Chandanasava

A classical fermented asava centered on Chandana (Sandalwood), indicated for mutrakricchra (dysuria), raktapitta (bleeding disorders), and daha (burning sensation syndromes). The asava fermentation format enhances extraction of Sandalwood's α- and β-santalol sesquiterpenes, which demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of inducible COX-2 and 5-LOX. Mocharas (silk cotton tree gum) provides hemostatic and astringent properties. Lodhra's isoflavones (loturine, colloturine) demonstrate uterine tonic activity. Priyangu provides cooling, hemostatic support. The self-generated alcohol from fermentation serves as an effective menstruum for extracting these lipophilic compounds while providing its own mild vasodilatory action, enhancing delivery to urinary and reproductive tissues.

Clinical Key Functions

• Fermentation-enhanced lipophilic compound extraction*
• Pitta-shamana (cooling) action across urogenital and GI mucosa*
• Uterine tonic support from Lodhra isoflavones*

Selected Research

1. Bommareddy A, et al. α-Santalol, a derivative of sandalwood oil, induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2013;5:772-781.
2. Dwivedi S, et al. Chandanasava — a classical preparation in urinary disorders. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010;1(3):196-200.
3. Patel R, et al. Symplocos racemosa: A review on medicinal properties. Asian J Pharm Pharmacol. 2018;4(4):414-420.
4. Mishra LC, et al. Comprehensive review of self-generated alcohol in Ayurvedic fermentations. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;94(2-3):225-234.

Chandanasava is the classical Asava preparation for Pittaja Mutrakricchra (Pitta-type dysuria) and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). In the Asava Kalpana (cold-infusion fermentation), unlike Arishta (decoction-based fermentation), the raw herbs undergo cold maceration with jaggery water and Dhataki flowers — a gentler process that preserves heat-sensitive Sheeta Virya (cooling potency) compounds. Chandana (Sandalwood) is the foremost Dahaprashamana in Ayurveda, directly opposing Pitta's Ushna (hot) and Tikshna (sharp) Gunas. The inclusion of Mocharas (silk cotton gum), Lodhra, and Priyangu provides Stambhana (hemostatic) action for Raktapitta presentations where vitiated Pitta causes bleeding. This formula exemplifies the Sheeta Chikitsa (cooling therapy) principle where all ingredients share the common quality of pacifying excess Pitta.

Classical Text References

1. Bhaishajya Ratnavali, Mutrakriccha Chikitsa Prakarana — Chandanasava formulation for Pittaja Mutrakriccha and Daha
2. Sharangdhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 10 — Asava Kalpana methodology (cold-infusion fermentation distinct from Arishta)
3. Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 4 (Raktapitta Chikitsa) — treatment of bleeding disorders using Sheeta-Kashaya Dravyas