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)
- Aamalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
- Salt (Vida Lavana)
- Vidanga (Embelia ribes)
- Ela (Amomum subulatum)
- Patra (Cinnamomum tamala)
- Lavanga (Syzgium aromaticum)
- Trivrit (Operculina terpethum)
- 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.
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.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs 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, ConsumerLabs, or NSF.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredient(s): Shunthi, Maricha , Pippali, Haritaki, Vibhitaka, Aamalaki, Musta, salt, Vidanga, Ela, Patra, Lavanga, Trivrit, SharkaraAlternate name(s): Avipattikar churna, avipattikar choornaLegal status: Legal and sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the U.S.Suggested dose: Dosage may vary. No standardized dose exists for Avipattikar.Safety considerations: The side effects of Avipattikar are not well-documented.
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
An animal study from 2013 found that 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 (mg) per kilogram (kg), Avipattikar helped thwart 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 it can be determined that Avipattikar is 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 (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.
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 percent 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 nursing. 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?
Due to a general lack of research and human trials, there are no dosage guidelines for Avipattikar.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While a dose of 500 milligrams/kilograms per day was found to treat rats with peptic ulcers effectively, we do not know if this would be a proper dose for humans.
This means that you will need to consult the product label or 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Avipattikar is not naturally found 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 U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), NSF International, and ConsumerLabs.
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.
