Ayurveda nootropic herbal drugs in current lifestyle management WSR cognitive health and mental well-being

Introduction. The growing prevalence of lifestyle disorders has increased interest in cognitive health and mental well-being. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach through Medhya Rasayana – a class of herbal interventions aimed at enhancing intellect (Dhi), retention (Dhrti), and memory (Smriti).

Aim. This article explores the classical Ayurvedic concept of nootropic agents, detailing their physiological basis in relation to Dosha balance and mind-body functions.

Materials and methods. A range of herbs such as Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Mandukaparni (Centella asciatica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Hareetaki (Terminalia chebula), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) added with importance of ghrita (medicated ghee) as suitable dosage are discussed with classical references and modern pharmacological evidence highlighting their neuroprotective, adaptogenic, and memory-enhancing effects.

Results and discussion. These nootropic agents work by helping to restore balance among the three Doshas, especially by calming Vata, Pitta and Kapha which play an important role in mental functions. They also support brain health by improving communication between neurons and aiding in the repair and nourishment of nerve tissues. These herbs act as natural antioxidants, protecting brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and helping to maintain overall cognitive function. The ghrita dosage form being lipid soluble molecules, have the capacity to cross the Blood Brain Barrier thus increasing the availability of active principles in the brain of the above mentioned nootropic agents.

Conclusion. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary research, Medhya Rasayana emerges as a viable, multifaceted strategy for cognitive enhancement and lifestyle disorder management in the modern era.

1. Kumar B., Kumari K., Ranjan R., Pandey V. S. Management of Lifestyle Disorders with Tenets of Ayurveda. Ayushdhara. 2022;9(3):50–53.

2. Chimankar R. P., Tawalare K. A., Mishra S. A. Prevention of lifestyle disorders with basic principles of ayurveda. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal (Online). 2020;8(9):4487–4492.

3. Roth C. B., Papassotiropoulos A., Brühl A. B., Lang U. E., Huber C. G. Psychiatry in the digital age: A blessing or a curse? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;18(16):8302. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168302.

4. Nishteswar K., Lifestyle Diseases and Ayurvedic Herbal Drugs. First edition. Varanasi: Chaukamba Orientalia; 2015. 24 p.

5. Agrawal S., Aftab A., Tripathi P. K., Gehlot S. The practical Approach of DIET & DIETICS from Ayurveda to Contemporary Science. First edition. Varanasi: Chaukambha Orientalia; 2018. 272 p.

6. Byadgi P. S., Pandey A. K. A Text Book of Kaya chikitsa. Vol. II. New Delhi: Chaukambha Publications; 2013. 571 p.

7. Shashirekha H. K., Sukumar Bargale S. Charaka Samhita Sanskrit text with English translation. Vol. III: Chikitsa sthana: Rasayana Adhyaya. 3 rd Pada, Karaprachitiyo Rasayana Pada: Chapter 1(3), Verse 30, 31. First edition. New Delhi: Chaukambha Publications; 2020. 52 p.

8. Sharma P. V., Sushrutha Samhitha with English translation of text and Dalhana’s commentary along with critical notes. Vol. II: Chikitsa sthana: Medhaayushkamiya Rasayana: Chapter 28, Verse 17–18. Varanasi: Chaukambha Visvabharati; 2010. 536 p.

9. Shashirekha H. K., Sukumar Bargale S. Charaka Samhita Sanskrit text with English translation. Vol. III: Chikitsa sthana: Rasayana Adhyaya. 1 st Pada, Abhayaamalakiya rasayana pada: Chapter 1(1), Verse 30, 31. First edition. New Delhi: Chaukambha Publications; 2020. 52 p.

10. Chunekar K.C, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Guduchyadi varga. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2010.

11. Bihaqi S. W., Singh A. P., Tiwari M. In vivo investigation of the neuroprotective property of Convolvulus pluricaulis in scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in Wistar rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2011;43(5):520–525. DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.84958.

12. Stough C., Lloyd J., Clarke J., Downey L. A., Hutchison C. W., Rodgers T., Nathan P. J. The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology. 2001;156(4):481–484.

13. Joshi H., Parle M. Nardostachys jatamansi improves learning and memory in mice. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2006;9(1):113–118. DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2006.9.113.

14. Soumyanath A., Zhong Y.-P., Gold S. A., Yu X., Koop D. R., Bourdette D., Gold B. G. Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2005;57(9):1221–1229. DOI: 10.1211/jpp.57.9.0018.

15. Agarwal A., Malini S., Bairy K. L., Rao M. Effect of Tinospora cordifolia on learning and memory in normal and memory deficit rats. Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 2002;34(6):339–349.

16. Choudhary D., Bhattacharyya S., Bose S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2017;14(6):599–612. DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970.

17. Khan A., Rizvi S. A., Rao A. R. Reversal of age-associated cognitive decline in mice by Emblica officinalis (amla) fruit extract through enhanced antioxidant status. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2005;8(4):430–436.

18. Mukerji B. N., Chopra R. N. Scientific survey of Indian medicinal plants: Rauwolfia serpentina. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 1933;21:585–607.

19. Manosroi J., Jantrawut P., Akihisa T., Manosroi W., Manosroi A. In vitro anti-aging activities of Terminalia chebula gall extract. Pharmaceutical Biology. 2010;48(4):469–481.

20. Kumar A., Dogra S., Prakash A. Neuroprotective activity of Asparagus racemosus Linn. against ethanol-induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress in rat brain: Auspicious for controlling the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer Disease & Parkinsonism. 2016;6(1):245.

21. Huddar S., Kumar E. A. Clinical evaluation of Vacha rhizome (Acorus calamus Linn) as memory booster in children. Ayushdhara. 2023;10(5):1249–1256.

22. Godkar P. B., Gordon R. K., Ravindran A., Doctor B. P. Celastrus paniculatus seed water soluble extracts protect against glutamate toxicity in neuronal cultures from rat forebrain. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2004;93(2–3):213–219. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.051.

23. Sreekumar T, Astanga Hrdaya Vaghata Sutrasthana-I, with English translation and commentary; Dravadravyadivijnaniya Adhyaya: Chapter 5, Verse 42. Updated 5 th edition. Kerala: Harisree publications; 2022. 93 p.

24. Shashirekha H. K., Sukumar Bargale S. Charaka Samhita Sanskrit text with English translation. Vol. III: Chikitsa sthana: Unmada chikitsitham Chapter 9, Verse 59–61. First edition. New Delhi: Chaukambha Publications; 2020. 492 p.