea), Pravahika (dysentery), and Grahani Roga (malabsorption syndrome), are among the most commonly encountered clinical problems worldwide. While acute diarrhea may be self-limiting, chronic or recurrent conditions such as malabsorption and dysentery require targeted and sustained management. Classical formulations like Dhanyapanchakarishtam are designed to address the root cause of such disorders. This fermented preparation helps in managing gastrointestinal diseases more effectively by enhancing digestion, correcting metabolic imbalances, and supporting gut mucosal healing.

Introduction

Gastrointestinal disorders like Atisara (diarrhea), Pravahika (dysentery), Grahani Roga (malabsorption), and Pittatisara (pitta-type diarrhea) arise in Ayurveda due to Agnimandya (weakened digestive fire), leading to Ama (toxic undigested food) and Dosha Dushti (vitiation of body humors), resulting in poor digestion, inflammation, and irregular bowel movements. Modern pathology correlates these with infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and malabsorption syndromes, involving mucosal damage, enzyme deficiencies, and gut flora imbalance. Dhanyapanchakarishtam, with its Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive), Grahi (absorbent), and Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) actions, helps restore Agni, reduce inflammation, and regulate bowel function, making it effective in both acute and chronic gastrointestinal conditions.

Ingredients

Kwath Dravya (Decoction base)

Each taken in the following quantity: 1 seer 9 chhatank 3 tola (approx. 1.575 kg)

• Dhanya (Coriandrum sativum)
• Khus (Vetiveria zizanioides)
• Bilva (Aegle marmelos)
• Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus)
• Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)

Fermentation Agent

• Gud (Saccharum officinarum) – 6 seer (approx. 4.8 kg)

Prakshep Dravya (Herbs for Fermentation)

• Dhataki Pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa) – 10 chhatank (approx. 600 gm)

Description of Ingredients

1. Dhanya (Coriandrum sativum)

This herb is an important herb used in gastrointestinal disorders. In Ayurvedic texts, it is described as Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive stimulant), and Grahi (absorbent). It also balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. Due to its light and mildly hot nature, it stimulates Jatharagni (digestive fire) and assists in the removal of Ama (undigested metabolic toxins), which are the root cause of many disorders like Atisara (diarrhea) and Grahani (malabsorption). Its Grahi (absorbent) property helps in reducing the frequency and liquidity of stools, making it suitable in conditions like Pravahika (dysentery). It is rich in compounds like linalool and flavonoids, which exhibit antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative effects that soothe the gastrointestinal tract and help reduce excessive peristalsis and bloating.

2. Khus (Vetiveria zizanioides)

It is classically indicated in Pitta-vikaras (pitta-aggravated disorders) due to its Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) and Tikta-Madhura Rasa (bitter-sweet taste). In cases of Pittatisara (diarrhea with predominance of pitta), where symptoms such as burning sensation, yellowish loose stools, and dehydration are observed, it plays a key role in pacifying Pitta and cooling the gut lining. It also acts as a Sangrahi (astringent), helping to bind the stools. It contains vetiverol and other essential oils which demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and mucosal protective properties, making it useful in inflammatory bowel conditions and dysentery.

3. Bilva (Aegle marmelos)

It is described in Ayurveda as having Grahi (absorbent), Stambhana (constipating), and Deepana (digestive stimulant) properties. It is one of the most trusted herbs in Ayurveda for managing Atisara (Diarrhea), Pravahika (Dysentery), and Grahani Roga (Malabsorption syndrome). The unripe fruit is especially useful in absorbing excess intestinal fluids and restoring tone to the intestinal mucosa. It strengthens the gut wall, improves the consistency of stool, helps in correcting Agnimandya (digestive fire weakness), and controls the passage of mucus and blood. The presence of tannins, marmalosin, and flavonoids in Bilva (Aegle marmelos) exerts anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial, and mucosal protective effects.

4. Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus)

It is a key herb in Ayurveda for addressing disorders associated with Agnimandya (weakened digestive fire) and Ama (toxic undigested food). It is classified as Deepana (appetizer), Pachana (digestive stimulant), Grahi (absorbent), and Shoolahara (pain reliever). It balances all three doshas, especially Kapha (water element) and Pitta (fire element), and helps restore proper digestion and absorption. In Atisara (diarrhea) and Pravahika (dysentery), it controls excessive peristalsis, reduces bloating, and relieves abdominal cramps. It supports mucosal healing and improves stool consistency. Its active compounds, cyperene and cyperol in the rhizomes, provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and spasmolytic (reduces cramps) benefits.

5. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)

It is a potent Agnivardhak (digestion-enhancing) and Vatanulomaka (regulator of the downward movement of air element) herb used extensively in gastrointestinal disorders. It is Ushna Virya (hot in potency) and helps clear Ama (toxic residue), which is often the root cause of Grahani Roga (malabsorption syndrome) and Atisara (diarrhea). It reduces intestinal inflammation, corrects sluggish digestion, and improves nutrient assimilation. In Pravahika (dysentery), it acts as an intestinal antiseptic and motility regulator. It contains gingerol and shogaol, compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiemetic, and carminative properties.

6. Dhataki Pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa)

It is the classical Sandhanakara Dravya (natural fermenting agent) in Ayurvedic Asava-Arishta preparations. Besides its role in initiating fermentation, Dhataki contributes therapeutic action by reducing bleeding, improving absorption, and healing mucosal inflammation. Dhataki flowers contain tannins and flavonoids, which exhibit astringent, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects, validating their classical use in chronic bowel disorders.

7. Gud (Saccharum officinarum)

It is used primarily as a Sandhanopayogi Dravya (substrate for fermentation) in Arishta preparation. Although it is not a direct therapeutic agent in Atisara or Grahani, its presence ensures the natural generation of Madyansh (self-formed alcohol), which acts as a Yogavahi (catalyst and bio-enhancer), helping the active ingredients penetrate deeper tissues. It is described as Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), and Balya (nourishing), offering strength during convalescence and helping improve appetite in chronic bowel conditions. It also supports the taste and palatability of the formulation.

Method of Preparation

1. The herbs are coarse powdered (Yavakuta) and boiled in 64 seers (approx. 51.2 litres) of water till 16 seers (approx. 12.8 litres) remains, filtered to obtain the decoction.
2. Filter and collect the decoction while warm.
3. Add 6 seer (approx. 4.8 kg) of jaggery and dissolve completely.
4. Add 10 chhatank (approx. 600 gm) of Dhataki flowers (Woodfordia fruticosa).
5. Transfer into a ghrita-lipta (ghee-smeared) vessel and seal.
6. Keep in a warm place for natural fermentation (sandhana) for 1 month.
7. After 1 month, filter this and store in a cool, dry place.

Medicinal Properties

• Deepana (Appetizer)
• Pachana (Digestive)
• Grahi (Absorbent)
• Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory)
• Agnivardhaka (Agni-boosting)
• Amahar (Removes endotoxins)

Indications

This classical formulation helps manage conditions such as:

• Atisara (Diarrhea)
• Pravahika (Dysentery)
• Grahani Roga (Malabsorption syndrome)
• Pittatisara (Pitta-type diarrhea) – especially when combined with Arka Saunf.

Dosage

• 1 to 2 tola (approx. 12–24 ml), twice daily after food, mixed with equal quantities of water.

Contraindication

Dhanyapanchakarishtam is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used in an appropriate dosage under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

Conclusion

Dhanyapanchakarishtam stands as a testament to the classical Ayurvedic approach of holistic management of gastrointestinal disorders. Its fermented nature enhances bioavailability and ensures long-term preservation, making it superior to conventional decoctions (Kwathas). Moreover, its effect on the Pakwashaya (colon) supports gut mucosal repair and normalizes bowel movements. Thus, by addressing both the symptoms and the root cause, it offers a comprehensive and long-term solution to patients suffering from chronic digestive complaints. When administered judiciously under medical supervision, Dhanyapanchakarishtam offers a safe, effective, and time-tested therapeutic option for both acute and chronic gut disorders.