Role of Ayurveda in the Management of Childhood Immunodeficiency Disorders

‘Swarnaprashana’ as a lehana chikitsa and several Ayurveda Rasayana drugs can boost the immune system in a specific or nonspecific manner including both innate or adaptive arms of the immune response and enhance the body’s overall natural resistance to the disease-causing agent rather than directly neutralize the agent itself in children. Aim: To critically review and analyze the role of Ayurveda in the management of childhood immunodeficiency disorders. Method: Various Traditional Ayurveda texts and books, magazines, and research journals as well as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Ayush research portal, and Clinical Trial Registry, India are used as a source of information about the immune-enhancing effect of Ayurveda drugs useful in childhood immunodeficiency disorders. Discussion: Immunodeficiency disorders are a group of heterogeneous disorders with immune system abnormalities characterized by various combinations of recurrent infections, autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, granulomatous process, etc. ‘Swarnaprashana’ as a lehana chikitsa and Ayurveda Rasayana drug helps the body resist its natural tendency to manage or tolerate the strength, severity, or progression of an illness as well as its natural tendency to prevent the emergence of an illness. ‘Swarnaprashana’ and Rasayana drugs are used as antioxidants, improving immune status, bactericidal & antimicrobial activity, antiviral, and protectives. It promotes an individual's strength, boosts immunity, and helps to prevent and overcome illness. When the immune system is compromised, it results in immunodeficiency, which leaves the body exposed to a variety of fatal illnesses. ‘Swarnaprashana’ and Rasayana drugs mentioned in Ayurveda classics are known to boost the immune system. Conclusion: The present paper reveals that ‘Swarnaprashana’ as lehana chikitsa and Ayurveda Rasayana drugs are effective in treating childhood immunodeficiency disorders.

Concept of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma in Ayurveda Perspective and its Management by Sodhana, Samana and Rasayana: A Review Article

Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) are a rare group of diseases caused by uncontrolled proliferation of T cells which belongs to mature T cell lymphoma having indolent nature. Two thirds of the CTCL are comprised of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS). They are characterized by macules and patches which on later progresses to tumors or nodules with adenopathy and other organ infiltration. If left untreated the risk of developing infection increases with visceral involvement of skin, GI tract, lungs and adrenals. Diagnosis is done by histopathological appearance, cytogenetic analysis, etiology and the functional biology of neoplastic cells. Imaging techniques (MRI and CT) are widely done to assess the staging of disease and other tissue involvement. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and retinoids have been in use since long time, but possess many side effects. According to Ayurveda, CTCL can be caused by Ahara like Virudha, Agantuja bhavas, Beeja-beejabhaga-beejabhagavayava dushti and Ojas/bala hani. The clinical features can be related with Kushta and in later stage simulates Dhatugata kushta and Granthi-arbuda. The etiopathogenesis of CTCL can be considered as formation of Ama, Agnimandhya, Srothovaigunya, and Balahani. Management will be preventive, curative and palliative with Sodhana, Samana and Rasayana therapies

Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Brahma Rasayana in the Management of Tuberculous Cerebrovascular Disease - A Case Report

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is an air-borne infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Among all the incident cases of TB, CNS TB represents approximately 1% with TBM as the most grievous among all. The basic pathology in TBM is the inflammation of the arachnoid membrane, the pia mater and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It typically presents as mild fever, headache, anorexia and general debility that progress over one to two weeks to cause severe headache, fever, vomiting, confusion, meningismus and cranial nerve deficits. The most common complications of TBM include hydrocephalus, optico-chiasmatic arachnoiditis, seizures and stroke. Out of these, tuberculous cerebrovascular disease is a common neurological sequelae. This case study elaborates the treatment line and observations made in a 29 year old male patient who presented with hemiparesis and significant sensory deficit following an event of tuberculous meningitis. MRI brain was suggestive of basilar meningitis, optico-chiasmatic arachnoiditis, infarcts and tuberculoma with chest X-ray revealing increased bronchovascular markings in bilateral lung fields. Initially on admission, Deepana-pachana was done followed by snehapana with Shadpala ghrta and Virechana as Sodhana karma. Abhyanga, Ushma Sweda, Churna pinda sweda and Jambeera pinda sweda were successively done allied with physiotherapy. Yogavasti with Vedanasthapana gana as Kashaya and Kalka was done intervened by Anuvasana vasti. Succeedingly, Murdhni taila prayoga and Marsha nasya were also incorporated with periodical neurological, hematological and biochemical assessment. On discharge, Brahmi kalyanaka ghrta and Brahma Rasayana were advised inclusive of physiotherapy.

A Review on the Rasayanas (Rejuvenatives) from Chakradatta and Market Survey for the Availability of Rasayana Drugs and Formulations

Rasayana therapy is the essence of Ayurveda. It places great emphasis on prevention and encourages the maintenance of health through close attention to balance in one’s life. For achieving this state, Ayurveda encircles various approaches of assessment. Various Rasayanas are mentioned in Ayurveda compendiums. Chakradatta is one of the important compendia written by Chakrapani which is known as Chikitsasangraha wherein details about treatment methods are given. Details of Rasayan chapter of Chakradatta, and drugs/ formulations having ‘Rasayana’ word in their indications are reviewed in this article. After studies it is found that, 22 Rasayana drugs/ formulations are mentioned in the Rasayan chapter of Chakradatta, and 22 Rasayana drugs/ formulations are mentioned in overall text, apart from the Rasayan chapter of Chakradatta. A market survey was conducted in the area around the PDEA's College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Nigdi, to find the availability of Rasayana drugs and formulations from Chakradatta. It was found that out of 51 raw drugs and formulations 40 are available in the market.

Positive Impact of Aachar-Rasayana on Health

The first and foremost aim of Ayurveda - “Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam Aaturasya Vikara Prashamanam Cha” is to maintain a healthy state of life and to remain free from the burden of diseases and sufferings so as to accomplish the ultimate goal of human life. To achieve this objective, Ayurveda has advocated certain percepts and rules which can ensure the normal functioning of human body without any hindrance. Ayurveda has suggested schedules of Swasthvritta including Dincharya, Ratricharya, Ritucharya, Rasayana, and Sadvritta as some of the practices and methods that leads to a happy, healthy and long life. In Ayurveda general principles to prevent psychic disturbances, practices preventing psychosomatic disturbances, practices regarding codes of general ethics in diet, behaviour, study, self-control etc. are explained as parts of Sadvritta. True efforts made for the observation of these schedules and conduct give rise to the effects of rejuvenation therapy called Aachar Rasayana that promotes longevity without any attack of diseases. Rasayana is one of the comprehensive disciplines of Ayurveda, which comprises a specialized use of herbs, herbo-mineral formulations, food articles and lifestyle along with self-discipline with social etiquette to achieve the optimum state of tissues that there is least effect of etiological factors on body. A careful analysis of qualities of Aachar Rasayana reveals that most of them are related to Mana, Dhi, Dhriti, along with good conduct. It inculcates the discipline related to mind, character, social, religious and personal life, so as to accord with the happiness and good of the individual and the society as a whole.

Polyherbal decoction modulates redox homeostasis during Malachite green induced metabolic stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Malachite green (MG) is aquatic pollutant that induces oxidative stress when comes in contact with the living organisms. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, MG produces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and these ROS disturb redox homeostasis and cellular functions leading to early cell death. Exogenous supply of natural antioxidants containing polyherbal decoction may play a crucial role in re-establishment of redox homeostasis by ensuring the cell survival. Exposure of MG to Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in a significant decrease (97.8%) in colony forming units (CFU). An Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation ‘Vayasthapana Rasayana’ (VR) which contains natural antioxidants from plants viz. Terminalia chebula, Clitoria ternatea, Boerhaavia diffusa, Centella asiatica, Phyllanthus emblica, Asparagus racemossus and Tinospora cordifolia at 1.0 mg/mL concentration could arrest the oxidative stress during MG exposure. Levels of ROS elevated up to 67.3% on MG exposure; while VR supplementation reduced it by 54.7%. MG induced cellular apoptosis in 38% and necrosis in 27% cells, while VR augmentation reduced it to 8%. Activities of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in MG exposed cells were induced by 408, 144 and 140%, respectively, whereas, VR supplementation lowered the expressions to 102, 57 and 111%, respectively. Induction in caspases 3/7 activity was also found to be reduced by 65.39% after VR augmentation. Similarly, VR modulated activities of oxido-reductases like lignin peroxidase, laccase, NADH-DCIP reductase and MG reductase. VR supplementation also maintained the MG utilization potential of S. cerevisiae up to 20th exposure cycle which was otherwise arrested to 8th cycle. The treatment also decreased the ROS accumulation and nuclear damage, restoring the cell viability up to 94% and retained normal growth dynamics. Thus, VR supplementation could significantly decrease oxidative stress, enhance cell viability and ultimately protect the dying S. cerevisiae cells during MG exposure.

Simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria and herbal extract to reduce the urinary oxalate in a rat model: A new strategy

ABSTRACT Objective: Urinary stones with oxalate composition can cause kidney failure. Recent findings evidenced that probiotics are effective in reducing oxalate absorption in these subjects based on their high colonic absorption levels at baseline. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous use of oxalate-degrading bacteria, Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract in reducing urinary oxalate. Materials and Methods: Anti-urolithiatic activity of Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract and probiotic by using ethylene glycol induced rat model. In this study, 4 strains of Lactobacillus and 2 strains of Bifidobacterium and also 2 strains of L. paracasei (that showed high power in oxalate degrading in culture media) were used. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n=6). The rats of group-I received normal diet (positive control group) and groups-II (negative control group), III, IV rats received diet containing ethylene glycol (3%) for 30 days. Groups III rats received Urtica dioica and T. terrestris extract. Groups IV rats received extracts + probiotic for 30 days. Findings: The results show that the use of herbal extracts (Urtica dioica and T. terrestris) reduced the level of urinary oxalate and other parameters of urine and serum. Also, the accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidney tissue was significantly reduced. Conclusion: Considering that the formation of calcium oxalate crystals can cause inflammation and tissue damage in the kidney, the use of herbal extracts with oxalate degrading bacteria can be a new therapeutic approach to preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Concept Of Charakokta Medhyarasayanas In Age Related Mild Cognitive Impairment (mci)

Life expectancy has increased as a result of advancement in medical science. As a result the number of elderly in the population is also greater than ever and there is a need to tackle their problems. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is one of the most common clinical manifestations affecting the elderly population. This is a transitional stage between the cognitive decline of normal ageing and the more serious decline in dementia. Timely intervention is awfully important in these cases as they are at a high risk of developing dementia. According to Sarangadhara Acharya, Medha (grasping and retention power) deteriorates after the fourth decade of life and this may be considered as a warning signal for further Smriti (memory) and Buddhi (intellect) deterioration, in the successive years. Ayurveda has a major role to play in this arena. The 'Medhya Rasayanas' are known to be beneficial to improve the intellectual e.g., Mandukparni Swaras, Yashtimadhu Churna with Ksheer, Guduchi Swaras, and Shankhapushpi Kalka. Medhya Rasayana drugs are used for prevention and treatment of mental disorders of all the age groups. These drugs promote the Intellect (Dhi) Retention power (Dhriti), Memory (Smriti). This review discusses about Medhya Rasayanas as a great player for prevention and management of age related cognitive decline.

Role Of Rasayana Chikitsa In The Management Of Female Infertility W.s.r. Hypothyroidism- A Case Study

Ayurveda is the Ancient system of Medicine which gives equal importance to preventive and curative aspects of treatment. Rasayana Chikitsa plays a key role in the treatment of all the diseases (both in curative and preventive). There is nothing painful and stressful to women, for not being conceived. In the present modern era, female infertility is raised to the alarming extent due to diet & lifestyle modifications. Couples suffering from the infertility are approaching the infertility centres and going for the artificial reproductive techniques (IUI, IVF, ICSI-ET, Sarogasy). Ayurveda, through its unique line of treatment approaches, paves the way for fertility management through the medicines along with diet & lifestyle modifications. The Commonest cause for fertility being the Hypothyroidism in females (in this present study, I have considered hypothyroidism as Rasa pradosaja vyadi), clinical study was done at OPD, DR. BRKR Govt Ayurvedic College, Hyderabad and treated the patient with Dipana, Pachana, Rasayana Chikitsa and the patient conceived. In this present article an attempt is made to review and understand the concept of Rasayana chikitsa in the management of infertility with special reference to hypothyroidism (Dhatupradosja vyadi).

Immunomodulatory Activity Of Chaturthamalaka Rasayana: An Experimental Evaluation

Triphala, a simple combination of Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki, have proven antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities. But, work on Chaturthamalaka Rasayana, containing Triphala, under four alternate combinations, was not found reported yet. For this, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different four combinations under Chaturthamalaka Rasayana on leucocytes and immunoglobulin with special reference to immunomodulatory activity in albino wistar rat model. Four combinations of test drugs were prepared as per classical textual guidelines mentioned in Charaka Samhita. 36 wistar strain albino rats were used in the study. Immunosuppression done by Cyclophosphamide which induced neutropenia. Total leucocyte count (TLC) (cells/mm3), % Neutrophil count and Serum immunoglobulin level (in ZST units) were parameters used to evaluate. All the data were collected and analysed using paired‘t’ test and one way ANOVA test, followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison ‘t’ test. All the test formulations showed much better effect in comparison with the improvement noted in control group, as a cytoprotective agent. However, with respect to immunostimulation, the control group showed better effect in comparison to the test formulation. Chaturthamalaka Rasayana possesses significant cytoprotective activity and moderate immunostimulant activity. Among the four combinations, all test samples were found effective in immunosuppressive rats. Test sample IV containing Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki found more potent than or as similar as response in comparison of standard group (Levamisole). Chaturthamalaka Rasayana might be consider as a cost effective and adulteration free alternative formulation over used of costly Chyavanaprasha Avaleha.

Bactericidal Activity Of Rasa Sindoora

Infectious diseases are the health disorders that are caused by infection causing organisms which use human body for surviving, reproducing and colonizing. These organisms are known as pathogens. Gradually increasing microbial resistance has made it more complicated. Therefore, everyone wants to explore remedies from natural source. Rasa sindoora is a Kupipakva Rasayana which is very popular and is widely used in therapeutics. In vitro evaluation of its bactericidal activity against the strains of some bacteria those are responsible for disease was carried out in microbiology laboratory, SBLD Ayurved Vishwabharti. Agar well diffusion method and disc diffusion methods was followed to assess the bactericidal activity like bacteria Salmonella Sp., Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli and the zone of inhibition were calculated. Staphylococcus aureus subsp.aureus and Escherichia coli show maximum zone of inhibition result. All the bacteria were found susceptible against samples of Rasa sindoora with different concentration. When Rasa sindoora concentration will be increasing the gradually microbial concentration will be decreasing. After calculation of minimum inhibitory concentration E.Coli Show Maximum susceptibility against Rasa sindoora on concentration of 0.50 mg/ml and Pseudomonas aeruginosa show minimum inhabitation against Rasa sindoora on concentration of 0.50 mg/ml.

Chemistry Of Kupipakva Rasayana W.s.r. To Tamra Sindoora

Kupipakva rasayana are unique pharmaceutical procedure in the field of Rasashastra where in Mercury along with other minerals and metals are sublimated by subjecting it to gradual increase in temperature for specific time. They are more potent and quick acting even in smaller dose. Tamra Sindoora is one such Kupipakva Rasayan which is not that much popular and widely used in daily practice. But it is having a wide range of therapeutic utility. It is a combination of Parada (mercury), Gandhaka (sulphur) and Tamra (copper) in the ratio of 1:1:1/2. Chemistry itself includes the determination of chemical and biological incompatibilities among the various ingredients of a prescription. Here we will come to know about various synthetic methods by which natural substances are converted into products with more favourable therapeutic or pharmaceutical properties. In the present paper will discuss about probable chemistry of Tamra Sindoora.

Evaluating Clinical Efficacy Of Kantakari Aerosol In The Management Of Bronchitis: A Case Report

Bronchitis refers to the inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles, which helps in the movement of the air through the lungs. Bronchitis can be of two types acute and chronic. Acute bronchitis is very common which mainly occurs due to respiratory infections like common cold and chronic bronchitis on the other hand occurs due to the constant irritation which leads to inflammation of the bronchi mainly due to smoking or environment dust and pollution. Major signs and symptoms are dyspnea, cough with sputum. Main risk factors involves smoking, environmental pollution, dust and recurrent lung infections. In Ayurveda it can be correlated with Tamakashwasa on the basis of similar manifestations. Drug delivery mode through nasal route is termed as inhalation therapy; it has various plus points as compare oral drug administration mode. There is an immediate effect, drug goes directly to the site of pathogenesis and quick abruption of the drug. Rasayana therapy is mainly refers to the attainment of the excellence of body fluids, this helps in the rejuvenation of the body and reduce the recurrence of the disease, it also helps in improving the strength and immunity of the body. A case study was done on bronchitis in the All India Institute of Ayurveda hospital. Inhalation therapy was given for 15 days followed by Rasayana therapy for one month. There was marked improvement in all the signs and symptoms of the disease along with increase in pulmonary function test, also there is no recurrence of the signs and symptoms of the disease after the whole course of treatment during follow up.

Management Of Genital Warts Through Ayurveda-a Case Report

External genital warts or Condyloma Acuminata is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus subtypes 6 and 11. According to Ayurveda it can be diagnosed as Yoni Arsa. This case report presents a 51 yr old female with the complaints of per vaginal discharge, itching and appearance of progressively increasing number of lesions in the vulva for 6 months. The pathological diagnosis of the vulvar lesion specimen was Condyloma Acuminata. Patient was treated with internal administration and external application of Ayurvedic medicines. Considerable relief for the condition was noted and the follow up visits confirmed the non recurrence of the disease. Ayurvedic interventions can be considered as minimal invasive and cost effective in the management of genital warts.

Pharmaceutical Evaluation Of Chaturthamalaka Rasayana-an Ayurveda Compound

In Ayurveda, Rasayana is mentioned as a unique preventive as well as curative therapy to achieve healthy long life. The modern medical world is seeking for an alternative class of immunomodulatory drugs, which is nothing but the category of Rasayana. Among this Rasayana formulation, Chaturthamalaka Rasayana (CR) is the one that formulation, mentioned just after Chyavanprasha Avaleha in classical literature of Charaka Samhita. CR consists of four formulations. It is nothing but the simple permutation and combination of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica Roxb.) and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.) collectively called as Triphala. In present study, it was prepared according to the classical standard operative procedure (SOP) so as to evaluate a physicochemical and phytochemical profile of CR as per standard lab protocols, for all the four formulations under CR, along with the main three raw drugs which ensure the quality. This pharmaceutical analysis differentiates one compound from another by developing its identification markers. As the CR has not been yet studied before, it will be more helpful to evaluate the pharmaceutical screening of this four formulations as an initial step towards standardization. In the future, this study will be helpful to prepare the monograph of CR in the Ayurvedic formulary of India (AFI).

Thuvaraka rasayana regimen in Psoriasis vulgaris – A case report

Psoriasis is one among the wide-spreading, chronic, frequently recurring diseases of the skin. Its worldprevalence varies between 0.09% and 11.4% in 2013 which reported in 2006 as in between 0.5% and 4.6%.In Ayurveda, the description of Kushta-roga viz. Vata-Kaphaja kushta finds similarity with psoriasis. Thecommon sites of occurrence of psoriasis are scalp, elbow, knee, earlobes and sole which are alsoconsidered as the location of Vata and Kapha.The science of Ayurveda has anecdotal accounts of success in the management of psoriasis in theactual clinical practice even though it lacks the evidence-based medical dermatology research data.It observed that the physicians adopt several treatment protocols for the cure of this disease inclinical practice, which was not rigorously evaluating in research settings. This paper/report is oneof on the ‘Thuvaraka rasayana’ is one such component that could improve treatment outcomes inPsoriasis.A pre and post test case report selected of a 36-year-old lady patient who diagnosed as having stablepsoriasis vulgaris for last seven years. She was administered with internal and external therapies alongwith Shodhana therapies (bio-cleansing procedures) and then followed by intake of Thuvaraka rasayana.The total duration of the treatment was 43 days, and the Study subject assessed before treatment, aftertreatment and on follow-up for improvement using PASI scoring, and histo-pathological study. All thesymptoms observed in the beginning were found considerably reduced, and the severity also found mild.On the follow-up, it concluded that the lesions disappeared completely and the skin set back to itsnormal texture. Even though psoriasis is an autoimmune disease where recurrence rate found moreShodhana therapy and Thuvaraka rasayana have a definite role.© 2018 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Rasayana: The Rejuvenating Remedy For Health

Gradual increase of Population in urban area may leads to environmental pollution and microbial infection in air and water increases exponentially. Most of the persons in the population are in trap of mental stress and depression due to struggle in the life and overload of work. So both of these conditions are responsible for so many disease and ill-health, and one more important thing is that due to increase negligence and uninhabited use of processed food, the ill effects on health are compound manifold when coupled with unhealthy lifestyle and food habits. So there is a need of taking dietary supplementary food or nutraceutical. The main aim of Ayurveda has been working upon a twofold process i.e., to maintain the health of a healthy individual and to treat the one with the disease. Thus by laying emphasis on the first aspect and combining it with the knowledge of the role of phytochemical as, one can gradually deduce an effective module for living healthy and line of treatment of metabolic and geriatric disorders. The phytochemical are the essential nutrients, which are naturally contained in plants and are required for normal physiological functions. The Rasayan not only boost general health but also provide the necessary raw materials to strengthen the defense mechanism of the body.

An Ayurvedic And Contemporary Overview Of Menopause: A Conceptual Approach

Menopause is generally defined as the cessation of menses for period of 12 months or a period equivalent to three previous cycles or the time of cessation of ovarian function resulting in permanent amenorrhea. During the period of menopause the women enters an estrogen deficient phase which leads to the various symptoms. This period is generally associated with manifestation of aging process in women. Other symptoms include hot flushes, sweating, mood changes, loss of libido etc. These symptoms affect the quality of life of the female. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the only alternative available for menopausal syndrome in modern medicine. It also has a wide range of side effects on the body of the female. In Ayurveda the context of menopause is depicted as “Jarapakwa avastha†of body and Rajonivrutti. Rajonivrutti janya laksana is a group of symptoms produced by degenerative changes in the body. Degenerative changes are explained in Ayurveda as Dhatukshaya lakshana. Vata dosha dominance is seen in the later stage of life. To combat the degenerative process of the body tissue, Acharyas have described Rasayana Chikitsa. Rasayana includes drugs which promotes longevity and improve the quality of life. Thus an effort is being made here, to study the effect of Rasayana therapy, on Menopausal syndrome, conceptually, based on Available information in Ayurvedic texts and other contemporary resources. The basic Rationale for this study is to establish a reliable platform for further Research on the Said subject.

Achara Rasayana-a Behavioral Therapy In Ayurveda To Promote Health And Happiness

Rasayana Tantra is one of the eight major divisions of Astang Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, one of the major methods of presentation of positive health has been described i.e. Rasayana. There are many activities that promote health and happiness by engendering positive emotions and experiences, which in turn promote the production of Ojas. These activities are included in Achara Rasayana . Ayurveda strongly emphasizes prevention, promotion, cure and rehabilitation. For this, it advocates to follow the principles of health, observation of principles – Dincharya (daily regimen), Ritucharya (Seasonal regimen), Ratricharya (Night routine), Sadvritta and Achar Rasayan (Ethical and Moral activities), Aahar (Food), Nidra (Sleep) and Brahmacharya (Regulated Action). Achara Rasayana is described in various texts. It means good conduct. It signifies the physical and mental conducts of a man and it has been designated as an Rasayana – a vitalizer agent for entire span of life. This is a measure having no involvement of drugs and if it is sincerely taken into practice, it may replenish and maintain total life process free from ailments. A careful analysis of qualities of Achara Rasayana reveal that most of them are related with Mana, Dhi, Dhriti along with good conduct and these results in maximum benefit. The principles of Achar Rasayana are more relevant today than ever. It goes into the heart of the issue we are trying to overcome in order to be well and healthy. Environmental toxicity and the food chain we are accustomed to have threatened our lives. The integral connection between nature and man is an understatement.

Exploring Bhavana samskara using Tinospora cordifolia and Phyllanthus emblica combination for learning and memory in mice.

Background: Current medications for dementia and enhancement of learning and memory are limited hence we need to explore traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda to investigate agents that can improve learning and enhance memory. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate effects and mechanisms of Ayurveda drug formulations, Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) and Phyllanthus emblica (Pe) with and without Bhavana samskara on learning and memory of mice. Materials and Methods: After approval of Animal Ethics Committee, Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups, administered orally: Distilled water, Rivastigmine (2.4 mg/kg), Tc (100 mg/kg), Pe (300 mg/kg), formulation 1 (Tc + Pe: 400 mg/kg) and formulation 2 (Tc + Pe + Ocimum sanctum: 400 mg/kg) daily for 15 days. Piracetam (200 mg/kg) was injected daily intraperitoneally for 8 days. The mice underwent a learning session using elevated plus maze. Memory was tested 24 hours later. Results: Mice pretreated with all the drugs showed a trend toward reducing transfer latencies but values were comparable to vehicle control. In all drug‑treated groups, a significant reduction in transfer latency was observed after 24 h. Improvement in learning and memory by both formulations were comparable to individual plant drugs, Tc and Pe. Conclusion: The plant drugs showed improvements in learning and memory. The fixed‑dose formulations with Bhavana samskara, showed encouraging results as compared to individual agents but the difference was not statistically significant. Hence, the concept of Bhavana samskara could not be explored in the present study. However, these drugs showed comparable or better effects than the modern medicinal agents thus, their therapeutic potential as nootropics needs to be explored further.