Article: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ROHITAKARISHTA: PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.173122

Pages: 186-192

Author: Monika Meena *, Sakhitha KS, Rajendra Prasad Sharma

Abstract: Liver disorders constitute a significant global health burden due to the liver's vital roles in metabolism, detoxification, and the maintenance of physiological homeostasis. Conventional therapies, although effective to some extent, are often associated with adverse effects and limited regenerative potential. This has led to growing interest in traditional herbal formulations with hepatoprotective properties. Rohitakarishta, a classical Ayurvedic fermented preparation described in Sharngadhara Samhita, is traditionally indicated in liver and spleen disorders such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, and anaemia. The present review compiles classical references, phytochemical constituents, and experimental evidence to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of the compound. Rohitakarishta is prepared through natural fermentation using Tecomella undulata (Rohitaka) stem bark as the principal ingredient, along with adjuvant herbs including Piper longum, Plumbago zeylanica, Zingiber officinale, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis. Phytochemical studies reveal the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, lignans, terpenoids, and essential oils, many of which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Experimental studies demonstrate that extracts of T. undulata and polyherbal combinations significantly reduce serum liver markers (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin), decrease lipid peroxidation, enhance antioxidant enzyme levels, and restore normal hepatic histoarchitecture in toxin-induced hepatotoxicity models. The hepatoprotective effects are primarily attributed to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective mechanisms, including scavenging of reactive oxygen species and modulation of inflammatory mediators. Although preclinical findings are promising, further well-designed clinical trials and standardisation studies are necessary to substantiate its safety, efficacy, and integration into evidence-based hepatoprotective therapy.

Keyword: Rohitakarishta, Tecomella undulata, Hepatoprotective activity, Antioxidant, Ayurvedic formulation, Liver disorders