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Background: Although single Medhya herbs such as Brahmi and Ashwagandha have been studied extensively, Ayurvedic practice relies mainly on compound formulations. Saraswatarishta, Brahmi Ghrita and Kalyanaka Ghrita are among the most widely prescribed classical formulations for memory, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy and psychosis. Objective: To review the classical sources, composition, dosage forms, pharmacological studies and clinical use of these three formulations, and to identify gaps in evidence. Methods: Narrative review of classical texts, the Ayurvedic Formulary of India and published experimental and clinical studies. Results: Brahmi Ghrita, described by Charaka for Apasmara and Unmada, combines Brahmi juice with Vacha, Kushtha and Shankhapushpi in ghee; it reversed scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats, and one commercial preparation showed anticonvulsant activity in mice, with quality varying between brands. Kalyanaka Ghrita, prescribed by Charaka for Unmada, contains about two dozen herbs; a standardised preparation improved memory and reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and acetylcholinesterase activity in a beta-amyloid rat model, with intranasal administration more effective than oral. Saraswatarishta, a fermented preparation from later texts, showed anticonvulsant activity in the maximal electroshock model, with heavy metals within limits in a laboratory batch. Controlled clinical trials of all three formulations are lacking, although some are now registered. Conclusion: These formulations have plausible pharmacology and some encouraging preclinical results, but their clinical efficacy has not been established. Standardisation, quality control and randomised trials are urgently needed.

Keywords: Medhya Rasayana; Saraswatarishta; Brahmi Ghrita; Kalyanaka Ghrita; polyherbal formulation; standardisation; Unmada; Apasmara