Chiraito (Swertia chirayita) Ayurveda

What it is

A bitter Himalayan herb, exported widely from Nepal.

Traditional use (claimed)

Fever, malaria, appetite, liver, diabetes.

Evidence

Laboratory and animal studies only; it must not replace malaria testing or treatment.

Safety

Very bitter; may lower blood sugar; adulteration with other Swertia species is common.

Quality concerns

Some Ayurvedic rasa shastra and bhasma products deliberately contain metals; US FDA and CDC have reported lead poisoning cases, and studies found lead, mercury or arsenic in a share of products sold online.

Interactions

Diabetes medicines (low sugar).

Avoid if

pregnancy, low blood sugar

Regulation in Nepal

Herbal products in Nepal are registered with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA). Nepal: the Department of Ayurveda and Alternative Medicine (DoAA, Ministry of Health and Population) runs government Ayurveda hospitals and clinics; practitioners register with the Nepal Ayurveda Medical Council. Ask to see the council registration.

Regulation in India

India: the Ministry of AYUSH regulates Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy; practitioners register with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) or the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH).

Regulation in UAE

UAE: complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and products need licensing by the emirate health authority (DHA in Dubai, DoH in Abu Dhabi, MOHAP elsewhere). Check the licence on the authority's public register.

सम्बन्धित अवस्था

⚠️ Informational only; not a treatment recommendation.

entry_health_condition_malaria entry_health_condition_t2dm