Maharasnadi
Also known as: Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK), Maharasnadi, MAK 4, MAK 5
Overview
Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) is an Ayurvedic herbal preparation comprising a blend of various medicinal plants, including _Emblica officinalis_ and _Terminalia chebula_. Typically available in two forms, MAK 4 as a paste and MAK 5 as tablets, these supplements are traditionally utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for their potential health benefits. Most notably, they possess antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immunomodulatory properties. Preliminary research indicates MAK may support overall health by inhibiting lipid oxidation and enhancing nutrient absorption, though there are only a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring its effects. Overall, while MAK is recognized for some potential therapeutic benefits particularly in specific populations like breast cancer patients, further high-quality studies are needed to substantiate these claims.
Benefits
The evidence suggests several key benefits of Maharishi Amrit Kalash, particularly in relieving chemotherapy-related side effects in breast cancer patients, as demonstrated by improvements noted on the Karnofsky performance scale. Additionally, findings indicate enhancements in cognitive functions such as attention and alertness among healthy adults, along with potential improvements in non-verbal intelligence in students. Preclinical studies also indicate antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. However, the strength of evidence is limited, and the exact effect sizes are sparsely reported due to methodological limitations in existing studies. Time-course analyses suggest benefits for chemotherapy patients may become evident after several cycles of treatment.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of MAI are attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. By modulating oxidative stress pathways and inhibiting LDL oxidation, MAK interacts favorably with various body systems, including the immune and cardiovascular systems. Although detailed molecular targets are not explicitly identified, the preparations contribute to enhanced antioxidant defenses and reduced platelet aggregation, supporting overall health.
Side effects
MAK is generally considered safe based on the limited data available, with no prevalent side effects reported (>5%) in clinical studies. There is also no documentation of uncommon (<5%) or rare (<1%) side effects owing to the small sample sizes and short duration of existing research. Although comprehensive data on drug interactions are lacking, no specific contraindications have emerged from the literature. Safety in special populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly remains poorly understood due to a lack of targeted studies, indicating the necessity for caution in these groups.
Dosage
While the minimum effective dosage for MAK is not well established, studies indicate that administration can consist of 1-2 tablespoons of MAK 4 paste and 1-2 tablets of MAK 5 taken twice daily. There is no clearly defined optimal dose due to the scarcity of studies. Typically, doses are recommended to be taken with water or milk, and the lack of established upper limits necessitates adherence to general health guidelines. Further research is required to definitively outline dosage forms and absorption factors associated with MAK.
FAQs
Is Maharishi Amrit Kalash safe?
The available evidence suggests that MAK is generally safe, but further research is needed to establish its complete safety profile.
How should I take MAK?
MAK is typically administered twice daily, often with a meal or in combination with water or milk.
What benefits can I expect?
Potential benefits of MAK include alleviating chemotherapy side effects and improvements in cognitive functions, but these are based on limited evidence.
Are there any known drug interactions?
There is currently no comprehensive data on drug interactions associated with MAK.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1325037/pdf – This systematic review indicated that Maharishi Amrit Kalash shows promise in alleviating chemotherapy side effects and improving cognitive functions in healthy adults, but the evidence is currently limited due to methodological weaknesses in existing studies.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38690176/?fc=None&ff=20240507162700&v=2.18.0.post9+e462414 – A clinical trial revealing positive effects of MAK on performance status for breast cancer patients after several cycles of chemotherapy, indicating potential benefits despite the study's limitations regarding sample size and bias.
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/ayurveda – The review addresses common Ayurvedic herbs, including those in MAK, highlighting their traditional uses and some existing supportive evidence for their roles in promoting health.
- https://guides.library.harvard.edu/meta-analysis/databases – This guide outlines meta-analysis resources which could be helpful for sourcing comprehensive reviews on alternatives in Ayurvedic medicine, including MAK.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2024.1325037/full – An extensive overview of MAK's benefits found limited efficacy evidence in existing trials, warranting caution and further investigation into its applications and effectiveness.