Abstract

HERBAL DRUGS INDICATED FOR RASAYANA THERAPY: A REVIEW

Abhay Jayprakash Gandhi*, Swagata Tavhare, Prashant Bedarkar and B.J. Patgiri

ABSTRACT

The Rasayana branch of Ayurveda deals with use for therapies and formulations for intellectual capacity, memory, excellence of luster, complexion, voice, excellent potentiality of body and sense-organs, Vak siddhi (i.e. what he says comes true), respect and strength as well as to makes the individual free from diseases. Rasayana therapy helps for maintaining metabolic equilibrium by a proper monitoring of cellular function through the metabolic residue (Dhatumala). In India 3.8% of the population are older than 65 years of age. According to an estimate the likely number of elderly people in India by 2016 will be around 113 million. In 21st century due to busy, stressful and disturbed metaphysical life people are suffering the signs of ageing. Lack of time is a one of the factor that people cannot follow Panchakarma procedures thus herbal approach for Rasayana management is the need of hour. Thus, an attempt has been made to compile commonly used and easily available herbal drugs useful as Rasayana. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. f. & Thoms.), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Linn.), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica Dennst.), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Wild.), Mandukparni, Sariva (Hemedesmus indicus (L.) R. Br, Vacha Acorus calamus Linn.), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica Linn.), Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium Linn. f), Guggulu (Commiphora wightii Arn), Palandu, Eranda (Ricinus communis Linn.), Ashwagandha (Withania sominfera L. Dunal), Yastimadhu (Glycyrriza Glabra L.) and Triphala are betowed with Rasayana properties. Rasayanas drug possess antioxidant, adaptogen, free radical scavenging, anabolic, Immunomodulator, antidepressant activities etc.

Keywords: Rasayana, herbs lifestyle, longetivity, adaptogen, immunomodulator.