Shwasananda Vati, a South Indian Traditional Herbo-Mineral Formulation: Insights on the Proposed Biological Roles, Safety, and Therapeutic Profile

Shwasananda vati (SV) is a South Indian traditional herbo-mineral formulation widely used in different parts of southern India, particularly in Kerala state. The formulation is documented in an ancient Kerala traditional treatise and is widely used as a treatment for respiratory ailments in both children and adults. The formulation is cited in an ancient Kerala traditional treatises and sig-nificantly used as a remedy for respiratory ailments in children as well as adults. The composition comprises herbs and mineral which is categorized under poisonous drugs (schedule E (1) drugs) as per Ayurvedic Indian traditional system of medicine. However, in Ayurveda, herbo-mineral drugs are purified or detoxified before being used for therapeutic purposes. Ayurveda doctrines consider these herbo-mineral medications to have unique attributes such as instant effectiveness, the require-ment of a very small dosage, and a wide range of therapeutic utility. The compliance data on the safety and efficacy of this formulation or its ingredients is scarce. To place traditional medicine on a scientific footing, a thorough knowledge of SV, its therapeutic potential, safety, and toxicity profile, supported by scientific evidence, is necessary. The present report analyses the role of this traditional preparation, highlighting traditional therapeutic claims, possible bioactivities, safety profile, and therapeutic potential as per current assumptions of science.