Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PHARMACODYNAMICS, THERAPEUTICS, AND PHYTOCHEMICAL VALIDATION OF RASAYAN HERBS IN AYURVE

*Dr. Sanjivani Shekokar

Abstract

Ayurveda has established a unique concept called Rasayana therapy, and is include in Ayurveda as it‟s eight division (Jara vidnyan). Due to several atmospheric factors, changed lifestyle, altered daily routine, work overload, stress, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and metabolism, etc. there has been increased occurrence of various diseases such as Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiac diseases, nephrotic diseases, etc. Swastharakhshan and prevention of diseases (vyadhi parivarjan) is the motto of Ayurveda and the unique concept of Rasayana therapy is one among the curative factors for such increasing disorders. Rasayana name itself explains it‟s a role of Rasadi dhatu ayana karma i.e. Rasadi dhatu restoration or rejuvenation thereby reducing imbalance in doshas and restoring body equilibrium which can be explained as Health. Rasayana Karma occurs by the use of various plant medicine and has been in practice since ancient times. The Mode of action of Rasayana dravyas according to their Rasa, Guna, Virya Vipak, Prabhav, etc. are explained and a correlation between the factors occurring during increased metabolism and cellular restoration can be explained with the help of enormous physiological factors with validation from recent scientific researches. The Rasayana karma is explained with the help of various Ayurvedic concepts and supported and validated with the help of various pathophysiological and pharmacological actions obtained by these Rasayana dravyas.

Keywords: Rasayana, Oxidative stress, free radicals, antioxidants, Anti-ageing.