Written By: Shraddha Rupavate | Published : June 18, 2014 4:59 PM IST
Do you like Chyawanprash? ©Shutterstock
Chyawanprash (CP) is a renowned Ayurvedic formulation that has been associated with multiple health benefits. But the most discussed aspect about chyawanprash is its immunomodulatory effect. Here s how it actually helps in improving your immune system.
Chyawanprash might have gained popularity in the recent years but it is being manufactured traditionally and used for more than 60 years, which itself is a strong evidence for its medicinal properties. Chemically, it is a mixture of over 20-40 Ayurvedic ingredients and the number is not restricted. There are earlier formulations which used just 20 herbs and others that contain more than 80 ingredients. Most of these ingredients like amla, guduci and bramhi have been found to have some immune boosting ability in them either in vitro studies or in clinical trials.
One of the studies analysing quality of life and immunity status in participants, who were suffering from recurrent allergic cough and cold and were regularly taking chyawanprash showed interesting results. IgE levels (that increase in case of allergic reaction) dropped by 50% in people suffering from allergies, whereas 60% of participants with bacterial infection had 24% reduced IgE levels. This basically means that the allergic immune reaction reduced in people making them more resistant towards infections. The study also concluded that chyawanprash reduced the activation of the complement pathway which gets activated in case of allergic inflammation, damaging the surrounding cells. Another study found that chywanprash increased the activity of immune cells called macrophages. These cells play a role in triggering non-specific immune responses and further reduce chances of infections.
Disclaimer: Please note that we do not endorse any brand of chyawanprash.
Image source: lisagusto.com
References:
Sur TK et al. Effect of Sonachandi Chyawanprash and Chyawanprash Plus--two herbal formulations on immunomodulation.
Pharmacology and Therapeutics in the New Millennium edited by S.K. Gupta
You may also like to read:
For more articles on healthy foods, check out our healthy food page. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
