Arogyavardhini: Benefits, Usage, Dosage, and Precautions

Arogyavardhini is a multi‑component herbal remedy that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to address liver and skin ailments (1).

Ayurveda is India’s traditional medical system that emphasizes holistic, natural approaches — including plant‑based formulations such as arogyavardhini — to support physical and mental well‑being.

That said, only a small number of clinical trials have investigated the safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions (2).

Moreover, arogyavardhini is associated with several health concerns.

This article summarizes what arogyavardhini supplements are, outlines their common uses, and reviews safety issues.

What is arogyavardhini?

Arogyavardhini is known by several alternative names, such as:

• arogyavardhini vati
• arogyavardhini gutika
• arogyavardhini rasa
• sarvroghar vati

The preparation typically combines the following components (3, 4):

These constituents, presented as powders or liquid extracts, are blended into a paste using a binder such as starch. The finished product is dark black and bitter in flavor (5).

A 2016 analysis of arogyavardhini’s pharmaceutical profile reported that it contains macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, starches, and steroids, along with phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols (4).

Summary: Arogyavardhini is a traditional Ayurvedic mixture made from 13 ingredients, including dried fruits, plant extracts, and processed metals/minerals.

Possible health benefits and uses

Although arogyavardhini has a long history in Ayurveda, clinical research is sparse. Existing studies are generally small and methodologically weak, offering limited and low‑quality evidence.

Therefore, traditional claims remain unproven, and even reported scientific findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Traditional uses

In Ayurveda, health is thought to depend on a balance among three fundamental energies called doshas.

The three doshas are vata, pitta, and kapha.

An imbalance of these forces is believed to contribute to various illnesses.

Arogyavardhini is traditionally used to restore equilibrium among the doshas and has been applied to a wide range of conditions, including (4, 5, 6):

• fever
• obesity
• acne
• eczema
• dermatitis
• edema
• jaundice (yellowing due to pigment buildup)
• liver diseases
• stomach disorders
• loss of appetite
• irregular bowel movements

Because the dosha concept is hard to assess with scientific methods, researchers have instead evaluated the formula’s effects on particular conditions and measurable outcomes.

May support liver health

Arogyavardhini is reputed to help liver disorders, and several animal and human studies have explored this claim.

In one animal experiment, researchers tested whether the formula could protect against liver injury caused by a toxic chemical.

Rats received 41 mg per pound (90 mg per kg) of arogyavardhini daily for a week, while comparison groups received either a standard drug or no intervention (7).

Rats treated with arogyavardhini showed smaller increases in blood lipids, urea, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared with rats exposed to the toxin alone, suggesting partial protection of liver function (7).

In a trial of 32 people with signs of fatty liver, one group followed a diet and exercise regimen plus received Triphala Guggulu and arogyavardhini, while the other group followed diet and exercise alone (8).

Those who also took the Ayurvedic formulations had significant improvements in liver function tests, blood lipid profiles, and symptom reduction (including abdominal discomfort and nausea) compared with the control group (8).

However, the contribution of arogyavardhini specifically remains unclear because it was used alongside other Ayurvedic treatments.

May help normalize blood fat levels

Some human and animal research indicates the formula might improve lipid profiles and potentially lower cardiovascular risk.

In one study involving 96 participants with dyslipidemia, subjects were given 5 grams of arjuna bark powder for 3 weeks, followed by 500 mg of arogyavardhini for 4 weeks (3).

Participants experienced significant improvements in triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Because arjuna was also administered and there was no control group, it’s uncertain whether the improvements were due to arogyavardhini alone (3).

Similarly, a rat study reported that arogyavardhini improved triglycerides and both LDL and HDL levels after one week (9).

May relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions

Arogyavardhini has traditionally been used for chronic digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and dyspepsia.

An older investigation gave 1.6 ounces (45.5 grams) of the formula over 31 days to patients suffering malnutrition related to chronic gut disorders, reporting improved nutritional parameters (10).

Because other Ayurvedic treatments were also applied, these results cannot be attributed solely to arogyavardhini.

Consequently, higher‑quality randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine its efficacy for chronic digestive problems.

Summary: Arogyavardhini is traditionally used for many ailments. Limited research hints at benefits for liver conditions and lipid profiles, but more rigorous studies are required.

Potential side effects

A major safety concern with arogyavardhini is the potential for heavy metal toxicity.

One pervasive problem with some Ayurvedic products is their inclusion of metals and minerals.

Therefore, it’s essential to source formulations from reputable manufacturers, adhere to recommended dosages, and consult your healthcare provider before use.

Some studies have found elevated blood lead and mercury levels in users of Ayurvedic preparations (2).

On the other hand, specific studies on arogyavardhini have reported it to be non‑toxic in certain human and animal tests (3).

Two rat studies concluded that the mercury and copper present did not produce toxic effects. One reported mercury accumulation in kidneys but not in liver or brain, and another observed no meaningful changes in behavior or liver and kidney function (1, 11).

Nevertheless, heavy metals such as mercury are highly toxic and should not be consumed lightly.

Given the paucity of long‑term human safety data, widespread use of arogyavardhini cannot be endorsed until more comprehensive safety evaluations are available.

Summary: Because long‑term human research is lacking, arogyavardhini is not regarded as safe. Heavy metal content raises significant concerns.

How much to take

Clear, evidence‑based dosing guidelines for arogyavardhini are not available due to limited safety data.

Certain groups — including children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and individuals with specific illnesses or on particular medications — should avoid this remedy.

Traditional texts have recommended doses ranging from 500 mg to 1 gram per day (5).

However, use of the supplement is generally not advised because of safety issues, especially related to heavy metals.

Summary: Because of insufficient safety studies, recommended dosing is unclear. Use of arogyavardhini is discouraged.

The bottom line

Arogyavardhini is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation used for a range of health issues.

Many of its traditional applications remain untested by modern science.

Limited evidence suggests potential for improving lipid profiles and supporting liver health, but the data are sparse and inconclusive.

Importantly, the possibility of heavy metal contamination and the lack of long‑term human safety data mean you should generally avoid this product until further research confirms its safety.