Effects of Ayurvedic Swarnaprashana on General Wellbeing and Health Status of Children: A Retrospective Survey
Sunil Kumar Rai1*, Tushar Jagzape2, Varun Anand3
1Medical Officer, Department of Ayurveda, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, G.E.Road, Tatibandh, Raipur 492099, Chhattisgarh, India.
2Additional Professor, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, G.E.Road, Tatibandh, Raipur 492099, Chhattisgarh, India.
3Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, G.E.Road, Tatibandh, Raipur 492099, Chhattisgarh, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: drsunil@aiimsraipur.edu.in, tusharjagzape@aiimsraipur.edu.in, varunanand@aiimsraipur.edu.in
ABSTRACT:
KEYWORDS: Swarnaprashana, Ayurveda, Immunity, Gold.
INTRODUCTION:
The children are supremely important asset of a nation. Their nurture and solitude are our responsibility1. Children health is core priorities for any country India. In this large population, every fifth individual is an adolescent between 10 and 19 years and every third individual is aged between 10 and 24 years2. At any given point of time, nearly 50 million Indian children suffer from mental disorders, and this number will increase if the adolescent population is considered as well3.
Enhancing child health continues to be a significant challenge in many parts of the developing world, including India. India accounts for nearly three-quarters of South Asia's population of children under five and represents 20% of the global under-five population4. In 2000, India recorded the highest number of deaths among children under five, exceeding 2.4 million. The factors contributing to the poor health of infants and children in India include inadequate neonatal care, lack of sufficient breastfeeding, malnutrition, low immunity, and a high prevalence of communicable diseases5. Under nutrition play major role in childhood mortality and morbidity. Deficiency of key nutrients leads to lack of immune function and immune deficiency related problems6. India, with a population of more than 140 crores, has many challenges in improving the health Status of Children. It is fragile age and also very critical period for growth and development. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life focuses on protection of health based on life style followed by curing the patient7. Various evidenced based studies determines that Ayurveda could play a key role in prevention and protection of health of a child8.
Swarnaprashana (SP) is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation containing gold nanoparticles, herbs, and honey, administered to enhance immunity, cognitive function, and physical growth in children. SP is mentioned in ancient texts like Kashyapa Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. SP is one of the sixteen Samskara which described in Ancient Indian scripture. SP is a unique practice of traditional Ayurveda in which nano gold particles in a medicinal form has been used to give orally to the children9,10. In Ayurveda the term Swarna means gold and Prashana means consuming or ingesting. Therefore, SP denotes to the act of consuming or ingesting gold in the prescribed dose and quantity. It is commonly recommended to children between 0 and 16 years of age11. It has given as a general health promoter to improve intellect, digestion, strength, immunity, longevity, and complexion12. Multiple benefits of SP are mentioned in different Samhitas which needs to be explored on scientific background13. Gold is one among seven metal termed as pure metals which is mainly used for preventive and curative purposes14. The properties of gold nanoparticles differ significantly from solid bulk gold. While bulk gold is an inert, yellow metal, gold nanoparticles exhibit antioxidant behavior. Drug delivery systems utilizing gold nanoparticles present several benefits compared to other nanocarriers and traditional medications15. As per ayurvedic texts herbal preparations can act as immunomodulators, that has the ability to either stimulate, suppress, or adjust any part of the immune system, encompassing both the innate and adaptive aspects of the immune response16.
There are very few studies done to assess the effect of SP on general health among children. SP is orally administered in the form of drops at Pushya nakshatra of every month and is being practiced as a public health initiative by Department of Ayurveda, AIIMS, Raipur since Oct 2021. More than 5000 doses have been administered so far. Therefore, it is necessary to know the benefits and risks of SP. This study aimed to assess parental perceptions of SPs effects on childrens health, behavior, and academic performance through a retrospective survey.
This Retrospective Survey was carried out in AIIMS Raipur by Department of Ayurveda and Department of pediatrics. The survey involved parents from Chhattisgarh whose children (aged between 6-16 years) have undergone SP for at-least 6 months or more between Oct 2022 to March 2024 at AIIMS Raipur Chhattisgarh. Apparently healthy children, without any major health problems, who had received at least six or more doses of SP at AIIMS, Raipur, aged between 6-16 year, whose parents were willing to participate in the survey were recruited for the study. A total of 216 parents were surveyed after obtaining their consent. 17 item questionnaire (Annexure-1) was given to the parents for the survey. The questionnaire was sent via Google Forms and their responses were collected for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the responses. Percentages were calculated for categorical variables (adverse effects, health improvements, and behavioral changes).
Preparation: SP drops was prepared using Swarnabhasma (Gold powder), Goghrita (cow ghee), Madhu (Honey) as per the Standard operating procedures (Table. 1)
Table. 1: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of Swarnaprashana
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Assessment of drug dose |
On the classical reference adult dose of swarnabhasma as explained in texts is 1/8 to 1/4 rarti i.e 15-30 mg/day (Ras. Tarangini 15/81). Pediatric dose of Swarna is calculated dividing it by 50 (average adult body weight) which is approximate 0.3-0.6 mg/ kg body weight.
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Equipment
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Khalva yantra (pastle and mortar), spatula, disposable syringe 20 ml, heating device (induction), HDPE food grade bottles with inbuilt dropper and cap (30 ml capacity), gloves/ face mask/ head cap
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Ingredients
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· Swarnabhasma (Gold powder) · Goghrita (cow ghee) · Madhu (Honey)
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Method of Preparation |
· Warm the Goghrita in a pan with the help of heating device. Pour 20 ml of Goghrita and 5 ml madhu with the help of disposable syringe in clean khalva yantra. · Take 250 mg of standard / premium Swarnabhasma and pour it in Khalva yantra containing Goghrita and Madhu. · Triturate the whole mixture under sun light. · Triturate mixture until the formation of homogenous mixture of swarnabhasma, Goghrita and madhu. Normally it takes 10-12 hours for completion. · To assess the completion of process, take the mixture in a transparent bottle. Melt the mixture by immersing the bottle in lukewarm water. After that keep the bottle stagnant in sun light for 1 hour, Check the base of bottle containing medicine if the particle of Swarnabhasma is not seen at the base of bottle it means medicine is fully prepared but if the particle of Swarnabhasma is seen at the base it shows that medicine is not fully prepared and needs further trituration. · Fully triturated medicine is now transferred in HDPE food grade bottles with inbuilt dropper and cap (30 ml capacity) for use.
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Composition of prepared medicine: Each |
Each ml of finally prepared medicine contains 10 mg Swarnabhasma. |
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Dose and administration:
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Use SP in Pushya Nakshatra of every month upto 1 year for better result. Upto 5 year 2 mg (3 drops) with 2 drops of honey Above 5 year 4 mg (6 drops) with 4 drops of honey Precaution - No meal/ feed should be given 30 minute before and after administration of SP. |
RESULTS:
The study included 216 children aged 016 years, with the majority (32.4%) falling in the 46 years age group (Fig.1). A slightly higher proportion of participants were female (52.3%) compared to male (47.7%) (Fig.2). The majority of parents (90.7%) reported no adverse effects in their children from SP, while minor events such as fever, rashes, or abdominal discomfort were noted in 8.8% of cases. Significant improvements in general health were reported by 56.5% of respondents, with 42.1% observing reduced illness frequency and 12.5% noting better weight and height gain. Mental health enhancements, including reduced anger (10.6%) and impulsivity (8.8%), were reported by 22.7% of participants. Among children prone to respiratory infections (12.5%), 68.2% showed improvement after SP administration. Additionally, over half of the parents (52.3%) reported better school performance, while 48.1% observed improved dietary habits in their children (Table No. 2).
Fig. 1: Age group of children
Fig. 2: Gender of children
Table. 2: Summary of Survey Responses (N=216)
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Parameter |
Response (%) |
Notable Sub-Categories |
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Adverse Effects |
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No adverse effects |
90.7% |
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Minor events |
8.8% |
Fever (3.7%), Rashes (2.3%), Abdominal discomfort (1.9%) |
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Major events |
0.5% |
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General Health Changes |
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Major improvement |
56.5% |
Reduced illness frequency (42.1%), Better weight/height gain (12.5%) |
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No improvement |
18.1% |
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Not sure |
25.4% |
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Mental Health Changes |
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Major improvement |
22.7% |
Reduced anger (10.6%), Reduced impulsivity (8.8%), Reduced hyperactivity (5.1%) |
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No improvement |
30.6% |
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Not sure |
46.7% |
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Respiratory Infections |
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Prone to infections pre-SP |
12.5% |
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Improvement post-SP |
68.2% |
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Other Outcomes |
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Improved school performance |
52.3% |
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Improved dietary habits |
48.1% |
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DISCUSSION:
This study indicates that SP is well-tolerated, with minimal adverse effects. Parents reported notable improvements in general health, immunity, and behaviour, aligning with traditional Ayurvedic claims. The reduction in respiratory infections suggests potential immunomodulatory effects.
Nanomedicines, an innovative and intriguing drug delivery system, trace their roots back to Ayurveda. These medicines are utilized in the form of Rasaushadhis known as Bhasmas, which have particle sizes within the nanometer range (5-50΅m). Bhasmas are products that involve drugs derived from minerals, encompassing their types, characteristics, processing methods, properties, and therapeutic applications17. Recent studies indicate that gold nanoparticles do not exhibit cytotoxicity towards neural cells and are considered safe when utilized within specific parameters18. Research utilizing animal models has demonstrated that Swarnabhasma exhibits therapeutic benefits for memory and learning19. A study has also documented the free radical scavenging effect of Swarnabhasma20.
This study has several limitations, including its retrospective design which may introduce recall bias, the reliance on subjective parental reports rather than objective clinical measurements, and the lack of a control group for comparative analysis. Future research should incorporate prospective longitudinal studies with assessment of biochemical markers, and control groups to validate these findings and better understand SPs mechanisms of action. Despite these limitations, the study suggests that SP is a safe and potentially beneficial Ayurvedic intervention for children, with perceived improvements in immunity, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing, warranting further rigorous investigation to establish its efficacy and long-term effects.
CONCLUSION:
The study findings suggest that SP was well-tolerated among children, with only a small percentage reporting minor adverse effects like fever, rashes and abdominal discomfort self-reported by the parents. A majority of parents observed improvements in general health, reduced illness frequency, better physical growth, and enhanced mental well-being, including decreased anger and impulsivity. SP also appeared beneficial for children with recurrent respiratory infections, while positive effects on school performance and dietary habits were frequently reported. However, the study is limited by its relatively small sample size and observational nature, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Further large-scale, controlled studies are recommended to validate these findings and explore the long-term benefits of SP more comprehensively.
ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee, AIIMS Raipur.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
The authors have no conflicts of interest regarding this investigation.
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Received on 26.08.2025 Revised on 23.02.2026 Accepted on 29.06.2026 Published on 01.07.2026 Available online from July 04, 2026 Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3207-3211. DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00456 © RJPT All right reserved
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License. |
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