Supplements Herbal Supplements What Is Avipattikar? By Brittany Lubeck, RD Brittany Lubeck, RD LinkedIn Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 10, 2023 Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes, RDN Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes, RDN Facebook Elizabeth Barnes, MS, RDN, LDN, is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders, type 2 diabetes, and heart health. She works primarily with clients with eating disorders and disordered eating to help them mend their relationship with food and their bodies and is based in North Carolina. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Side Effects Precautions Dosage Toxicity Interactions How to Store Similar Supplements Sources & What to Look For Avipattikar (Avipattikar churna) is an herbal remedy used in Ayurveda, an ancient medical practice that originated in India and remains one of the traditional healthcare systems there. Available in dietary supplement form, Avipattikar contains 14 different Ayurvedic herbs and ingredients and is often used to treat digestive problems. Avipattikar contains: Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) Maricha (Piper nigrum) Pippali (Piper longum) Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) Vibhitaka (Terminalia bellerica) Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) Musta (Cyperus rotundus) Salt (Vida Lavana) Vidanga (Embelia ribes) Ela (Amomum subulatum) Patra (Cinnamomum tamala) Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum) Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) Sharkara (sugar candy) This article will explain the potential uses of Avipattikar, with specific attention to scientific evidence supporting these uses. It will also explain side effects, precautions, interactions, dosage, and storage information for Avipattikar. Dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP (U.S. Pharmacopeia), ConsumerLab, or NSF. However, even if supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications. Supplement Facts Active ingredient(s): Shunthi, Maricha , Pippali, Haritaki, Vibhitaka, Aamalaki, Musta, salt, Vidanga, Ela, Patra, Lavanga, Trivrit, SharkaraAlternate name(s): Avipattikar churna, Avipattikar churnaLegal status: Legal and sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the United StatesSuggested dose: Dosage may vary; no standard doseSafety considerations: Not well-documented side effects Uses of Avipattikar Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. According to the principles of Ayurveda, health problems often result from imbalances in the three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Avipattikar is often used to treat imbalances in Pitta, the dosha most associated with digestion. Although practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have long used Avipattikar to enhance digestive health and treat conditions affecting the digestive system, very few scientific studies have tested the formula's effects. Peptic Ulcers In an animal study from 2013, Avipattikar showed promise in the treatment of peptic ulcers, a condition marked by sores in the lining of the stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. In the study performed on rats, researchers determined that at a dose of 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), Avipattikar helped discourage the development of peptic ulcers by reducing the secretion of stomach acid. It should be noted that these results have not been repeated in humans, a necessary step before Avipattikar is determined to be a safe and effective treatment option for peptic ulcers. Other Uses Aside from peptic ulcers, Avipattikar is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat common digestive issues like: Constipation Diarrhea Gastritis Heartburn Indigestion GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease; acid reflux) Unfortunately, human studies on Avipattikar are lacking. Despite its traditional use in ancient Indian medicine, Avipattikar's use for these and other conditions is not currently supported by scientific evidence. Consult a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any digestive-related problems. Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak What Are the Side Effects of Avipattikar? Although rare, side effects are possible when using Avipattikar. Common Side Effects Common side effects associated with Avipattikar are unknown or at least poorly documented. In general, Ayurvedic medicines like Avipattikar are thought to come with little to no side effects. No side effects or adverse events were reported in one of the few studies on Avipattikar. However, this study was performed on rats, so it cannot be guaranteed that humans would not experience side effects. Although side effects appear to be rare when using Avipattikar, they are still possible. The best way to avoid potential side effects when using herbal remedies or supplements is to use them only as directed. Severe Side Effects Avipattikar is not believed to cause severe side effects. However, there is some concern that some Ayurvedic preparations may contain potentially harmful metals. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a 2015 survey showed that 40% of people using Ayurvedic medicines had elevated levels of lead in their blood, while others had elevated blood levels of mercury. Talk with your healthcare provider about the safest way to use Avipattikar to decrease your chance of side effects. Precautions It may be necessary to take precautions when using Avipattikar. It may not be a suitable supplement for everyone. There is not enough information to know whether Avipattikar is safe during pregnancy or in nursing infants. It is recommended that those who are pregnant or breastfeeding talk with their healthcare provider before starting Avipattikar. There are also no clear guidelines on the safety of Avipattikar for children. For this reason, avoiding Avipattikar use in children would be best, or at least consult with a healthcare provider. Remember that relatively little is known about Avipattikar, including its safety. Always seek medical advice before starting a new supplement, especially if you have any health conditions. Dosage: How Much Avipattikar Should I Take? Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. Due to a general lack of research and human trials, there are no dosage guidelines for Avipattikar. While a dose of 500 mg/kg per day was found to treat rats with peptic ulcers effectively, it is not known if this would be a proper dose for humans. This means that you will need to read the product label or consult with your healthcare provider for dosage recommendations. What Happens If I Take Too Much Avipattikar? Avipattikar is not thought to be toxic, but taking too much of it may cause side effects. There is also some concern that Ayuverdic medicines (like Avipattikar) could contain varying levels of metals that may harm the body. Although rare, some Ayurvedic preparations have even caused arsenic poisoning. To be safe, follow the dosage guidelines listed on the product label or as provided by your healthcare provider, and never take more Avipattikar than you should. Interactions Avipattikar may interact negatively with certain medications, supplements, or foods. However, possible interactions are not well-documented. Before starting Avipattikar, talk with your healthcare provider about other medications or supplements you already take. You must also carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement. This will help you know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included in the supplement. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. How to Store Avipattikar Store your Avipattikar supplements in a cool, dry place. Also, keep them out of direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. It's best to keep supplements in the original bottle or packaging in which they came. This will help ensure your supplements remain fresh. Discard Avipattikar once it reaches its expiration date as indicated on the product label. Similar Supplements Besides Avipattikar, other natural remedies may also be used to soothe digestive problems. Here is a look at a few supplements that may work similarly to Avipattikar: Licorice Root: Licorice root has been studied for its potential role in treating peptic ulcers. Fiber: For constipation, increasing fiber intake with the help of flaxseed or psyllium may be beneficial. Fiber supplements have also been shown to be useful in alleviating constipation. Peppermint Oil: There's some evidence that a combination of enteric-coated peppermint oil and caraway oil may help ease symptoms of indigestion. However, it should be noted that too much peppermint oil could actually make indigestion worse. Typically, you should not take more than one supplement or herb for a given purpose. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best supplements for you. Frequently Asked Questions Can Avipattikar treat gas and constipation? Some people use Avipattikar to treat gas and constipation. In Ayurvedic medicine, other uses of Avipattikar include treating diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, indigestion, and stomach ulcers.However, scientific studies have not proven the effectiveness of Avipattikar in these and other health conditions. It's recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider first before taking Avipattikar. Learn More: What Is Ayurveda? Is Avipattikar harmful? Similar to other medicines used in Ayurveda, Avipattikar is not thought to be harmful. However, potential side effects of Avipattikar have not been well-documented or reported.Keep in mind that there is some worry that Ayurvedic medicines may contain potentially harmful metals. Learn More: What Are Ayurvedic Herbs? What is the dose for Avipattikar? There is not enough research to determine a safe dose of Avipattikar. More human trials will need to be conducted before Avipattikar dosage can be determined.Until then, talk with your healthcare provider about the right dose of Avipattikar for you. Learn More: Difference Between Drug Dose and Dosage Sources of Avipattikar & What to Look For If you're thinking of taking Avipattikar, you may want to know more about sources of the herbal remedy. Avipattikar is not found naturally in foods. You may choose to make your own Avipattikar powder by mixing the 14 herbs and ingredients typically found in it. However, this may be challenging. Fortunately, Avipattikar does come in various supplement forms. Avipattikar Supplements You can find Avipattikar supplements in the form of powder, capsules, and tablets. It is sold in many natural foods stores and is widely available online. The right supplement form for you will mostly depend on personal preference and whether you can swallow capsules or tablets. Most Avipattikar supplements are naturally vegan and gluten-free. These criteria should also be listed on the product label. Remember that the FDA regulates dietary supplements under a different set of criteria than conventional foods and drug products. Because of this, the content of some Avipattikar products may differ from what is specified on the product label. For the best quality supplements, look for brands that have been certified by third-party agencies like USP, NSF International, and ConsumerLab. Summary Avipattikar is an herbal remedy commonly used in Ayurveda, mostly for digestive issues. Due to limited research, it may be too soon to recommend Avipattikar as a treatment for any condition. If you're considering using Avipattikar, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen. Self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences. 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Ayurvedic medicine: in depth. Gyawali S, Khan GM, Lamichane S, et al. Evaluation of anti-secretory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of avipattikar churna on the peptic ulcers in experimental rats. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(6):1135-9. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/5309.3058 Travis FT, Wallace RK. Dosha brain-types: a neural model of individual differences. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015;6(4):280-285. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.172385. Murray MT. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice). Textbook of Natural Medicine. Published online 2020:641-647.e3. Lambeau KV, McRorie JW Jr. Fiber supplements and clinically proven health benefits: How to recognize and recommend an effective fiber therapy. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2017;29(4):216-223. doi:10.1002/2327-6924.12447. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Peppermint oil. Additional Reading Bhatia J, Tabassum F, Sharma AK, et al. Emblica officinalis exerts antihypertensive effect in a rat model of DOCA-salt-induced hypertension: role of (p) eNOS, NO and oxidative stress. Cardiovasc Toxicol. 2011;11(3):272-9. doi:10.1007/s12012-011-9122-2 Gyawali S, Khan GM, Lamichane S, et al. Evaluation of anti-secretory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of avipattikar churna on the peptic ulcers in experimental rats. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(6):1135-9. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2013/5309.3058 Mahesh R, Bhuvana S, Begum VM. Effect of Terminalia chebula aqueous extract on oxidative stress and antioxidant status in the liver and kidney of young and aged rats. Cell Biochem Funct. 2009;27(6):358-63. doi:10.1002/cbf.1581 Nain P, Saini V, Sharma S, Nain J. Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. leaves extract in streptozotocin-induced type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012;142(1):65-71. Singh I, Singh PK, Bhansali S, et al. Effects of three different doses of a fruit extract of Terminalia chebula on metabolic components of metabolic syndrome, in a rat model. Phytother Res. 2010;24(1):107-12. doi:10.1002/ptr.2879 Yokozawa T, Kim HY, Kim HJ, Okubo T, Chu DC, Juneja LR. Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) prevents dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in the ageing process. Br J Nutr. 2007;97(6):1187-95. doi:10.1017/S0007114507691971 By Brittany Lubeck, RD Brittany Lubeck, RD, is a nutrition writer and registered dietitian with a master's degree in clinical nutrition. Originally written by Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. 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