Arista and Asava

Arista and Asava

Content

• Difference between arista and asava

• Method of preparation of arista and asava

• Characteristics of arista and asava

Objective

At the end of this lecture, student will be able to

• Differentiate arista and asava

• Explain the method of preparation of arista and asava

Ayurvedic dosage forms

On the basis of physical form Ayurvedic dosage form are classified in to four groups

1. Solid dosage form: Gutika, vatika

2. Liquid dosage form: Asava, Arista, Taila, panak, arka

3. Semi solid dosage form: Avleha, paka, Lepa, ghrita

4. Powder dosage form: Bhasma, satva, pisti, lavana, churna

Arista and Asava– Medicinal preparations prepared by soaking the drugs either in the powder/decoction (kasaya) form in a solution of sugar or jaggery for a specific period of time, during which fermentation generating alcohol, thus facilitating the extraction of active principles present in the drug, it also serves as a preservative

Arista

Ø Arista: It is prepared by fermenting decoction of drugs along with sugar or jaggery

General composition:

Ingredient	Examples
Medicinal drugs	Herbal – Juice, decoction of various parts of the plant Animals – Ghee, honey Minerals – Iron, gold
Liquids	Water, gomutra, butter milk
Sweet substance	Jaggery (guda), sugar, madhuk pushpa
Prakshepaka Dravyas	Dhataki puspha

Method of Preparation:

Ø Kashaya is prepared from the coarsely powdered drugs as per the formula

Ø Obtained kashaya is strained and placed in fermentation vessel/pot

Ø Weighed quantity of sugar/jaggery according to the formula is dissolved in water, boiled and added

Ø Prakshepaka dravyas are added, if mentioned in the formula

Ø Contents are stirred with a wooden rod, which encourages the growth of yeast and play an imp role in fermentation

Ø Mouth of the vessel covered with an earthen lid

Ø Edges are sealed with clay smeared cloth wounded in seven layers

Ø Closed vessel is kept in a special room in an underground cellar or heap of paddy (To ensure constant temperature)

Ø Variation in temperature may accelerate or impede fermentation

Ø After specified period of time the contents are examined to ensure the fermentation is complete

At Onset of fermentation	At completion of fermentation
Prakshepaka dravyas float	Sink
Effervescence	No effervescence
Hissing sound	No sound
Extinguishing of burning candle	Continuation of burning
Lime water turns milky	No change

Ø Fluid is decanted and strained after 2-3 days, when fine particles settled at the bottom

Asava

Ø Asava: It is prepared by fermenting fine powder of drugs along with sugar or jaggery