Rasayana Herbs Research Articles

Insights into the Phytochemical Profile and Therapeutical Potential of Withania Somnifera (L.) Dunal

Abstract: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (W. somnifera) is an herb commonly known by its English name Winter Cherry, and Ashwagandha in Hindi. It has been used as a traditional Rasayana herb for a long time. It is a rich reservoir of bioactive compounds known as withanolides, namely, withaferin-A and withanolide-D. Its current research covers many aspects of human health, which include anti-stress, anti-tumor, 9immuno-modulatory, hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, diuretic, anti-convulsant, neurotropic, adaptogenic, and cardioprotective properties. This overview W. somnifera traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological activities. However, in-depth studies are needed on the clinical use of W. somnifera against human diseases. Besides, detailed toxicological analysis is also to be performed for its safe and efficacious use in preclinical and clinical studies and as a health-promoting herb.

Exploration of phytoconstituents of Medhya Rasayana herbs to identify potential inhibitors for cerebroside sulfotransferase through high-throughput screening.

Cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST) is a key enzyme in sulfatide biosynthesis and regulation of the myelin sheath in the nervous system. To counter sulfatide accumulation with the deficiency of aryl sulfatase A, CST is considered a target protein in substrate reduction therapy in metachromatic leukodystrophy. In this study, 461 phytoconstituents from four herbs of Medhya Rasayana were screened using multi-pronged virtual screening methods including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and reverse pharmacophore analysis. The initial screening of the top 15 hits was based on the binding affinity of the compounds toward the CST substrate-binding site using the lowest free energy of a binding score cutoff of ≤ -7.5 kcal/mol, with the number of conformations in the largest cluster more than 75. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicity-based pharmacokinetic analysis delivered the top four hits: 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid, lupeol, alpha carotene, and beta-carotene, with high blood-brain barrier permeability and negligible toxicity. Furthermore, a 100-ns simulation of protein-ligand complexes with a trajectory analysis of structural deviation, compactness, intramolecular interactions, principal component analysis, free energy landscape, and dynamic cross-correlation analysis showed the binding potential and positioning of the four hits in the binding pocket. Thus, an in-depth analysis of protein-ligand interactions from pre- and post-molecular dynamics simulation, along with reverse pharmacophore mapping, suggests that 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid is the most potent and specific CST inhibitor, while beta-carotene could be considered the second most potent compound for CST inhibition as it also exhibited overall stability throughout the simulation. Therefore, the computational drug screening approach applied in this study may contribute to the development of oral drugs as a therapeutic option for metachromatic leukodystrophy.

Tinospora Cordifolia, A Rasayana Herb, as a Potential Source of Infectious Disease Therapeutics

Introduction: Ayurveda is a well-established traditional medicinal system in India which focuses on the treatment of chronic illnesses and the promotion of overall wellness. A significant upsurge has been observed in the research and development of traditional medicine in the 21st century. Tinospora cordifolia is a valuable Rasayana herb of Ayurveda with various medicinal properties like anticancer, antiobesity, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory. Aim: The current study aims to review the antimicrobial potential of T. cordifolia based on a number of available scientific evidence. Methodology: Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other databases with a combination of different keywords, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antiinflammatory with T. cordifolia, and the obtained reports were analyzed. Results: Various studies indicate the antimicrobial potential of this herb against different viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. The majority of the available evidence include the preliminary screening of the antimicrobial activities. To highlight the societal acceptance of T. cordifolia in this context, some value-added products based on this herb have also been discussed briefly. Conclusion: T. cordifolia has antimicrobial potential, which could be explored for the development of natural products-based therapeutics for infectious disease treatment. Cytotoxic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of T. cordifolia contribute to minimizing microbial colonization and strengthening the immune system against emerging infections. Herbal medicines are associated with some limitations, such as low effectiveness, seasonal variations of phytochemicals etc. More detailed studies are required to understand the underlying mechanism and the responsible phytochemicals, which will enhance the translational value of T. cordifolia-based phytotherapeutics.

Physico-chemical Analysis of immune modulatory formulation R9 vati

Introduction: The concept of well-being has evolved to include health beyond disease absence. Rasayana refers to the nutritional essence reaching all body tissue components to nourish and replenish them. It enhances longevity, intelligence, health, youth, skin, voice, and motor and sensory strength. Rasayana herbs are used in decoctions or powder to achieve this, enhancing various dhatu (tissues) and promoting overall health. Ashwagandha, Pippali, Guduchi, and Yashtimadhu are herbs known for their anti-oxidant properties. Rasasindura, a rasashaudhi used to treat various illnesses, is a kupipakwa preparation with shuddha parada and shuddha gandhaka. These Rasaushadhi are effective in small doses and can enhance the efficacy of herbal drugs when added to formulations. Method: In this study a tablet (R9 vati) was prepared with and without rasasindura. The prepared samples were subjected to various physico chemical analysis. Observation and result: Increase in the value of Total ash, Alcohol and Water soluble extractive, uniformity of weight, Hardness, and decrease in the value of Loss on drying, Water soluble ash was observed in R9 vati prepared with rasasindura. HPTLC result shows 8 peaks in both samples of vati at Short UV, 6 peaks in both samples of vati at Long UV, and 4 peaks in both samples of vati at Post derivatization. Result of Microbial analysis shows absence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella sp., Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both the samples of vati.

Analysis of polyphenols and anti-oxidant activity of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa L.) from Himachal Pradesh-A North-Western State of India

Boerhavia diffusa L. (family Nyctaginaceae) is also known as Punarnava in Indian medicine and has been used as rasayana herb in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. Plant has anti-aging, rejuvenating, cell-strengthening, mind-enhancing and preventative properties. The present study aims to investigate the different plant parts of the species B. diffusa for phytochemicals and antioxidants characterization for the first time from Bilaspur (31.33 oN 76.75 oE), Himachal Pradesh of North-Western India. The methanol: water extracts (leaf, stem and root) of B. diffusa were tested for in vitro antioxidant activity by various assays such as DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS [2, 2’-azino-bis (3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)], FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) and RP-HPLC-PDA (Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photo Diode Array Detector), which showed that B. diffusa root had the highest antioxidant activity i.e. DPPH (93.11±0.152g %), ABTS (89.70±0.207g %) and FRAP (88.67±0.251g %). This suggests that plant-derived polyphenols are good sources of natural antioxidants. Further, in the present study, three polyphenols, such as rutin, syringic acid, and epicatechin, were also determined through RP-HPLC-PDA method and found to be maximum in root extract. The results indicated that the methanolic extract of B. diffusa could be a potential herbal medicine against free radicals.

Phytochemical profiling and evaluation of the antidiabetic potential of Ichnocarpus frutescens (Krishna Sariva): kinetic study, molecular modelling, and free energy approach

This research explored novel antidiabetic drugs from natural sources using the Ayurvedic Rasayana herb Ichnocarpus frutescens through invitro enzyme assay, kinetics study, and computational approaches. Invitro enzyme inhibition assay demonstrated the promising inhibitory activity of root extract against alpha-amylase (α-A) and alpha-glucosidase (α-G) enzyme with IC50 value 7.34 ± 0.22 mg/ml and 4.40 ± 0.25 mg/ml respectively. Enzyme kinetic study revealed the competitive inhibition of both proteins by Ichnocarpus frutescens extract. High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer and Docking study revealed the better binding energy of phytoconstituents 23-Acetoxysoladulcidine, Atrovirinone, Bismurrayaquinone A, Lamprolobine, Zygadenine, and Gambiriin A3 than standard drug acarbose. Molecular modelling showed stable protein-ligands binding interaction during the 100 ns simulation. It revealed comparable Root Mean Square Deviation, Radius of Gyration, and Solvent Accessible Surface Area of these compounds with acarbose. The active site residues of both proteins remained stable and showed significantly less Root Mean Square Fluctuation. Molecular Mechanics with Generalised Bonn Surface Area analysis has illustrated the similar inhibitory activity of Zygadenine for α-A, 23-Acetoxysoladulcidine, and Gambiriin A3 for α-G protein, compared to the FDA-approved drug acarbose. Thus, the study suggested that the root of Ichnocarpus frutescens can be used as α-A and α-G inhibitors and be considered a compelling lead for the medication of type 2 diabetes. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

HR-LCMS and evaluation of anti-diabetic activity of Hemidesmus indicus (anantmool): Kinetic study, and molecular modelling approach

This study delved into the exploration of novel antidiabetic medications acquired from natural resources, utilizing the Ayurvedic Rasayana herb Hemidesmus indicus through cutting-edge chemoprofiling and molecular modelling techniques. The methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus root exhibited the highest extractive yield (24.70 ± 0.08 %) and contained substantial levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content as 154.15 ± 1.24 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g extract and 70.61 ± 0.35 Quercetin Equivalent/g extract respectively. Invitro study revealed the potent inhibitory potential of methanolic extract of the herb against essential carbohydrate hydrolytic enzymes α-amylase (IC50 = 4.19 ± 0.04 mg/ml) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 5.78 ± 0.10 mg/ml). Further, the enzyme kinetic study demonstrated the competitive mode of inhibition of both enzymes. HR-LCMS analysis identified the major phytoconstituents present in the extracts, including Solanocapsine, Cyclovirobuxine C, Lucidine B, Zygadenine, Aspidospermidine, silychristin, 3beta-3-Hydroxy-18-lupen-21-one, Manglupenone, and 19-Noretiocholanolone. Molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulation, and MM/GBSA analysis have proved stable, rigid, compact, and folded form of complexes during the entire 100 ns simulation, illustrating Zygadenine, Solanocapsine, and Cyclovirobuxine C as the superior inhibitors of α-A protein, while Zygadenine, Plumieride, and Phlegmarine exhibited greater inhibitory behaviour towards α-G protein than the FDA-approved drug acarbose. Collectively, our findings indicate that the Hemidesmus indicus could be a promising source of α-A and α-G inhibitors, potentially serving as a lead in order to develop medications for type-2 diabetes.

Protective Mechanisms of Nootropic Herb Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) against Dementia: Network Pharmacology and Computational Approach

Convolvulus pluricaulis (CP), a Medhya Rasayana (nootropic) herb, is a major ingredient in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese formulae indicated for neurological conditions, namely, dementia, anxiety, depression, insanity, and epilepsy. Experimental evidence suggests various neuroactive potentials of CP such as memory-enhancing, neuroprotective, and antiepileptic. However, precise mechanisms underlying the neuropharmacological effects of CP remain unclear. The study, therefore, aimed at deciphering the molecular basis of neuroprotective effects of CP phytochemicals against the pathology of dementia disorders such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) disease. The study exploited bioinformatics tools and resources, such as Cytoscape, DAVID (Database for annotation, visualization, and integrated discovery), NetworkAnalyst, and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) database to investigate the interaction between CP compounds and molecular targets. An in silico analysis was also employed to screen druglike compounds and validate some selective interactions. ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) analysis predicted a total of five druglike phytochemicals from CP constituents, namely, scopoletin, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and ayapanin. In network analysis, these compounds were found to interact with some molecular targets such as prostaglandin G/H synthase 1 and 2 (PTGS1 and PTGS2), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3), insulin receptor (INSR), heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG), and monoamine oxidase A and B (MAOA and MAOB) that are associated with neuronal growth, survival, and activity. Docking simulation further confirmed interaction patterns and binding affinity of selected CP compounds with those molecular targets. Notably, scopoletin showed the highest binding affinity with PTGS1, NOS3, PPARG, ACHE, MAOA, MAOB, and TRKB, quercetin with PTGS2, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid with INSR, and ayapanin with HMOX1. The findings indicate that scopoletin, kaempferol, quercetin, 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, and ayapanin are the main active constituents of CP which might account for its memory enhancement and neuroprotective effects and that target proteins such as PTGS1, PTGS2, NOS3, PPARG, ACHE, MAOA, MAOB, INSR, HMOX1, and TRKB could be druggable targets against dementia.

Ayurvedic Herbal Therapies: A Review of Treatment and Management of Dementia.

Dementia has been characterized by atypical neurological syndromes and several cognitive deficits, such as extended memory loss, strange behavior, unusual thinking, impaired judgment, impotence, and difficulty with daily living activities. Dementia is not a disease, but it is caused by several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lewy's bodies. Several drugs and remedies are indicated for alleviating unusual cognitive decline, but no effective pharmacological treatment regimens are available without side effects. Herbal drugs or traditional medicines like Ayurveda have been known for facilitating and corroborating the balance between mind, brain, body, and environment. Ayurvedic therapy comprises 600 herbal formulas, 250 single plant remedies, and natural and holistic health-giving treatments that relieve dementia in patients and increase vitality. Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs [rejuvenating elements] strengthen the brain cells, enhance memory, and decrease stress. The current medicine scenario in the treatment of dementia has prompted the shift in exploring the efficacy of ayurvedic medicine, its safety, and its efficiency. This review presents the literature on several herbal treatments for improving dementia symptomatology and patients' quality of life.

High performance thin layer chromatography based chemo profiling of Ashvagandharishta and its antidepressant activity

Withania somnifera (L.) has long been used as a traditional rasayana herb against a variety of human ailments. This research presents a high performance thin layer chromatography based chemo profiling of Ashvagandharishta and its antidepressant activity. The in-house formulation was made using a fermentation process according to the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Physiochemical standardization of the formulation was performed using different quality control parameters such as total ash, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extract value and water soluble extract value. A column chromatography and high performance thin layer chromatography method was used to isolate and estimation of withanolide-A, withaferin-A & β-sitosterol from the root of W. somnifera. In addition. The antidepressant effect of different formulations were carried out by force swimming test in albino mice. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and Glutathione (GSH) assay was used to find out the oxidative stress. W. somnifera root has been standardized macroscopically, microscopically, physico-chemically according to the guidelines of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using high performance thin layer chromatography and it was performed on each formulation and found the content of withanolide-A and -sitosterol in the in-house formulation is higher while withaferin-A is rather contained in the decoction. The antidepressant effect showed that the immobility time was lowest in the case of the standard formulation followed by in house formulation, while the increase in glutathione and the reduction in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels revealed the antioxidant nature of the formulation. In conclusion, based on the above results, we can conclude that Ashvagandharishta could be a breakthrough for the treatment of depression in the future.

In silico and in vitro studies on inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins with dual herbal combination of Withania somnifera with five rasayana herbs

Being highly transmissible, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has affected millions of people causing devastating global impact and has also not slowed down even after vaccination. The emerges of new strains has made more concerns than the original one. We need a new therapeutic approach against the disease. Our comprehensive in silico study investigates dual herbal combinatorial methanolic extracts of W. somnifera (W) alone and with P. emblica (P) (W:P/1:4) , T. sinensis (T) (W:T/1:4), B. monnieri (B) (W:B/1:1), O. basilicum (O) (W:O/1:4), A. racemosus (A) (W:A/4:1) for potential four phytochemicals as ligands docked with eight COVID-19 Nonstructural proteins (nsp)—main protease (PDB ID:6LU7), papain-like protease (6WUU), helicase ADP (2XZL), N7-methyltransferase (5C8S), endoribonuclease (6WLC), 2’O-methyltransferase (6WVN), RNA dependent RNA polymerase (6M71), and 3Cprotease (6YNQ) along with Remdesivir and Hydroxychloroquine. Ligands from W:P/1:4 showed remarkable docking score (−9.01 kcal/mol) 6M71-(8E,11E,14E)-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoicacidmethylester (EIS) and (−9.99 kcal/mol) 6YNQ-N-[(E)-[4-[(2-methoxydibenzofuran-3-yl)amino]-4-oxobutan-2-ylidene]amino] 4nitrobenzamide (MET). Further, MD simulations were studied for 100 ns and showed the complexes were flexible, stable in the binding pockets of the receptors, and MM-PBSA analysis determined high binding energy of −129.673 ± 15.284 and −134.594 ± 7.085 for 6M71-EIS (Asn496, Lys577, Arg569) and 6YNQ-MET (Cys145, His41). Finally, in vitro JURKAT E6.1 cell lines treated with W:P/1:4 and W:O/1:4 methanolic extracts yielded 44.06 and 31.53 ng/mL levels for interferon alpha to counteract an external stimulus by establishing an antiviral state. Thus, nsp is targeted to design effective antiviral drugs for developing an effective therapeutic approach to combat viral RNA synthesis, processing, and suppression of host immunity.

Concept of Rasayana and its Role in Current Times-A Review

Introduction: The word Rasayana means the way for attaining excellent Rasadi Dhatus. Rasayana is a unique branch of Ayurveda. It promotes the inner healing power of an individual and helps in over taking the pain and disease while promoting the immunity (Svasthasya Orjaskaram). As we know, in the present era, every human being is living under pressure to survive. This stressful life harms our health, happiness and inner sense of well-being. Increased pollution and excessive use of chemical products are also a root of many fatal diseases. In this regard, Rasayana Therapy becomes an essential tool to rejuvenate the body system for a better harmony in body, mind and soul. Advances in recent decades in understanding of aging have revived interest in antiaging factors and thus also in the Rasayana therapy. Rasayana Therapy is also known as Rejuvenation therapy which aims to restore the body’s vigour and vitality. In this review, concept of Rasayana and its role in the present era has been highlighted. Methods: The material has been collected from various Ayurveda texts and scholarly articles for deep understanding of Rasayana. Results: Rasayana is a specialized type of treatment influencing the fundamental aspects of the body viz. dhatus (body tissues), agni (the metabolic activity) and strotamsi (microcirculation) and helps in the prevention of aging. This review showed that Rasayana may provide age-stabilizing effects along with the preservation and promotion of health. Discussion: The purpose of Ayurveda is maintenance of Swasthya (health) and treatment of the Aatura (diseased person).Rasayana is equally important in treatment of diseases as well as in maintaining health. Use of different Rasayana herbs as per disease is useful in correcting Dhatu Vaishamya and attaining Dhatu Samya. Proper understanding and application of this concept in practice of Ayurveda would only lead to perfect and precise treatment

Oxidative Stress and Male Infertility: Role of Herbal Drugs.

Infertility is a universal health problem affecting 15% of couples, out of which 20-30% cases are due to male infertility. The leading causes of male infertility include hormonal defects, physical reasons, sexual problems, hazardous environment, stressful lifestyle, genetic factors, epigenetic factors, and oxidative stress. Various physiological functions involve reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species at appropriate levels for proper smooth functioning. ROS control critical reproductive processes such as capacitation, acrosomal reaction, hyperactivation, egg penetration, and sperm head decondensation. The excessive free radicals or imbalance between ROS and endogenous antioxidant enzymes damages sperm membrane by inducing lipid peroxidation causing mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage that eventually lead to male infertility. Numerous synthetic products are available in the market to treat infertility problems, largely ending in side effects and repressing symptoms. Ayurveda contains a particular group of Rasayana herbs, called vajikarana, that deals with nourishment and stimulation of sexual tissues, improves male reproductive vitality, and deals with oxidative stress via antioxidant mechanism. The present study aims to describe oxidative stress and the role of herbal drugs in treating male infertility.

LITERARY REVIEW OF THREE HERBS (BRAHMI, SANKHAPUSPI, JATAMANSHI) USE FOR PROMOTION OF MEDHA (INTELLECT)

Health is a complete state of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. Every human being will reach the ultimate success of their life when they are full of Intellect. So, Ayurveda has been playing a great role in providing health to personal and the public from the very inception of human civilization. From the ancient era, many herbs were mentioned in Ayurveda which help in the promotion of the intellect of human beings. Acharya Charaka has mentioned in Charaka Chikitsa Rasayana Chapter some Medhya Rasayana herbs which help to in- crease our Medha (intellect), Improve Grahana Sakti (power of perception), Smriti (power of recalling), Agni (power of digestion and metabolism), Varna (complexion) and Svara (voice). Medhya Rasayana drugs improve mental faculties and mental function with the help of their properties. The present article reviewed different Ayur- vedic Classics of Samhita Period, Sangraha Period, Nighantu Period, Late Modern Period and of Contemporary Period to collect the information’s regarding the pharmacodynamics of drugs and their therapeutic uses to furnish here within a methodical manner for better understanding of their therapeutic efficacy of this drug by the scholars of this field. Through the review of the literature regarding Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulischois), Jatamanshi (Nardostachys jatamansi) it has been observed that these drugs are potent Medhya(intellect) with the properties as mentioned in this article. Keywords: Medha, Intellect, Brahmi, Sankhapuspi, Jatamanshi.

Ayurveda Rasayana as antivirals and immunomodulators: potential applications in COVID-19.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization with rapid spread across 216 countries. COVID-19 pandemic has left its imprints on various health systems globally and caused immense social and economic disruptions. The scientific community across the globe is in a quest for digging the effective treatment for COVID-19 and exploring potential leads from traditional systems of healthcare across the world too. Ayurveda (Indian traditional system of medicine) has a comprehensive aspect of immunity through Rasayana which is a rejuvenation therapy. Here we attempt to generate the potential leads based on the classical text from Ayurveda in general and Rasayana in particular to develop effective antiviral and/or immunomodulator for potential or adjunct therapy in SARS-CoV-2. The Rasayana acts not only by resisting body to restrain or withstand the strength, severity or progression of a disease but also by promoting power of the body to prevent the manifestation of a disease. These Rasayana herbs are common in practice as immunomodulator, antiviral and protectives. The studies on Rasayana can provide an insight into the future course of research for the plausible development of effective management of COVID-19 by the utilization and development of various traditional systems of healthcare. Keeping in view the current pandemic situation, there is an urgent need of developing potential medicines. This study proposes certain prominent medicinal plants which may be further studied for drug development process and also in clinical setup under repurposing of these herbs.

Scientific Evaluation of Dhuma Yoga (An Ayurvedic Fumigation Medicine) as Preventive and Curative on Symptoms of Covid-19 Disease

Covid-19, an infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes where the viruses are active in the environment within the suspended micro droplets. Sanitization of environment to weaken/terminate the virus and halting the replication of virus inside the host along with symptomatic treatment is the primary approach to end the pandemic. In Ayurveda, Dhupana (medicated fumigation of vicinity) and Dhumapana (medicated smoking) therapies done by drugs of herbal/animal/mineral origin are a swift way to decontaminate the environment and Respiratory system. Dhuma (medicated fumes) is a unique drug delivery system acting directly on respiratory tissues which can deliver quick results in this Covid-19 pandemic by its local and systematic effects recommended by AYUSH ministry in the guidelines for Covid-19. We intend to put forward the scientific explanation of powerful Ayurvedic Cannabis based polyherbal dhumapana (medicated smoking) medication named Dhuma Yoga available in the market as an alternate remedy for Covid-19 whose four out of five herbal ingredients are in the list of WHO manual of traditional medicine. We emphasized on Vijaya (Cannabis sativa Linn.) as the centre of formulation because it is a Rasayana (rejuvenative) herb having Vyavayi (fast acting) and Yogavahi (synergetic) properties. Phytochemicals of all the herbal ingredients of Dhuma Yoga formulation are studied through in silico, In vitro and In vivo studies for Covid-19 with favourable outcomes.

Protective Effect of Rasayana Herbs on Lead Acetate-induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Protective Effect of Rasayana Herbs on Lead Acetate-induced Testicular Toxicity in Wistar Rats

Rasayana herbs for longevity: An ayurvedic and contemporary appraisal

Objective: To explore Rasayana herbs ascribed in Ayurveda classics and their contemporary appraisal for Rasayana potential. Data Source: Classical Ayurvedic review of Rasayana herbs were done from three distinguished Ayurveda classics (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya) known as Brithattrayi. The contemporary review of those classical herbs was done from PubMed and other reputed databases. Review Methods: The classical Ayurveda review was done manually from Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. The single herbs mentioned in specifically dedicated Rasayana chapters of these classics (Charaka Chikitsa 1, Sushruta Chikitsa 27, 28, Ashtanga Hridaya Uttarsthana 39) were gathered. The botanical identity of the herbs were taken from “The plant list.org”. The contemporary review of those classical herbs mentioned as Rasayana in Ayurveda classics were done from PubMed and other databases. The searching key was Latin name of drug/herb+Rasayana activity. Results: Total 39 herbs were enumerated in Brihattrayi, among them 21 are in Charaka Samhita, 12 in Sushruta Samhita and 21 are from Ashtanga Hridaya, few of them are Bhallataka, Mandukaparni, Guduchi, Varahikanda, Soma, Tuvaraka, Vacha and Bhringaraja. Most of the herbs mentioned as Rasayana are evaluated scientifically for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory and nootropic potential. These reported activities of herbs support their Rasayana property. Conclusion: These studies indicate that daily damage of cells leads to early ageing and occurrence of many diseases. Rasayana herbs through their anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory and nootropic potential protect the damage which contribute towards health and longevity.

Immunity Boosting Drugs in Ayurveda – A Review

The concept of Immunity is mentioned as ‘Vyadhikshamatwa’ in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda numbers of medicinal herbs are described under immunity-enhancing drugs category. The concept of immunity enhancer is explained under the category of Rasayan chikitsa in Ayurveda. These herbs are used in various diseases, especially by modulating the immune system. These herbs are called as Rasayan Dravyas. Ayurveda medical science comprises the herbs which are Rasayana and also which are non-Rasayana in nature. In Samhitas entirely enriched with enormous data of Rasayana medicinal herbs acting as immune modulators. The data of available Samhitas and researches show that these Rasayana herbs have immense potential as immune modulators. Advanced researches have proven that drugs like Guduchi, Haritaki, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jyotishmati act as a good immune enhancer. Theses herbs are mentioned in Ayurveda as Rasayana drugs. Experimental studies also have proven the role of Rasayana drugs as antioxidant, adoptogenic and having anti-stress activities. These Rasayana drugs as having immunity enhancer protect the health of a healthy person and protects them from any type of diseased condition. Charakacharya had mentioned Rasayanchikitsa adhyay as the first addhya of their chikitsasthan considering his aim as ‘Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam’. This means to protect the health of a healthy person as in priority by using immunity enhancer drugs as Rasayanas. This review article empowers such reviewed data on Rasayan medicinal herbs as a promising future target for immunotherapy.

Dual herbal combination of Withania somnifera and five Rasayana herbs: A phytochemical, antioxidant, and chemometric profiling

BackgroundTraditional medicine adequately emphasis plant resources for addressing a wide variety of human ailments by utilizing the naturally occurring phytoconstituents; in particular medicinal plants or parts of plants in combination have prodigious antioxidant potentials. ObjectiveThe present study aims to analyze methanolic extract of W. somnifera (W) individually, and in dual combination with five Rasayana herbs P. emblica - (W:P), B. monnieri - (W:B), T. sinensis - (W:T), O. basilicum - (W:O), A. racemosus - (W:A) in three dual ratios [4:1, 1:1, and 1:4]. The efficacy of the combinations is assessed based on their chemometric profiling. Material and methodsA total of 15 dual combinatorial methanolic extracts together with W. somnifera were evaluated for their preliminary phytochemical profiles, antioxidant potentials using DPPH and FRAP assays. Five dual samples were selected and analyzed for High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) image-based chemometric profiling followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA)-Heatmaps. ResultsQualitative phytochemical analysis of combinatorial extracts exhibited a richness for a variety of phytoconstituents. The antioxidant activity was significantly higher for DPPH IC50 (μg/mL): W = 11.56 ± 3.69; W:P/1:4 = 7.89 ± 1.52; W:O/1:4 = 8.995 ± 2.64 and FRAP (μM FeE/g): W = 4.56 ± 0.54; W:P/1:4 = 138.34 ± 9.25; W:O/1:4 = 15.32 ± 1.64. Chemometric data acquisition displayed improved secondary metabolite close cluster combination with W:O/1:4 and W:P/1:4 than W. somnifera (W) alone. ConclusionThe dual herbal combinatorial study revealed that the methanolic combinatorial extracts phytoconstituents correlated with an increase in the antioxidant potential and would serve as a promising source for phytomedicine.