Introduction Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) is widely recognized in Ayurvedic medicine as a potent Rasayana and aphrodisiac herb, with preclinical studies demonstrating androgen-modulating, anxiolytic, and antioxidant properties that may enhance male reproductive physiology. The present study aimed to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) in improving sexual function in healthy adult men. Methods A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted over 8 weeks in 76 healthy males aged 30–50 years. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive either 300 mg ARE twice daily or a matched placebo. Sexual functioning was evaluated using validated instruments, including the Sexual Desire Inventory-2 (SDI-2), number of Satisfying Sexual Events (SSEs), and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Semen parameters were analyzed using WHO-standardized procedures, and quality of life was assessed with the Short Form-12 Health Survey. Both intention-to-treat and safety analyses were performed with a significance threshold of α = 0.05. Results ARE supplementation resulted in statistically significant improvements across multiple domains of sexual function compared with placebo, including SDI-2 scores, SSEs, sexual desire, and overall IIEF outcomes ( p ≤ 0.001). Semen analysis demonstrated a 36% increase in ejaculate volume, 38% improvement in total sperm count, and an 87% increase in total sperm motility after 8 weeks, with moderate to large effect sizes indicating clinically meaningful benefits. No adverse events or safety concerns were reported. Discussion These findings suggest that standardized ARE may serve as an effective and well-tolerated natural intervention to support male sexual health. Clinical Trial Registration https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=NzY3ODE=&Enc=&userName= , identifier CTRI/2,022/11/047,501.

Fungi have been recognized for their medicinal properties for centuries, playing critical roles in both traditional and modern medical systems. Ancient practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have utilized fungi for their therapeutic properties, while modern pharmacology has harnessed fungal metabolites to develop groundbreaking drugs. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medicinal applications of fungi, emphasizing their role in traditional medicine systems, modern drug development, and potential mechanisms of action. It also addresses the challenges and prospects of integrating fungal‐based therapies into the healthcare system. A comprehensive analysis of classical medicinal texts and contemporary scientific literature identified key fungal species, their bioactive compounds, and the underlying mechanisms of their therapeutic effects. Fungal species such as Ganoderma lucidum , Cordyceps sinensis , and Trametes versicolor have a long‐standing tradition in traditional medicine for enhancing the immune system and promoting health restoration. Modern pharmacology has leveraged fungal metabolites, such as penicillin and cyclosporine, revolutionizing the development of antibiotics and immunosuppressants. Fungi play a crucial role in addressing global health challenges through their diverse mechanisms of action, including immune modulation, anti‐inflammatory pathways, and direct antimicrobial effects. Their bioactive compounds exhibit unique therapeutic properties, making them valuable in combating diseases and infections. As a bridge between traditional wisdom and modern science, fungi encapsulate centuries of indigenous knowledge about their medicinal uses. Integrating this traditional understanding with advanced biotechnological tools enables the discovery of novel applications for fungal metabolites. This synergy offers sustainable and innovative solutions for pressing health issues, paving the way for breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals, therapeutics, and global healthcare systems.

Validation of an LCMS method for stability evaluations of piperine in Murchita utpalashatpalaghrita.

Chebulae fructus: A comprehensive review of active constituent analysis, pharmacological effect evaluation, toxicological assessment, pharmacokinetic properties, and advances in combination therapy strategies.

Mouse neuronal dendritic complexity and resilience to stress-induced depression in Drosophila melanogaster are enhanced by Withania somnifera alkaloids.

Families of children with cancer and nonmalignant blood disorders frequently explore complementary medicine (CM). Despite growing evidence supporting CM for pediatric populations, physician communication about its use remains limited. This study evaluates caregiver awareness, interest, and use of CM among pediatric hematology/oncology patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers at the University of North Carolina Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic (May-September 2024). Eligible participants spoke English or Spanish and had attended at least one clinic visit. The survey assessed awareness and use of CM, including nutrition, supplements, mind-body practices (e.g., prayer, acupuncture, and yoga), and whole medical systems (e.g., traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines)-as well as costs, motivations, and barriers. A total of 150 caregivers completed the survey. Only 30% of respondents were familiar with CM terminology, yet 58% reported using at least one CM form. Dietary modifications were most common (47%), followed by mind-body practices (20%). Caregivers of cancer patients prioritized CM to reduce treatment side effects, whereas caregivers for those of patients with nonmalignant hematology conditions prioritized long-term quality-of-life. Barriers included lack of awareness (61%) and cost (15%). Only 17% had discussed CM or PIM (pediatric integrative medicine) with clinicians, and in most cases (60%), caregivers initiated the conversation. Findings highlight significant gaps in awareness, access, and clinician-family communication regarding pediatric CM. Despite limitations such as single-site design and modest sample size, results underscore the need for caregiver education and accessible services to better support pediatric patients and families.

Menstruation during the reproductive age plays an important role in maintaining a woman’s health. Ayurvedic classical texts describe various menstrual disorders, one of which is Rakta Pradara, defined as excessive menstrual bleeding during menstruation or bleeding occurring between cycles. Heavy menstrual bleeding in form of excessive per vaginal bleeding in duration or amount or both interfering with emotional, physical, social, and or material quality of life. In Modern pathy, it is managed by hormonal therapy, antifibrinolytic drugs, Intrauterine device like Mirena etc which have lots of side effects and if unsuccessful, is followed by surgical interventions. In present case study, a 48yr old women present with Rakta Pradara, treated with Chandanabalalakshadi oil Matra Basti (therapeutic enema) along with oral Herbal and Mineral Ayurvedic medicine. In present case study, it is observed that Chandanabalalakshadi oil Matra Basti (therapeutic enema) along with oral Herbal and Mineral Ayurvedic medicine gives significant relief in all the symptoms of Raktapradar (heavy menstrual bleeding) in the patient. Keywords: Raktapradar, Chandanabalalakshadi oil Matra Basti, Heavy menstrual bleeding

Integrated bioactivity-guided isolation, network pharmacology, and experimental validation to reveal the key constituents and potential mechanisms of Tectona grandis against diabetes and lipid disorders.

The increasing global acceptance of Ayurvedic medicines necessitates reliable quality control and standardization methods to ensure their safety, efficacy, and authenticity. Due to the complex phytochemical composition of herbal formulations, systematic analytical evaluation is essential for establishing their identity and consistency. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) is a sensitive and reproducible analytical technique that facilitates efficient separation and visualization of bioactive constituents in plant-based preparations. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) is a well-recognized medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda for its diverse therapeutic potential. The present study aims to establish an HPTLC fingerprint profile of the methanolic extract of Shatavari choorna (powder), prepared from the dried tuberous roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd. A precoated silica gel 60 F 254 plate (5 × 10 cm) served as the stationary phase, while Toluene:chloroform:methanol (6:3:1) was used as the mobile phase and visualized at 425 nm under UV light. The HPTLC analysis revealed twelve distinct peaks with a total peak area of 54757.8 AU at 425 nm, indicating the presence of multiple phytochemical constituents. The established HPTLC fingerprint profile serves as a reliable reference for the identification, quality evaluation, and standardization of Shatavari choorna and provides scientific support for its future research and quality control applications.

Traditional Indian knowledge systems describe a hierarchical reverence of sacred plants, in which ritual supremacy is often associated with perceived therapeutic superiority. Among these, blue lotus (Nymphaea nouchali; blue water lily) occupies a culturally exalted position and is frequently regarded as an apex offering in devotional practices, despite long-standing taxonomic confusion with true lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). This review critically evaluates selected sacred Indian plants-Nymphaea nouchali (blue lotus), Nelumbo nucifera (sacred lotus), Pandanus odorifer (pagada flower), Datura metel (thorn apple), Raphanus sativus (radish), Acacia nilotica (gum arabic tree), Achyranthes aspera (prickly chaff flower), Desmostachya bipinnata (kusha grass), and Prosopis cineraria (shami tree) by integrating ethnobotanical knowledge with contemporary pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and pharmacological evidence. Emphasis is placed on the therapeutic relevance of Nymphaea species, traditionally employed in Ayurveda, Siddha, and folk medicine as cooling agents, nervine tonics, sedatives, cardiotonics, and anti-inflammatory remedies. Blue lotus exhibits a distinct pharmacological profile characterized by central nervous system–modulating, anxiolytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective activities, attributed to aporphine alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, and tannins. Comparative evaluation indicates that while Nelumbo nucifera demonstrates broader nutraceutical utility, Nymphaea species occupy a more specialized yet culturally supreme position with pronounced neuropharmacological and cooling properties. This review reinterprets sacred plant hierarchies through an evidence-based lens, positioning blue lotus as a culturally apex but scientifically underexplored medicinal plant with promising translational potential.

Vascular function is a direct factor affecting blood pressure, and it is a primary strategy for clinically controlling hypertension by regulating the constriction/relaxation of blood vessels. This study evaluates the vasodilatory and anti-hypertensive effects of norisoboldine (NOR), an isoquinoline alkaloid in Ayurvedic medicine. The rat thoracic aorta was isolated to investigate the vasodilatory effect, and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats were established, respectively. In the isolated vascular ring, removal of the endothelium resulted in a significant decrease in the vasodilatory effect. Pretreatment with L-NAME, ODQ, KT5823, WT, Tri, Dilt, calcium-free solution, TG, Gd3+, 2-APB, Indo, 4-AP, Gli, and BaCl2 inhibited the vasodilatory effect of NOR. In vascular endothelial cells, NOR promoted eNOS phosphorylation and inhibited TNF-α-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. SBP and DBP were significantly decreased after administration of different doses of NOR in the femoral vein of rats. In addition, NOR significantly reduced the blood pressure of L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, up-regulated the serum levels of NO, cGMP, and CAT, and down-regulated MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α in hypertensive rats. NOR administration improved pathological changes in the thoracic aorta by regulating the arrangement of thoracic aortic smooth muscle cells, decreasing the thickness of the thoracic aortic wall, and reducing the degree of collagen deposition and fibrosis. In conclusion, the vasodilatory mechanisms of NOR were related to the Ca2+-eNOS signaling pathway, including the PGI2 and various K+/Ca2+ channels, the inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R) calcium release, and the α-adrenergic receptor pathway. The anti-hypertensive mechanism of NOR may be related to increased NO and cGMP bioavailability, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and improved vascular remodeling.

Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion (BRVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disorder associated with systemic vascular disorders such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia. It causes defective vision due to macular edema, venous congestion, and ischemia. Modern treatment mainly includes anti-VEGF injections and laser therapy, but recurrence and complications often seen. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach through internal medicines, ocular therapies, and life style modification. This case report presents a 64-year-old female with BRVO and macular edema, managed with Ayurvedic medicines and therapies such as Netra Sekam, Takradhara, Murdha Taila, Nasya Anjanam, Mukhalepam, and Jaloukavacharana. The right eye improved from counting fingers at 1.5 m to 6/24 (pinhole~6/18), with OCT central macular thickness reducing from 502 µm to 254 µm. The left eye-maintained vision at 6/60 with symptomatic relief and stabilization of OCT values. This suggests Ayurveda as a supportive therapy in BRVO management.

Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi), an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine, is a plant with an unparalleled pharmacological profile, positioning it as a highly effective adaptogenic and homeostatic agent. The present review integrates comprehensive scientific evidence on the protective and modulatory effects of Tulsi on major physiological systems. The central part deals with its profound impact on the central nervous system, exerting neuroprotective, nootropic, anxiolytic, and anti-stress action, offering potential therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative disorders and mood-related pathologies. The paper also extensively discusses Tulsi from the perspective of its role in systemic health management: in metabolic disorders, it demonstrates significant anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activities, thus contributing to the normalization of glucose metabolism and protection against liver chemical injury; regarding cardiovascular health, research studies confirm its anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypertensive, and cardioprotective effects. The review further provides strong evidence of the immunomodulatory properties of Tulsi, detailing its effect on the enhancement of cellular and humoral immune responses, leading to a strengthened body immunity. Central to many of these benefits is its strong antioxidant activity, which neutralizes oxidative stress, considered a key player in many chronic diseases. This paper thus compiles evidence on the position of O. sanctum as a multi-dimensional medicinal herb with the ability to protect and balance the internal environment of the body against many physiological and chemical stressors.

Nephrotoxicity, defined as structural and functional impairment of the kidneys due to chemical, biological, or metabolic insults, is a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality. It arises from diverse causes including pharmaceutical agents, heavy metals, environmental toxins, infectious diseases, and metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Pathophysiological mechanisms involve oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, dysregulation of renal hemodynamics, and apoptosis/necrosis of tubular cells. Herbal medicines have been investigated both as protective interventions and, paradoxically, as causative agents of nephrotoxicity. Numerous phytochemicals-such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins-exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective activities, which may counter renal injury by modulating signaling pathways (Nrf2, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad). Prominent candidates include curcumin, resveratrol, silymarin, quercetin, and berberine, as well as complex formulations from Ayurvedic, Chinese, and African traditional medicine. However, nephrotoxic risks arise from intrinsic phytochemical toxicity (e.g., aristolochic acids), adulteration with heavy metals, contamination, or herb-drug interactions. The duality of herbal remedies as potential nephroprotectants and nephrotoxins demands rigorous mechanistic research, standardized preparations, and long-term clinical trials. This review synthesizes current evidence on nephrotoxicity mechanisms, the protective role of herbal interventions, and the safety concerns critical to clinical translation. Keywords: nephrotoxicity, herbal medicine, oxidative stress, renal protection, safety

Activity-guided isolation of sesquiterpene coumarins from Ferula assa-foetida as monoamine oxidase inhibitors: Investigation on their therapeutic implications in a mice model of Parkinson's disease.

Natural products and their intricate framework always offer an unexplored source of chemotypes for any drug discovery. It is identified that >70% of the drugs were discovered directly from the natural sources or their direct analogs. Boswellic acids (BA) are one of such structurally diverse bioactive components that are isolated from the resin of the Boswellia genus. This resin is used for multiple ailments in indigenous medicine, especially in Indian Ayurveda and the Chinese medicine system. However, its complex structure and low bioavailability limit its applications in therapeutic use. Modifying BA (an abundant molecule from nature) semi-synthetically can improve biological and pharmacokinetic properties tremendously. During the past 35 years (1990-2025), numerous semi-synthetic modifications of BA have been established. The synthesized derivatives of BA possess novel molecular mechanisms against infectious and non-infectious diseases, making them valuable candidates for drug development. Based on the chemical/ biological importance, the review is presented, which covers the molecular scaffolds and pharmacological activities of BAs for various infectious and non-infectious diseases. Further, the structure-activity relationship provides a valuable addition to the drug discovery program.

Anti-colitic effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. juice via ERK/p38 and NF-κB signaling modulation and the characterization of a key marker compound.

Toward a holistic model of personalized and integrative medicine: The distinctive role of Persian medicine.

Exploring the integration of ayurveda and modern medicine in addressing chronic diseases

Standardization of Ayurvedic medicines: Approaches and techniques