Abstract

ROLE OF MEDHYA RASAYANAS IN ENHANCING COGNITION – A REVIEW ARTICLE

Meenakshi*, K. K. Sharma, Alok Kumar Srivastava and Parul Sharma

ABSTRACT

In modern era, every person wants to achieve highest goals. It is being increasing necessity at the student level in school and colleges, as the exam pattern system is fully depended on memorizing the subjects only. Good memory is always appreciated in routine life and social interactions. Cognitive deficit like memory disorders are found in high prevalence among the aged. Ayurveda has a novel concept of Rasayanas i.e the drugs that rejuvenate the body functions up to the molecular level. In Ayurveda there are several medicinal preparations under the category “Medha”. Acharaya Charaka has described four Medhya Rasayana dravyas i,e Mandukparni Swaras, Yashtimadhu churna with ksheer, Guduchi swaras and Shankhpushpi Kalka which are known to be beneficial to improve the intellectual and enhance cognition. These drugs promote the intellect (Dhee), retention power (Dhriti), Memory (Smriti). Unfortunately modern medicine based psychoactive drugs have met with limited success in treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. The review discuss about the role of Medhya Rasayana Dravyas in enhancing cognition. Thus Ayurveda has the potential to tackle this problem of neuro-degeneration and its effects on cognition, thereby enhancing the quality of life of a person.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Medhya, Rasayana, Cognition, Smriti, Shankhpushpi.