International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

6

Authors: Anamika Shukla and Jyoti Singh

Rasahastra, is said to be a divine science in the field of Ayurveda. It is the science of making formulations of mineral origin for therapeutic use. Parad i.e. liquid silver is the backbone of this science. Hingulottha parad i.e. extracted parad (mercury) from Hingula (Cinnabr) is a speciality of this science i.e. Rasashastra. Hingulottha parad is said to be like Ashtasanskarit parad and no purification is required further. Hence, this extraction method keeps a very big importance in the field of Ayurveda. Hingula (cinnabar) is the most prominent ore of mercury since ages. To obtain quicksilver (parad) from Hingula,so many methods and principles are adapted like Urdhva patana(upward sublimation),Adhah patana(downward sublimation),Tiryak patana(Transverse sublimation).Here Urdhwapatana method is applied for extraction of mercury from Hingula by the Damaru yantra,which is discussed in this paper. In the present study extraction of mecury from Hingula was done three times, % of Hingulottha parad was 41.67% .The cause of less percentage of mercury may be due to unavoidable reasons like heating pattern or non-dissociation of mercury from Hingula by this method which is not clear. The object of this paper is to present an insight into extraction process and the discussion of its utility and limitations of this method.

7

Authors: Deepmala Deb, Champak Medhi and Namita Baishya

Agnikarma is an Ayurvedic thermophysical* therapeutic procedure which is vividly mentioned in classical texts with varied indications. It is classically indicated for vata, vata kaphaj diseases like Gridhrasi, sandhigata vata, katishool, vata kantak etc. Agnikarma mentions various materials like kshoudra, guda, shalaka, ajashakrit etc, but commonly DNP Panchadhatu lauha shalaka is extensively used in practice. Controlled heat delivery is the basis of Agnikarma, therapeutic effects of which are of varied dimensions. In present era musculoskeletal pain disorders is one of the most common life style disorders in society. The oral conventional treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammable drugs are hazardous in chronic pain disorders. Agnikarma is a preferable costeffective ayurvedic therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Its mode of action is a fact to be research upon vividly to scientifically establish this therapy pan world for the benefit of mankind.

7

Authors: Manali Anil Visaria and Sheela Pargunde

Health of face is important as it is the window of the body and mind which allows us to communicate with the world around us. Vyanga is a disease which affects face of a person. Vyanganashaka lepa and its face pack may be used to treat vyanga and enhance the glow of face. Purpose of this research was to prepare and standardize vyanganashaka lepa and its face pack and compare their common pharmaceutico-analytical tests. Vyanganashaka lepa was prepared in powder form using jiraka, krishna jiraka, krishna tila and pita sarshapa. Preparation of its face pack was done by using vyanganashaka lepa, water, glycerin, methyl paraben, fuller’s earth and essential oil. 3 batches of vyanganashaka lepa and its face pack were prepared, standardized and their mean result was calculated. Vyanganashaka lepa and vyanganashaka face pack were standardized as per ‘Protocol for testing of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines’, Government of India, Department of Ayush.

7

Authors: Madhu. M

Ayurveda is considered as an ancient system of medicine which is equally relevant in this modern era. Artavakshyaya is one of the stree rogas explained in Ayurveda. It comprises both Oligo and Hypo menorrhoea. Many causes for Oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoeaare registered in day to day practices. Out of them, the hyperprolactinemia is one of the important anovulataory gynaecological pathology during human reproduction. Prolactin is secreted by anterior pituitary. It is important for initiation and maintenance of lactation. Hyperprolacinemia presents with a typical symptom ‘Galactorrhea’ which is seen majority of cases. Osteoporosis is one of the consequences in patients with hyperprolactinemic amenorrhea due to estrogen deficiency. It requires a good therapeutic management. Many cases of hyperprolactinemia i.e with increased levels of prolactin are also found in women with normal ovulating, which does not require any treatment. In modern science Dopamine agonist is the main stream of treatment. Ayurveda has its own importance in treating Artavakshaya due to Hyperprolactenamia successfully. Here is a successful case report of Ayurvedic treatment which cured the condition.

8

Authors: Mahadev. B. Gundakalle, Mahesh. P. Savalgimath, Ajit.C. Lingayat and Shrutika S. Karoshi

Dooshivishari Agada (DVA) one of formulation described in Ayurvedic classics, commonly used for toxic conditions. Standards of DVA are not present in API. In this study DVA is prepared in three Batches and subjected to analysis like organoleptic studies, pH, LOD (Loss on Drying), total ash, acid insoluble ash, hardness, disintegration time, phytochemical screening and thin layer chromatography. The results obtained in this study did not show any variation in phytochemical screening but negligible variation in physico-chemical analysis. Further studies in this line we being carried out.

8

Authors: Pinky Chauhan, SonuVerma, Sushila Sharma and Heena Mewara

Abnormal uterine bleeding affects 14-25% of women of reproductive age and may have a significant impact on their physical, social, emotional and maternal quality of life. When menstruation comes in excess amount, for prolonged period and/or even without normal period of menstruation (In inter-menstrual period less in amount and for short duration),differentfrom the features of normal menstrual blood (Shudhaartava), it is known as Asrigdara. A 35 year old married woman visited in the OPD of Dept. ofPrasutitantra and Striroga of NIA Jaipur on 3/2/ 2018. She had complaints of continuous bleeding since 11/1/2018 which was excessive in nature. She also complained of spasmodic pain in lower abdomen, weakness and difficulty in micturition. USG shows rt. ovarian cystic lesion like a complex cyst / hemorrhagic cyst (3.2 X 2.6 cm) with a volume of 56cc. ET was 8.7 mm. Patient was given compound of Pushyanug Churna, Chandrakala Rasa, Shonitargala Rasa, Kaharava Pishti, Bola Parpatiwith Madhu &Tandulodaka empty stomach/ BD; Avippatikara Churna after food 5 gm/BD; Vasa Ghana Vati-2 tab/TDS for 3 months. With the help of these drugs bleeding was stopped in 7 days & next 2 cycles were regular with 4 days duration. USG showed reduced rt. ovarian volume and no any cystic lesion. Thus, we can conclude from this case study that this Ayurveda regimen plays an effective role in the management of Asrigdara and complex cyst of ovary.

8

Authors: Sunita Temhunna, Kamna Singh and Rashmi Tiwari

The science of Ayurveda is well recognize system of medicine, which has unique speciality in field of Prasuti & Stri Rog. In Ayurveda, diseases related to the female reproductive system i.e. gynaecological disorders are described under the caption of Yoni Vyapada. Though initially all the classics have given the number of Yonivyapad as twenty. According to classics when a women having ruksha (dry) body or else a weak or very young women does excessive coitus with abnormal posture of body, uses of objects made of iron & most probable cause abnormilities of Artava & Bija (abnormilities of a portion of bija responsible for development of Yoni during embryonic life). One of the type of yonivyapad Udavritta or Udavartini resembles the description of almost all type of dysmenorrhoea. Inordinate or irregular contraction of all the myometrial muscle fibres have been explained as all around movement of vayu’ in madhukosa commentary. The vitiated vata spreads through rasavaha shrotasa & leads to rasavaha, raktavaha & artavavaha shrotodusti. In the disease Kashtarva, all the three doshas are involved with predominance of vata. According to acharya charak main causative factor of Udavarta is vata, so it should be treated first. Shoshan & shaman chikitsa described by Acharyas. Oeation, sudation, purgation is beneficial for Udavarta. Uttarbasti is most important treatment for Yonivyapad.

8

Authors: Vishal Shamrao Patil and Manisha V. Bhalsing

Internal respiration is gaseous substitute among the blood and the tissue of the body. With the help of cardiovascular system the inhaled O2 rich blood is transported to the tissues of body. So blood is central and familiar arbitrator to sustenance of all dhatus through respiratory and cardiovascular System. The adjustments to increased metabolic rate or to hypoxia are achieved by increasing conductances1 . So these adjustments consists both augmented and decrease local blood flow and in upgrading of diffusion conditions means enlargements and recruitment of capillaries. So blood is transport medium of gases exchange at tissue level. The exact phenomenon of this exchange model stated in Ayurveda in the form of Raktdhatu and its functions as ‘Prano Shonitam Anuvartate’ i.e. Prana Vayu follows Raktadhatu to foster tissues of whole body2 . Age of person depends upon age of capillary. Rakta dhatu is important for oxygenation and deoxygenating of blood as inspired air is travelled through blood to the capillaries and expired CO2 also travelled through blood vessels up to heart and lungs. Functions of Rakta dhatu- are as nutrition, oxygen supply to tissues. By depletion of tissue due to bleeding, the fire (digestive power) becomes weak and vata becomes aggravated. Decrease of blood produces roughness of skin, desire for sour and cold things looseness of the veins etc. So in this changing life style it is essential thing to rule out or understand to prevent premature ageing. So, this attempt is to see the role of Rakta dhatu in tissue level respiration and premature aging.

9

Authors: Isha Jain and Shamsa Fiaz

Intratonsillar abscess is an infection occurring in both children and adults.It is a rare complication associated with tonsillitis which is a common pharyngeal infection.In modern science, treatment includes incision and drainage along with antibiotics and analgesicswhich cause unnecessary side effects and in chronic stage there is little or no relief and hence surgery is advised as the only alternative.Moreover, there is recurrence even after surgical intervention.In Ayurveda, Intratonsillar abscess can be correlated with Gala Vidradhi which has indication of Bhedana Karma as treatment. In the present case study, a 26 year old female patient came with complaints of swelling in the left tonsillar region for the last 6 months following an episode of acute tonsillitis. She was treated with local application of Apamarga Kshara andGandusha with Darvyadi Kwatha along with oral medications. There was significant improvement in patient complaints and marked reduction in swelling with no recurrence of abscess formation.

9

Authors: Bhardwaj Priyanka, Mehta Sahil Sharma Mukesh Kumar

Studying the way human body is made of has always been interesting and fascinating. The word Anatomy is derived from a Greek word “Anatome” meaning “to cut up” or “to cut repeatedly”. It is the study of structures that make up the body and how those structures relate with each other. Anatomy is no doubt the foundation of the vast medical field that exists today. Its course had been developed from different corners of the world and today it stands as the foremost branch of the medical field. The knowledge of anatomy is the essential part for all the fields of medical. Hindus are considered as the foremost cultivators of this department. India being one of the oldest civilizations has significant contribution to our human anatomy. Acharya Sushruta, in Sushruta Samhita firstly mentioned about human dissection and many other embryological and anatomical concepts. Later on several great anatomists contributed their well versed discoveries of the structures of complex human body with proper dissection earlier on animals but later finally on human cadavers.

9

Authors: Shintre Sayali, Ramteke Ashok and Shelke Rajashree

Infectious diseases still possess a threat to mankind. Lower Urinary tract Infection (LUTI) is the second most common infection affecting human beings. The symptoms of ‘mutrakruchchra’ mentioned in Ayurveda closely correspond to the symptoms of LUTI. Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a rising concern today. Various herbal extracts are being studied constantly for their antimicrobial activities as the problem of microbial resistance is increasing. Kantakari is widely available traditionally used Ayurvedic herb. References from Ayurvedic literature suggests Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad&Wendl) to be effective in Mutrakruchchra. Total 60 patients of Lower Urinary tract infection involved in this clinical trial were randomly divided into two groups. Group A of 30 patients were administered kantakari panchang kwath (Decoction) for a period of 7 days and Group B of 30 patients were subjected to Tab Norflox TZ for 5 days. The observations were recorded and analysed statistically on the basis of objective parameter of reduction in pus cells in both the groups. Symptomatic relief in group A (Kantakari kwath) was 89.11% and that in group B was 92.16%. Paired t test applied in group A and B were extremely significant at p value <0.0001. Unpaired ‘t’ test between both groups was not significant. Kantakari showed equivalent results as compared to standard antibiotic. It was found to be effective single herb in Mutrakruchchra.

10

Authors: Shweta Paul, Karunanidhi Sharma and Parimi Suresh

Arka kalpana is an important dosage form in Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicines, also used in other medicinal systems. Soaked drug with specific amount of water is placed in simple distillation assembly and the obtained distillate is considered as Arka. Ratio of drug, water and distillate varies according to drug by drug or in various texts. Yavani or Ajawain is very common herb, has important place in Indian kitchen spices. In scientific world it is known as Trachyspermum ammi. It is used to enhance the taste or interest in the food, for proper digestion, increase digestive fire and very commonly used as home remedy to cure common abdominal problems i.e. indigestion, stomachache etc. Various properties, indications and method of preparation are described in Ayurveda and Unani classical texts. Ratio of water, drug and Arka (distillate) is different in texts. An attempt has been made to evaluate the method and final product, among three samples prepared by following references of Arka Prakasha (AP), Ayurveda Formulary of India (AFI) and National formulary of Unani medicine (NFUM). Maximum yield was obtained by the method of AFI. The method of NFUM was looked well, where sufficient yield was obtained and after reviewing the characters, was looking better to extract the maximum amount of volatile oil or active constituents into the final produce. The Arka obtained by method of AP was very less in amount, but was very concentrated and strong in taste and odour, it may have highest potency.

10

Authors: Pokharkar Ashwini, Nakade Mamta, Pachkavade Ganesh and Changade Jayashri

Amlapitta is a disease of Annavah strotas (gastrointestinal tract). This disease is described in classical ayurvedic texts. The excess formation of vitiated pitta due to improper diet and lifestyle habits is the main cause of amlapitta. Indigestion, tiredness, nausea, sour and bitter belching, heaviness, heart- throat burn, anorexia are the cardinal symptoms of amlapitta. Virechan is one of the panchakarma explained by acharyas for treatment of amlapitta. As virechan is shodhan karma it cures the disease from its root cause. In kashyab smhita acharya kashyab explains that virechan with trivrutta, triphala, trayamana, katuka and rohini will reduce amlapitta.

10

Authors: GeethaNayakS, Ajantha, Anuradha B, Anand S

A close look into hetu of madhumeha expounds swapnasukha as an important viharajahetu pointing to sedentary lifestyle. In this context most important hetu vipareetha upashaya would bevyayama, as it brings sukhanubandha to patients by regulating and normalizing attributes involved in pathology of madhumeha (DM-type2) including blood glucose level. This is a highly rewarding concept of scientific rationale in management and dates back to Shushrutasamhita advocating graduated exercise separately for different class of people suffering from madhumeha. Contemporary modern approach to an extent simulates, advocating aerobic and resistance exercises for DM-type2 with their own benefits

10

Authors: Afreen Siddiqui, Gitanjali Sasmal and Vinay Bhardwaj

Health may be defined as the ability to adapt and manage physical, mental and social challenges throughout life15 . Ayurveda is mainly concerned with preventive aspect of health. The goals of medicine are to promote health, to preserve health, to restore health when it is impaired and to minimize suffering and distress14 . In Ayurveda, aetiopathogenesis of disease i.e progression of disease is explained in six stages termed as shatkriyakal and those are Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Sthanasamshraya, Vyakat, Bheda. A clear understanding about the stages of Kriyakala is an essential factor for early diagnosis, prognosis and for adopting preventing and curative measurement. Sanchaya and the other five stages develop one after the other successively and become stage of evolution of disease process known as Rogasamprapti (pathogenesis). During these stages the Doshas gets aggravated, brings about abnormalities in Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Ojas. The number and severity of the symptoms and the curability or incurability of the disease depends upon severity of such vitiation. So in present era Shatkriyakala can be understood as cellular injury, which is the common representation in almost all the diseases. Cell injury is defined as an alteration in cell structures or biochemical functioning resulting from stress that exceeds the ability of the cell to compensate through normal physiological adaptive mechanism2 . Hence a great emphasis has been laid on a clear understanding of these six progressive stages of disease.

11

Authors: Sunil Kumar and Deepti

Psoriasis is an autoimmune dermatological disease which is clinically characterized by erythematous, sharply demarcated papules and rounded plaques, covered by silvery micaceous scale. In Ayurveda, all skin disorders are covered under the heading of Kustha. Ekkustha can be compared to psoriasis based on its signs and symptoms. A female patient with complaints of blackish red scaly patches on almost whole of the body with itching and severe burning sensation is studied. Deepana-Pachana (Panchkol Churna) followed with Virechana Karma (Trivrita Avleha) along with Shaman Yoga (Patolkaturohiniadi Kasaya 40ml, Avipattikar Churna 5gm, combination of Kamdudha Rasa 250mg, Sutshekhara Rasa 250mg and Shatavari Churna 3grams) and Jivantyadi Yamak and a combination of Multani, Gulabjal, Jaiphal and Manjishtha for local application was given. Though, Ekkustha is a disease having dominancy of vitiated Vata and Kapha Dosha. In Kapha dominant skin diseases, Vamana is indicated as a Shodhan Karma but in the present case Pitta was found as a dominant Dosha. So line of treatment was to subside Pitta Dosha. After two months of the treatment, a significant response in various signs and symptoms were found. There was no remission of the disease even after six months.

11

Authors: Sunil K Sharma,Govind Pareek,Mithilesh K. Sah,Kunal Ojha andNiddhi Sharma

The science that presents scientific study by thinking systematically on priceless ethical human life is called Darshan. Charvak Darshan is literally Bhautikavaada which is believed that whole universe is derived from matter and its energy. Due to being famous in the public, it is also called "Lokayat Darshan". Charvak's views are very simple and easy to follow; therefore, people have gone easily towards them without any teaching. The main purpose of this Darshana is to make a healthy social life free from caste and chronology and other religious virtues by consuming current pleasures. In present manuscript, principles of Charvak Darshan were collected and analyzed in current social, economical and political perspective. Objection on Charvak principles by Maharshi Dayanand are also collected. Conclusion of this study indicates that it is not appropriate to make our egoistic life difficult by engaging in topics such as heaven, reincarnation, religion and wrong doing. It is also good to take credit for the basic needs. It is appropriate to accept man as God. The first objective should be the welfare of the human. Accepting ritualistic virtues in the name of religion is not appropriate. Staying within the realm of the current governance system, we must live a harmonious ideal social life.

11

Authors: Karishma Singh and Gopesh Mangal

In all Ayurvedic texts, the significance of Basti is highlighted as much as to call it half of the treatment or even complete treatment by some Acharyas. Among all the therapeutic procedures, Basti is superior, because it has the ability to produce multidimensional therapeutic effects according to the drug used. There is no therapy equivalent to Basti because it pervades all the three Rogmargas. Many Panchakarma therapies are limited to either Koshtha or externally on joints but Basti alone is the one which spreads to all the channels thus making itself the best therapy. As there has been difficulty in procuring the classical instruments for Basti and as the Bala (Strength) of patients over the period of time has reduced, it has become the need of hour to probe deeper into the subject, so as to revive the ancient techniques on a new platform and understand old principles in a new expressive way.

12

Authors: Abhishek Sharma, Ankush Jagota and Charu Supriya

Introduction:- POST (post operative sore throat ) is a common complaint in patients receiving General anesthesia following Orotracheal intubation, with reported incidences of 21-65 %. Sore throat ranks the most frequent subjective complaint under General anesthesia and is reported between 30% and 70% of patients after tracheal intubation. Though considered as a minor complication, but it may cause significant post operative morbidity and patient dissatisfaction. Various non pharmacological and pharmacological trials have been done for attenuating POST with no single proven modality in modern medicine. In Ayurvedic texts, various number of drugs and preparations have been mentioned under the section of “Kantha Roga Chikitsa Prakaranam’’ for the above complaint. Keeping all in mind, a thorough study was planned to search out for an ideal Ayurvedic preparation for the management of Post Operative Sore Throat (POST) due to tracheal intubation under General anesthesia. A planned study was done on “Khadira Kshaya” to evaluate its importance in treating sore throat caused by tracheal intubation. Materials and methods:- The plan of study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of an ayurvedic preparation consisting of ‘Khadira Kshaya’ as ‘Kawala’ and its potential for use on subjects suffering from ‘Sore throat’ due to tracheal intubation under General anesthesia. In this study we undertook an investigation to find out whether gargling with the trial drug reduces the ‘Post Operative Sore Throat’ (POST) after tracheal intubation. For this proposed work, 20 patients of both sexes with narrow age and weight distribution under ASA Grade-I were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, GroupI and Group-II. Group-I was considered as Control Group and the patients of this group were given ‘saline gargle’ (80ml) post operatively for the management of sore throat. The Group-II patients were considered as Trial group and were provided with Khadira Kshaya (80ml) as a gargle for the post operative management of sore throat.After extubation, patients were assessed for sore throat along with incidence of coughing, hoarsness of voice, pain, difficulty in swallowing etc. and their response towards the trial was also evaluated. Results:- It was clearly observed that In Control Group (Gr.-I), 65.5% relief was observed and in Trial group (Gr.-II), 82.6% relief was observed.

12

Authors: Hanumanth. M. Bagi and Pradeep S. Shindhe

Osteoarthritis is the second most common rheumatologic problem in India and has a prevalence rate of 22-39%. It is well correlated with Janusandhigata vata. Agnikarma with kshoudra, guda and sneha are mainly indicated in the management of pain emerged from gambheer dhatu. The pain management modality which is easy to perform with lesser complications and better rate of success should be the criteria in choosing the management of this disease. Moreover tapta dravas are considered to have more penetrating power than rooksha instruments such as Shalaka. Hence, tapta Guda is taken in the present study, to compare its efficacy with panchaloha Shalaka and its feasibility in agnikarma. Agnikarma with Guda(Jaggery) gives significant results in relieving the signs and symptoms of Janusandhigata vata.

13

Authors: Anju K Bhardwaj, Kamalesh Kumar Sharma and Hetal H Dave

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a diverse and complex female endocrine and metabolic disorder. Estimated global prevalence of PCOS are extremely variable, ranging from 2.2% to as high as 26%. Ayurveda has description of various Yonivyapada like Arajaska ,Asrija, Pushpaghni Jatahaarani etc. PCOS bears resemblance with many of them taken together. Etiology of PCOS is still not clear but it seems that modern lifestyle plays important role in causation of PCOS. Present study was conducted in National Institute of Ayurveda Jaipur. Thirty Female Patients belonging to the age group 15 to 40 years were selected for the study and divided into two groups of 15 patients each. Treatment Group was advised Dashamoola Yavagu(Gruel preparation) and Kulattha Yoosha (lentil soup) along with Yoga regimen consisting of Suryanamaskara and Shavasana for duration of 3 months. Control Group received Kanchanara Tvaka Kashaya as oral medicine. Interval of menses, duration of menses, hirsutism, sleep disturbance etc. were among subjective criterias and Pelvic USG to assess number and size of dominant and non dominant follicles, volume of ovary was objective criteria of assessment of outcome in both the groups. Results of the study showed that PCOS patients responds better to Pathyaahara and Yoga with p value <0.001 in majority of criterias .Dietary modification and Yoga can play major role in non pharmaco therapeutic management of PCOS.

13

Authors: Aniket A. Shilwant and Rahul V. Magare

Abstract: Heart (Hridaya) has its own significance in biomedical sciences due to its important function of circulation. Ayurveda and western medicinal science have a remarkable difference in understanding the concept of circulation. Where Ayurveda believes it is circulation of the first two dhatus – Rasa and Rakta, thus the term originates – Rasa-Rakta Samvahana; whereas modern science accepts the circulation of a reddish colored, viscous liquid connective tissue with its formed elements – Blood. Functioning of Hridaya is well coordinated mutually between the efficient working of Tridosha supplying nutrient media to dhatus for proper growth and development of the body. The contraction and relaxation movements of Heart, other properties like auto-rhythmicity can be justified using the Ayurvedic physiological aspects. Efforts for the same are done and highlighted in this study.

15

Authors: Muhsina M, Leena P Nair, Sri.Ramadas PV and Haroon Irshad

Ayurveda advises to follow specific Acharas with a view to maintain the health and to attain longevity. Vyayama is the most important Achara explained in Ayurveda in relation to the modern scenario. It has got its relevance in preventive as well as curative aspects. The desirable comfortable physical activity which brings strength and stability to the body is named as physical exercise. It must be done considering the time, strength, age, etc. improves the endurance and complexion along with the happiness and longevity. Exercise aids in maintaining ideal body weight, metabolizes carbohydrates, increases oxygen supply to all tissues, etc. Avyayama or complete absence of physical activity leads to chronic disease conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome. Vyayama is one among the Shamanachikitsas (palliative therapy) which has a major role in managing diseases like Urustambha, Prameha, etc. Asana is one among the Ashtangas (eight folds) of Yoga which also helps in stretch, strain and relaxation of muscles thereby act as both preventive and curative measure.

19

Authors: Ashok Kumar Mahato, Rajkumar Chinthala and A.S. Baghel

Introduction: Ayurveda is the life science which deals with every aspect of the individual. It has two main aims i.e. to protect the health of healthy individual and to cure the disease of diseased one. Rasayana is the branch of Ayurveda which is related with the protection of health and longevity. The herbs, herbo-mineral drugs and any activity that maintains the youthfulness and cures the disease are known as Rasayana. The average lifespan of Indian (68.35 yrs) is comparatively lesser than that of the people of growing countries like Japan (83.84 yrs), China (75.99yrs) and United States (78.74 yrs). The aged people are source of inspiration and knowledge for the younger generation and their role is vital in the development of society as well as nation. Hence, it is the need of time to adopt the ancient wisdom of Rasayana in various aspects for the protection as well as maintenance of their health and longevity. Keeping this in view, the present study has been taken into consideration. Materials and Methods: Ayurvedic classics and literature related to Rasayana were thoroughly reviewed, collected, analysed and presented systematically. Aims and objectives: To screen the fundamental aspects of Rasayana therapy along with its benefits allocated in the Ayurvedic classics and allied literature; to explore the practical utility of Rasayana therapy in present era. Discussion: Rasayana are the medicines with quality of forming Ojas. It also tones up of healthy individuals. Rasayana increases natural immunity, enhances general well-being, maintains physiology of the organs in proper way, and delays the ageing. Rasayana increases the immunity power hence one is protected by the infections as increased immunity makes one to fight against the diseases and thereby delays the ageing process. Conclusion: Rasayana therapy provides longevity, increases memory and intelligence, makes freedom from diseases, maintains the youthful age, improves excellence of lusture, complexion of voice, and provides maximum energetic body as well as sense organs. It also creates peace, happiness and love. The present work provides general introduction of Rasayana, its historical review, descriptions available in literature along with the physiological aspects of Rasayana and its relevance in modern era.