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Rasayana generally refers to a medicine supposed to prevent old age and prolong life.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Rasayana, Page 870</ref> It is one among the eight branches of Ayurveda. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 30/28] Rasayana is the means of attaining optimal qualities of all the body tissues ([[dathu]]s). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/8] It aims at proper nourishment and transportation of nutritive fluid ([[rasa]]), blood ([[rakta]]) etc. [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/7]
==Etymology and derivation==
Rasa means the best or finest part of anything or a constituent fluid or essential juice of body.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Rasa, Page 869</ref> Ayana means going, circulating etc.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Ayana, Page 84</ref>
==Definition==
The treatment methodology which helps to prevent aging, which increases life span, memory and strength, and which is capable of curing the disease is called rasayana. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/15]<ref name= Susruta> Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref>
==Classification==
'''Based on the method of administration:'''
#Indoor regimen (kutipraveshika)
#Outdoor regimen (vataatapika)
'''Indoor regimen (kutipraveshika)''': The word ‘kuti’ represents a hut/house and ‘praveshika’ represents ‘to enter’. Undergoing rasayana therapy by staying inside a specially constructed chamber or house is called ‘kutipraveshika’. Till the end of the therapy the person should never leave the chamber. The person must follow strict restrictions in diet, daily mental and physical activities etc.
The descriptions regarding the construction of rasayana chamber suggest the location selected should be calm and pleasant. Preferably there should be three chambers one after the other with small openings and thick walls. This restricts the direct entry of external factors including the wind and sound which may possibly cause distractions. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/17-23] The person should completely detach from external environment both physically and mentally because rasayana therapies won’t be successful if the individuals are not attentive and engaged in divergent activities. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/3/8]
'''Outdoor regimen (vataatapika)''': Undergoing rasayana therapy by exposing to wind (vata) and sunlight (atapa) is considered as vataatapika rasayana. The person can lead normal social life along with rasayana therapy. The restrictions are comparatively less.
Indoor regimen (kutipraveshika) is superior to outdoor regimen (vataatapika). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/28]
'''Classification based on effect:'''
#Desiring benefits such as long life, great intelligence, wealth etc. – Kamya
#Rasayana therapy as part of treatment of diseases – Naimittika
#Habitual/to be consumed daily such as milk and ghee – Ajasrikam [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/2]<ref name=Susruta/>
'''Classification based on treatment principle:'''
#Attaining rasayana effect through purification (samsodhana)
#Attaining rasayana effect by mitigating or alleviating the aggravated [[dosha]]s or diseases. (samsamanam)[Dalhana on Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/2]<ref name=Susruta/>
==Indications==
'''Based on age:''' Rejuvenation therapy (rasayana) should be done either in young or in middle age. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/3]<ref name=Susruta/>
'''Based on method of administration:''' The indoor regimen of rasayana therapy (kutipraveshika) is advised for those who are fit, disease-free, wise, self-controlled, leisurely and are wealthy. For others the outdoor method (vataatapika rasayana therapy) is advisable. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/27-28]
==Contraindications==
The efficacy of rejuvenation therapy largely depends on the person’s ability to control his body and mind. So rejuvenation therapy is contraindicated for those who have addictions like alcohol and smoking; and for those who can’t follow the physician’s advice. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/4]<ref name=Susruta/>
==Prerequisite for rejuvenation therapy (rasayana)==
Before undergoing rejuvenation therapy one must undergo body purification. After adequate oleation ([[snehana]]) and fomentation ([[swedana]]) the person scheduled for rejuvenation therapy should be administered with medicinal formulation which contains Terminalia chebula (haritaki), rock salt, Phyllanthus emblica (amalaka), jaggery, Acorus calamus (vacha), Embelia ribes (vidanga), Curcuma longa (haridra), long pepper and dry ginger. After proper evacuation of bowels, the person should be administered with gruel prepared with barley for three to seven days, till his bowels become normal. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/25-28] Rasyana formulations can be administered thereafter. The complete benefits won’t be obtained if the rejuvenation therapy is done without proper purification of body and mind. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/38]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: Body tissue ([[dhatu]]) specific rasayana drugs<ref name=4JoshiBhonde>Joshi KS, Bhonde R. Insights from Ayurveda for translational stem cell research. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014;5:4-10</ref>
|-
! Body tissues ([[dhatu]]s) !! Proposed Rasyana drugs
|-
| | Nourishing fluid ([[rasa]]) || Tinospora cordifolia
|-
| | Blood ([[rakta]]) || Piper longum
|-
| | Muscles ([[mamsa]]) || Asparagus racemosus
|-
| | Adipose tissue ([[meda]]) || Terminalia chebula
|-
| | Bones ([[asti]]) || Commifora mukul
|-
| | Marrow and nerves ([[majja]]) || Bacopa monnirei
|-
| | Sperm, ovum ([[sukra]]) || Withania somnifera
|-
|}
==Rejuvenating drugs which promote the intellect (medhya rasayana)==
Juice of Centella asiatica (mandukaparni), juice of Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) along with its root and flower, powder of Glycyrrhiza glabra with milk, and paste prepared with Convolvulus prostrates (sankhapushpi) are the drugs having affinity towards intellect. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/30-31]]
==Diet having rejuvenation effect==
Milk [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/218], Ghee.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/32] Daily intake of milk and ghee is considered as the most important rejuvenators. [A.S.Sutra Sthana 13/2]<ref name= Sangraha> Vridha Vagbhata, Ashtanga Sangraha. Edited by Shivaprasad Sharma. 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba sanskrit series office;2012.</ref>
Sida cordifolia (bala), Sida rhombifolia (atibala), Sida cordata (nagabala), Santalum album (chandana), Aquilaria malaccensis (aguru), Anogeisus latifolia (dhava), Desmodium oojeinense (tinisha), Acacia catechu (khadira), and Dalbergia sissoo (shimshapa) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/11-12], Semecarpus anacardium (bhallataka) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/16] Terminalia chebula (haritaki) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 44/63]<ref name=Susruta/>, rainwater [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 45/26]<ref name=Susruta/>, Gmelina arborea (kashmarya fruit) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/184]<ref name=Susruta/>, Dioscorea bulbifera (varahikanda) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/309]<ref name=Susruta/>, Solanum americanum (kakamachi) [A.S.Sutra Sthana 7/103]<ref name=Sangraha/>, Allium sativum (lasuna) [A.S.Sutra Sthana 7/149]<ref name=Sangraha/>, Asphaltum punjabianum (shilajatu) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/49], Piper longum (pippali) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/32-35] etc. are having rasayana property.
==Regimens and mental factors having rejuvenating effect==
Person who is truthful, free from anger, calm, soft-spoken, relaxed, loving and compassionate; those who are engaged in meditation and cleanliness, maintains celibacy and proper sleep achieve the benefits similar to rejuvenating therapy. So these right conduct and behavior are also considered as rasayana (achara rasayana). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/30-35]
==Benefits of rejuvenation therapy (rasayana)==
Through rejuvenation therapy (rasayana) the person gets longevity, good memory power, intellect, proper health and youthfulness. Rejuvenation therapy (rasayana) also provides excellent luster, complexion and voice. The strength of body and sense organs gets increased. Perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance can also be achieved. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/7-8] Relieves excessive sleep, drowsiness, exertion, exhaustion, lassitude and emaciation, restores [[dosha]] balance, brings stability, alleviates laxity of muscles and kindles digestive power. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/3] Ultimately the person can achieve blissfulness. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/78-80]
==Importance in preservation of health and prevention==
Rasayana aims to prevent the diseases of mind and body. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/3]<ref name=Susruta/> After the treatment of diseases, rejuvenating therapy (rasayana) should be done to maintain the tissues in its equilibrium and thus to prevent its recurrence. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/48-49]
==Importance in management of disease==
For the treatment of mental disorders Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) etc rejuvenating drugs which promote the intellect (medhya rasayana) are beneficial. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/62] In chronic epilepsy, if the conventional treatments are not yielding results, rejuvenating therapy should be used. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/65] Cardiac disorders caused by [[kapha]] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/99], in the treatment of impotency and other reproductive fluid related disorders [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/149-50] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/193] rejuvenating therapy can be done. Rejuvenating therapy is also used in the treatment of Alopacea areta (indralupta) [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/25]<ref name=Susruta/> and diseases of ear. [Su.Sa.Uttara Sthana 21/3]<ref name=Susruta/>
==Current researches==
Rasayana effects of therapies or drugs are assessed usually by its capacity to manage oxidative stress, which leads to cell and tissue damage. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed as a result of metabolism. They are considered as highly reactive. Excessive accumulation of these will initiates cellular damage and may cause diseases. The anti oxidants scavenge these free radicals and ROS, and make them harmless.<ref name=Devangi>Devangi N Oza, Ila Tanna, B Ravishankar, HM Chandola. Evaluation of Bhringarajadi Ghrita Rasayana in Premature Ageing. Ayu. 2009 Apr;30(2):109-20.</ref> Malondialdehyde (MDA) is also a highly reactive compound and is considered as a marker for oxidative stress. These free radicals are neutralized normally by the antioxidant enzymes like Super oxide dismutase (SOD). In a study on 30 healthy individuals, Withania somnifera (ashwaganda) and Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) showed significant increase in the levels of SOD and decrease in MDA levels.<ref>Devangi N Oza, Ila Tanna, B Ravishankar, HM Chandola. Evaluation of Bhringarajadi Ghrita Rasayana in Premature Ageing. Ayu. 2009 Apr;30(2):109-20.</ref>
Adaptogenic and anti stress properties of Ashwaganda is reported in number of studies. It is found to be effective in preventing the stress induced ulcers in GIT, increases the body weight and reduce leucocytosis. It has anti tumor activity as it shows long term growth inhibition on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells carcinoma. In neurodegenerative diseases, it shows preventive and curative effect. It removes or restores the neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss and might be having GABA mimetic activity. Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Ashwaganda are also reported.<ref>Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-13. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9. Epub 2011 Jul 3. PMID: 22754076; PMCID: PMC3252722.</ref>
Bacapo monneri and Centella aceatica are potent free radical scavengers and have reducing power activity. Reactive nitrogen species plays an important role in many pathological conditions including cancer. Nitric oxide quenching capacity is also reported for Bacapo monneri and Centella aceatica. Lipid peroxidation protection activity is also reported for these two plants. This helps to prevent the nerve damage due to oxidative stress. <ref>Mukherjee S, Dugad S, Bhandare R, Pawar N, Jagtap S, Pawar PK, Kulkarni O. Evaluation of comparative free-radical quenching potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Mandookparni (Centella asiatica). Ayu. 2011 Apr;32(2):258-64. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.92549. PMID: 22408313; PMCID: PMC3296351.</ref>
Rasayana drugs might promote digestion even at the micro cellular level and may promote the micro circulation also. The drugs used as rasayana is highly nutritious. So through rasayana a better supply of nutrients, that might be properly assimilated to body by ensuring proper digestion and may reach the targeted sites by enhancing the micro circulation. Thus the body tissues (dathus) are kept at its optimal level and can prevent ageing.<ref name=Devangi/> Rasyana drugs have shown tissue and disease specific immunomodulatory action and also help to promote or restore functional immunity. It may also help to develop a micro environment in which a cell or tissue can grow smoothly.<ref>Sharma V, Chaudhary AK. Concepts of Dhatu Siddhanta (theory of tissues formation and differentiation) and Rasayana; probable predecessor of stem cell therapy. Ayu. 2014 Jul-Sep;35(3):231-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.153731. PMID: 26664231; PMCID: PMC4649578.</ref>
In a study conducted on 116 healthy males, administration of 45gms of amalaki rasayana daily for 45 days showed significant increase in telomerase activity. This study also reports no change in telomere length within 90 days of administration of amalaki rasayana. Cellular senescence induced by lack of telomerase activity and shortening of telomeres is one of the postulated theories of ageing. <ref>Guruprasad KP, Dash S, Shivakumar MB, Shetty PR, Raghu KS, Shamprasad BR, Udupi V, Acharya RV, Vidya PB, Nayak J, Mana AE, Moni R, Sankaran MT, Satyamoorthy K. Influence of Amalaki Rasayana on telomerase activity and telomere length in human blood mononuclear cells. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2017 Apr-Jun;8(2):105-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.007. Epub 2017 Jun 9. PMID: 28602428; PMCID: PMC5497001.</ref> DNA damage is also considered as an indicator of ageing. In another study conducted on Wister rats fed with amalaki rasyana, the DNA damage in neurons and astrocytes of brain is found to be significantly less when compared with that of control animals.<ref>Swain U, Sindhu KK, Boda U, Pothani S, Giridharan NV, et al. (2011) Studies on the molecular correlates of genomic stability in rat brain cells following Amalakirasayana therapy. Mech. Ageing Develop. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.mad.2011.10.006.</ref> So amalaki rasayana might be able to delay the onset of ageing process.
Study on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) fed with amalaki rasayana shows an increase in median life span, fecundity, thermo tolerance, starvation tolerance, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and faster development. The raised level of hnRNPs indicates a robust developmental gene expression. The improved thermo tolerance may be due to the presence of abundant amounts of anti oxidants in gooseberry (amalaki).<ref>Dwivedi V, Anandan EM, Mony RS, Muraleedharan TS, Valiathan MS, Mutsuddi M, Lakhotia SC. In vivo effects of traditional Ayurvedic formulations in Drosophila melanogaster model relate with therapeutic applications. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37113. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037113. Epub 2012 May 14. PMID: 22606337; PMCID: PMC3351451.</ref>
A 50% increase in lifespan is reported in a study were the Drosophila flies were treated with rasayana. The life span of flies treated with rasayana was 81-91 days while that of control group was 40-53 days.<ref>Priyadarshini S, Ashadevi JS, Nagarjun V, Prasanna KS. Increase in Drosophila melanogaster longevity due to rasayana diet: Preliminary results. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010 Apr;1(2):114-9. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.65085. PMID: 21836798; PMCID: PMC3151378.</ref> A well coordinated response to various cell stresses is required to maintain the homeostasis of the body. The inability of the body to respond to these stresses is one of the factors that bring ageing or age related debility. Study on Drosophila fly shows supplementation of amalaki rasayana improves the tolerance to various cell stresses. The oxidative stress tolerance was improved and remarkably reduced accumulation of ROS was reported. Reduced lipid peroxidation levels and improved SOD activity suggests a lesser oxidative damage. This might be the cause for improved fecundity and life span.<ref>Dwivedi V, Lakhotia SC. Ayurvedic Amalaki Rasayana promotes improved stress tolerance and thus has anti-aging effects in Drosophila melanogaster. J Biosci. 2016 Dec;41(4):697-711. doi: 10.1007/s12038-016-9641-x. PMID: 27966490.</ref>
In a study conducted on 25 patients with iron deficiency anemia, amalaki rasayana is found to be effective in increasing the Hb%, RBC, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Transferrin saturation is found to be significantly increased. Symptoms like pallor, weakness, headache, fatigue, heaviness in body, anorexia and leg cramps relieved significantly. Amalaki is a rich source of Ascorbic acid. Presence of Vit C in diet increases the absorption of nonheme iron up to six folds than normal. The antioxidant property of amalaki helps in reducing the oxidative stress which is one of the potent biochemical mechanism involved in iron deficiency anemia.<ref>Layeeq S, Thakar AB. Clinical efficacy of Amalaki Rasayana in the management of Pandu (Iron deficiency anemia). Ayu 2015;36:290-7.</ref>
Immunomodulatory and cytoprotective effect of amalaki rasayana is reported in an experimental study. Rats treated with cyclophosphamide shows 50% reduction in induced weight loss when treated with amalaki rasayana. It attenuated the weight loss observed in thymus, kidney and spleen. This suggests thymus stimulating and nephroprotective action of amalaki rasayana. Histopathological examination after administering amalaki rasayana revels the reversal of hepatotoxicity produced by cyclophosphamide. Amalaki rasayana might have an action over various sets of cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha which might be causing tissue degeneration.<ref>Rajani J, Ashok BK, G, Patgiri BJ, Prajapati PK, Ravishankar B. Immunomodulatory activity of Āmalaki Rasāyana: An experimental evaluation. Ancient Sci Life 2012;32:93-8.</ref>
Anti oxidant and immunostimulatory activity of Brahma rasayana is reported along with improvement in learning and memory in mice. Significant reduction in Factor VIII, pro angiogenic factors like VEGF, MMP-9 and MMP-2 suggests the possible anti angiogenic property of Brahma rasayana. Mice treated with Brahma rasayana shows a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations and micro nuclei when exposed to mutagens. An increased levels of anti oxidant and detoxification enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S transferase is also reported. It also shows excellent protection against sperm abnormalities along with increase in sperm count.<ref>Guruprasad KP, Mascarenhas R, Gopinath PM, Satyamoorthy K. Studies on Brahma rasayana in male swiss albino mice: Chromosomal aberrations and sperm abnormalities. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010 Jan;1(1):40-4. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.59826. PMID: 21829300; PMCID: PMC3149391.</ref>
Rasyana drugs might act at the level of stem cells also. When the stem cell is treated with Medhya rasayana drugs, presence of nestin which is an early marker of neuronal stem cell differentiation is found.<ref name=4JoshiBhonde/>
Administration of Pippali rasayana in escalating dose pattern shows significant reduction in pain, stiffness and swelling of joints in 73 patients having rheumatoid arthritis (amavata). The range of motion of joints was improved along with a significant reduction in ESR levels.<ref>Soni A, Patel K, Gupta SN. Clinical evaluation of Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana in the management of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Ayu. 2011 Apr;32(2):177-80. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.92555. PMID: 22408298; PMCID: PMC3296336.</ref> The skin renewal and anti oxidant property of Benincasa hispida (kusmanda) used as a topical application is reported in an invitro study which points out the possibility of its use as a topical anti ageing preparation.<ref>Sabale V, Kunjwani H, Sabale P. Formulation and in vitro evaluation of the topical antiageing preparation of the fruit of Benincasa hispida. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2011;2:124-8.</ref> In an experimental study, a poly herbal compound, Rasayana Ghana consists of Tribulus terrestris, Tinospora cordifolia and Emblica officinalis, is reported to be having antidepressant and anxiolytic property. Tinospora cordifolia is having adaptogenic and anti oxidant properties along with stress attenuating activity. The harmine content in Tribulus acts as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibiter leading to higher dopamine levels in brain, which elevates the mood.<ref>Deole YS, Chavan SS, Ashok BK, Ravishankar B, Thakar AB, Chandola HM. Evaluation of anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet (A compound Ayurvedic formulation) in albino mice. Ayu. 2011 Jul;32(3):375-9. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.93918. PMID: 22529654; PMCID: PMC3326886.</ref>
Bhringarajadi ghrita rasayana, a formulation which contains Eclipta alba, Sesamum orientale, Embelica officinalis, cow’s milk, ghee and sugar is found to be effective in reducing the general debility, graying of hairs, fatigue etc. associated with premature ageing.<ref name=Devangi/>
In another study on 36 cancer patients undergoing radio and chemotherapy, a herbal rasayana preparation comprises of Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Withania somnifera (ashwaganda), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), Glycirrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu), Leptadenia reticulata (jivanti), Ocimum sanctum (tulasi) and Piper longum (pippali), in electuary form, as a supportive therapy, is found to be effective in reducing the symptoms like vomiting, mucocitis, fatigue, xerostomia, alopecia and tastelessness than those treated without rasayana. The weight loss associated with the cancer treatment is also found to be comparatively less in patients treated with rasayana compound. Flavonoids present in these herbs, are potent anti oxidant and provide protection against H2O2 cytotoxicity, created by radiotherapy. It also helps in termination of lipid peroxidation chain reaction which is formed as a result of chemotherapeutic cytotoxic agents.<ref>Vyas P, Thakar AB, Baghel MS, Sisodia A, Deole Y. Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in reducing adverse effects. Ayu. 2010 Oct;31(4):417-23. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.82029. PMID: 22048532; PMCID: PMC3202271.</ref>
In a patient with psoriasis vulgaris, it is reported that by the administration of tuvaraka rasayana (rasayana preparation made out of Hydnocarpus laurifolia) alternatively for 5 days, after purification procedures, PASI score reduced from 42 to 3.8. On follow up there was complete remission of the lesions making PASI score 0. Histopathological study also revel the complete remission of psoriasis on follow up.<ref>Krishna Kumar K, Chacko J. Thuvaraka rasayana regimen in Psoriasis vulgaris - A case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):41-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.04.003. Epub 2019 Jan 1. PMID: 30606464; PMCID: PMC6470303.</ref>
Pre treatment of mice with rasayana drug, thriphala (Haritaki, vibitaki and amalaki) extract for 7 days showed protection against paracetamol induced renal and hepatic toxicity. Thriphala inhibited the raise of serum enzyme markers like ASP, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Hystopathological study revels protection of liver cells, central vein and portal vein and maintains the normality of liver tissues. Thriphala might have controlled the free radical formation and there by prevents the cellular damage.<ref>Singh DP, Mani D. Protective effect of Triphala Rasayana against paracetamol-induced hepato–renal toxicity in mice. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2015;6:181-6.</ref>
==List of theses done==
#Srikanth T (2002). A critical study on the effect of rasayana on different age groups- “ poorve vayasi madhye va”. Department of Basic Principles.IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Dodia Rajesh (2002): Clinical study on the aetio-pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (Sannipatika-pratishyaya) and role of rasayana in its management. Department of Roga nidan and Vikritivigyan. IPGT&RA Jamnagar.
#Ami T Kataraia (2003). A comparative clinical study of medhyarasayana and shayyamootahara yoga in the management of shayya mootra. Department of Kaumarabrithya. IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Parthiv Bhatt (2002): A comparative study of Rasayana therapy & shamana yoga in the management of Sheetapitta(urticaria). Department of Kayachikitsa. IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Dalvi Prachi (2002): Role of Virechana and Amalakyadi rasayana in the management of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis). Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Rajesh Dodia (2002): Clinical study on the aetiopathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (Sannipatika pratishyaya) and role of rasayana in its management. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Sejal Naik (2002): Study on the role of varahikanda rasayana in the management of akalaja-jara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Nakum Sudha K (2003) : Comparative study of the role of Shamana (Rasayana) and Shodhana therapy in Vicharchika.Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Dhananjay Patel (2003): The role of manasika bhavas in the aetio-pathogenesis of uccha-rakta-cchapa (hypertension) & its management with medhya rasayana and shiro dhara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Yadav Ramdev (2003): A clinical study on the Rasayana effect of Tuvaraka Taila Nasya in the management of Dushta-Pratishyaya. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Ahuja Harish (2004): A clinical study on the efficacy of Virechana and Medohara Rasayana in the management of Madhumeha w.s.r. to Diabetes mellitus. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Ahuja Harish (2004): A clinical study on the efficacy of Virechana and Medohara Rasayana in the management of Madhumeha w.s.r. to Diabetes mellitus. Department of Roga Nidhana and vikriti vigyan, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Purvi Vyas (2005): A clinical study on the role of gudoochyadi rasayana as a radio-protective and chemo-protective adjuvant in the management of carcinoma. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Basil Cardozo (2006): A clinical study on physo-somatic management of sukra avrita vata (premature ejaculation) with rasayana yoga and shirodhara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Hetal Dave (2006): A comparative study on the role of medhya rasayana yoga and dasamoola kwathadhara in the management of vatika shirashoola (tension headache). Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Zankhana N Mankad (2007): Clinical study of role of rasayan as a pre, adjuvant and post treatment of chemotherapy in the management of carcinoma. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Devangi Shukla (2007): The role of manasika bhavas in akalaja jara (ageing) and comparative study of its management with guduchyadi and bhringarajadi rasayana. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Somarathna KIWK (2009): Evaluation of immunomodulatory effect of Ranahansa rasayana ( A Srilankan classical drug) on HIV positive patients. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Nakul A Jethva (2011): A Clinical Study on the Effect of Virechana Karma and Amalaki Rasayana in the Management of Kshina Shukra w.s.r. to Oligozoospermia. Department of Panchakarma, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Monika N Solanki (2018): Efficacy of Shayyamutrahara yoga and medhya rasayana in the management of shayyamutra (Enuresis) – An open labeled, randomized study. Department of Kaumara Bhritya, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Chagole Akash Subhash (2016): Role of koshthasuddhi in augmenting effect of chandrashakaladi vataka rasayana and chandamarutam W.S.R to Psoriasis. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
==More information==
[[Rasayana Chikitsa]]
==References==
==Etymology and derivation==
Rasa means the best or finest part of anything or a constituent fluid or essential juice of body.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Rasa, Page 869</ref> Ayana means going, circulating etc.<ref>Monier-Williams, Monier-Williams Sanskrit- English Dictionary, 1st edition; Oxford University Press, Ayana, Page 84</ref>
==Definition==
The treatment methodology which helps to prevent aging, which increases life span, memory and strength, and which is capable of curing the disease is called rasayana. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 1/15]<ref name= Susruta> Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref>
==Classification==
'''Based on the method of administration:'''
#Indoor regimen (kutipraveshika)
#Outdoor regimen (vataatapika)
'''Indoor regimen (kutipraveshika)''': The word ‘kuti’ represents a hut/house and ‘praveshika’ represents ‘to enter’. Undergoing rasayana therapy by staying inside a specially constructed chamber or house is called ‘kutipraveshika’. Till the end of the therapy the person should never leave the chamber. The person must follow strict restrictions in diet, daily mental and physical activities etc.
The descriptions regarding the construction of rasayana chamber suggest the location selected should be calm and pleasant. Preferably there should be three chambers one after the other with small openings and thick walls. This restricts the direct entry of external factors including the wind and sound which may possibly cause distractions. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/1/17-23] The person should completely detach from external environment both physically and mentally because rasayana therapies won’t be successful if the individuals are not attentive and engaged in divergent activities. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/3/8]
'''Outdoor regimen (vataatapika)''': Undergoing rasayana therapy by exposing to wind (vata) and sunlight (atapa) is considered as vataatapika rasayana. The person can lead normal social life along with rasayana therapy. The restrictions are comparatively less.
Indoor regimen (kutipraveshika) is superior to outdoor regimen (vataatapika). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/28]
'''Classification based on effect:'''
#Desiring benefits such as long life, great intelligence, wealth etc. – Kamya
#Rasayana therapy as part of treatment of diseases – Naimittika
#Habitual/to be consumed daily such as milk and ghee – Ajasrikam [Dalhana on Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/2]<ref name=Susruta/>
'''Classification based on treatment principle:'''
#Attaining rasayana effect through purification (samsodhana)
#Attaining rasayana effect by mitigating or alleviating the aggravated [[dosha]]s or diseases. (samsamanam)[Dalhana on Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/2]<ref name=Susruta/>
==Indications==
'''Based on age:''' Rejuvenation therapy (rasayana) should be done either in young or in middle age. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/3]<ref name=Susruta/>
'''Based on method of administration:''' The indoor regimen of rasayana therapy (kutipraveshika) is advised for those who are fit, disease-free, wise, self-controlled, leisurely and are wealthy. For others the outdoor method (vataatapika rasayana therapy) is advisable. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]]1/4/27-28]
==Contraindications==
The efficacy of rejuvenation therapy largely depends on the person’s ability to control his body and mind. So rejuvenation therapy is contraindicated for those who have addictions like alcohol and smoking; and for those who can’t follow the physician’s advice. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/4]<ref name=Susruta/>
==Prerequisite for rejuvenation therapy (rasayana)==
Before undergoing rejuvenation therapy one must undergo body purification. After adequate oleation ([[snehana]]) and fomentation ([[swedana]]) the person scheduled for rejuvenation therapy should be administered with medicinal formulation which contains Terminalia chebula (haritaki), rock salt, Phyllanthus emblica (amalaka), jaggery, Acorus calamus (vacha), Embelia ribes (vidanga), Curcuma longa (haridra), long pepper and dry ginger. After proper evacuation of bowels, the person should be administered with gruel prepared with barley for three to seven days, till his bowels become normal. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/25-28] Rasyana formulations can be administered thereafter. The complete benefits won’t be obtained if the rejuvenation therapy is done without proper purification of body and mind. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/38]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Table 1: Body tissue ([[dhatu]]) specific rasayana drugs<ref name=4JoshiBhonde>Joshi KS, Bhonde R. Insights from Ayurveda for translational stem cell research. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2014;5:4-10</ref>
|-
! Body tissues ([[dhatu]]s) !! Proposed Rasyana drugs
|-
| | Nourishing fluid ([[rasa]]) || Tinospora cordifolia
|-
| | Blood ([[rakta]]) || Piper longum
|-
| | Muscles ([[mamsa]]) || Asparagus racemosus
|-
| | Adipose tissue ([[meda]]) || Terminalia chebula
|-
| | Bones ([[asti]]) || Commifora mukul
|-
| | Marrow and nerves ([[majja]]) || Bacopa monnirei
|-
| | Sperm, ovum ([[sukra]]) || Withania somnifera
|-
|}
==Rejuvenating drugs which promote the intellect (medhya rasayana)==
Juice of Centella asiatica (mandukaparni), juice of Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) along with its root and flower, powder of Glycyrrhiza glabra with milk, and paste prepared with Convolvulus prostrates (sankhapushpi) are the drugs having affinity towards intellect. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/30-31]]
==Diet having rejuvenation effect==
Milk [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 27/218], Ghee.[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/32] Daily intake of milk and ghee is considered as the most important rejuvenators. [A.S.Sutra Sthana 13/2]<ref name= Sangraha> Vridha Vagbhata, Ashtanga Sangraha. Edited by Shivaprasad Sharma. 3rd ed. Varanasi: Chaukhamba sanskrit series office;2012.</ref>
Sida cordifolia (bala), Sida rhombifolia (atibala), Sida cordata (nagabala), Santalum album (chandana), Aquilaria malaccensis (aguru), Anogeisus latifolia (dhava), Desmodium oojeinense (tinisha), Acacia catechu (khadira), and Dalbergia sissoo (shimshapa) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/11-12], Semecarpus anacardium (bhallataka) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/16] Terminalia chebula (haritaki) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 44/63]<ref name=Susruta/>, rainwater [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 45/26]<ref name=Susruta/>, Gmelina arborea (kashmarya fruit) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/184]<ref name=Susruta/>, Dioscorea bulbifera (varahikanda) [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 46/309]<ref name=Susruta/>, Solanum americanum (kakamachi) [A.S.Sutra Sthana 7/103]<ref name=Sangraha/>, Allium sativum (lasuna) [A.S.Sutra Sthana 7/149]<ref name=Sangraha/>, Asphaltum punjabianum (shilajatu) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/49], Piper longum (pippali) [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/3/32-35] etc. are having rasayana property.
==Regimens and mental factors having rejuvenating effect==
Person who is truthful, free from anger, calm, soft-spoken, relaxed, loving and compassionate; those who are engaged in meditation and cleanliness, maintains celibacy and proper sleep achieve the benefits similar to rejuvenating therapy. So these right conduct and behavior are also considered as rasayana (achara rasayana). [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/4/30-35]
==Benefits of rejuvenation therapy (rasayana)==
Through rejuvenation therapy (rasayana) the person gets longevity, good memory power, intellect, proper health and youthfulness. Rejuvenation therapy (rasayana) also provides excellent luster, complexion and voice. The strength of body and sense organs gets increased. Perfection in deliberation, respectability and brilliance can also be achieved. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/7-8] Relieves excessive sleep, drowsiness, exertion, exhaustion, lassitude and emaciation, restores [[dosha]] balance, brings stability, alleviates laxity of muscles and kindles digestive power. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/2/3] Ultimately the person can achieve blissfulness. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/1/78-80]
==Importance in preservation of health and prevention==
Rasayana aims to prevent the diseases of mind and body. [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 27/3]<ref name=Susruta/> After the treatment of diseases, rejuvenating therapy (rasayana) should be done to maintain the tissues in its equilibrium and thus to prevent its recurrence. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7/48-49]
==Importance in management of disease==
For the treatment of mental disorders Bacopa monnieri (brahmi) etc rejuvenating drugs which promote the intellect (medhya rasayana) are beneficial. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/62] In chronic epilepsy, if the conventional treatments are not yielding results, rejuvenating therapy should be used. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 10/65] Cardiac disorders caused by [[kapha]] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 26/99], in the treatment of impotency and other reproductive fluid related disorders [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/149-50] [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 30/193] rejuvenating therapy can be done. Rejuvenating therapy is also used in the treatment of Alopacea areta (indralupta) [Su.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/25]<ref name=Susruta/> and diseases of ear. [Su.Sa.Uttara Sthana 21/3]<ref name=Susruta/>
==Current researches==
Rasayana effects of therapies or drugs are assessed usually by its capacity to manage oxidative stress, which leads to cell and tissue damage. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed as a result of metabolism. They are considered as highly reactive. Excessive accumulation of these will initiates cellular damage and may cause diseases. The anti oxidants scavenge these free radicals and ROS, and make them harmless.<ref name=Devangi>Devangi N Oza, Ila Tanna, B Ravishankar, HM Chandola. Evaluation of Bhringarajadi Ghrita Rasayana in Premature Ageing. Ayu. 2009 Apr;30(2):109-20.</ref> Malondialdehyde (MDA) is also a highly reactive compound and is considered as a marker for oxidative stress. These free radicals are neutralized normally by the antioxidant enzymes like Super oxide dismutase (SOD). In a study on 30 healthy individuals, Withania somnifera (ashwaganda) and Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) showed significant increase in the levels of SOD and decrease in MDA levels.<ref>Devangi N Oza, Ila Tanna, B Ravishankar, HM Chandola. Evaluation of Bhringarajadi Ghrita Rasayana in Premature Ageing. Ayu. 2009 Apr;30(2):109-20.</ref>
Adaptogenic and anti stress properties of Ashwaganda is reported in number of studies. It is found to be effective in preventing the stress induced ulcers in GIT, increases the body weight and reduce leucocytosis. It has anti tumor activity as it shows long term growth inhibition on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells carcinoma. In neurodegenerative diseases, it shows preventive and curative effect. It removes or restores the neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss and might be having GABA mimetic activity. Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Ashwaganda are also reported.<ref>Singh N, Bhalla M, de Jager P, Gilca M. An overview on ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2011;8(5 Suppl):208-13. doi: 10.4314/ajtcam.v8i5S.9. Epub 2011 Jul 3. PMID: 22754076; PMCID: PMC3252722.</ref>
Bacapo monneri and Centella aceatica are potent free radical scavengers and have reducing power activity. Reactive nitrogen species plays an important role in many pathological conditions including cancer. Nitric oxide quenching capacity is also reported for Bacapo monneri and Centella aceatica. Lipid peroxidation protection activity is also reported for these two plants. This helps to prevent the nerve damage due to oxidative stress. <ref>Mukherjee S, Dugad S, Bhandare R, Pawar N, Jagtap S, Pawar PK, Kulkarni O. Evaluation of comparative free-radical quenching potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Mandookparni (Centella asiatica). Ayu. 2011 Apr;32(2):258-64. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.92549. PMID: 22408313; PMCID: PMC3296351.</ref>
Rasayana drugs might promote digestion even at the micro cellular level and may promote the micro circulation also. The drugs used as rasayana is highly nutritious. So through rasayana a better supply of nutrients, that might be properly assimilated to body by ensuring proper digestion and may reach the targeted sites by enhancing the micro circulation. Thus the body tissues (dathus) are kept at its optimal level and can prevent ageing.<ref name=Devangi/> Rasyana drugs have shown tissue and disease specific immunomodulatory action and also help to promote or restore functional immunity. It may also help to develop a micro environment in which a cell or tissue can grow smoothly.<ref>Sharma V, Chaudhary AK. Concepts of Dhatu Siddhanta (theory of tissues formation and differentiation) and Rasayana; probable predecessor of stem cell therapy. Ayu. 2014 Jul-Sep;35(3):231-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.153731. PMID: 26664231; PMCID: PMC4649578.</ref>
In a study conducted on 116 healthy males, administration of 45gms of amalaki rasayana daily for 45 days showed significant increase in telomerase activity. This study also reports no change in telomere length within 90 days of administration of amalaki rasayana. Cellular senescence induced by lack of telomerase activity and shortening of telomeres is one of the postulated theories of ageing. <ref>Guruprasad KP, Dash S, Shivakumar MB, Shetty PR, Raghu KS, Shamprasad BR, Udupi V, Acharya RV, Vidya PB, Nayak J, Mana AE, Moni R, Sankaran MT, Satyamoorthy K. Influence of Amalaki Rasayana on telomerase activity and telomere length in human blood mononuclear cells. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2017 Apr-Jun;8(2):105-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2017.01.007. Epub 2017 Jun 9. PMID: 28602428; PMCID: PMC5497001.</ref> DNA damage is also considered as an indicator of ageing. In another study conducted on Wister rats fed with amalaki rasyana, the DNA damage in neurons and astrocytes of brain is found to be significantly less when compared with that of control animals.<ref>Swain U, Sindhu KK, Boda U, Pothani S, Giridharan NV, et al. (2011) Studies on the molecular correlates of genomic stability in rat brain cells following Amalakirasayana therapy. Mech. Ageing Develop. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.mad.2011.10.006.</ref> So amalaki rasayana might be able to delay the onset of ageing process.
Study on Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) fed with amalaki rasayana shows an increase in median life span, fecundity, thermo tolerance, starvation tolerance, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and faster development. The raised level of hnRNPs indicates a robust developmental gene expression. The improved thermo tolerance may be due to the presence of abundant amounts of anti oxidants in gooseberry (amalaki).<ref>Dwivedi V, Anandan EM, Mony RS, Muraleedharan TS, Valiathan MS, Mutsuddi M, Lakhotia SC. In vivo effects of traditional Ayurvedic formulations in Drosophila melanogaster model relate with therapeutic applications. PLoS One. 2012;7(5):e37113. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037113. Epub 2012 May 14. PMID: 22606337; PMCID: PMC3351451.</ref>
A 50% increase in lifespan is reported in a study were the Drosophila flies were treated with rasayana. The life span of flies treated with rasayana was 81-91 days while that of control group was 40-53 days.<ref>Priyadarshini S, Ashadevi JS, Nagarjun V, Prasanna KS. Increase in Drosophila melanogaster longevity due to rasayana diet: Preliminary results. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010 Apr;1(2):114-9. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.65085. PMID: 21836798; PMCID: PMC3151378.</ref> A well coordinated response to various cell stresses is required to maintain the homeostasis of the body. The inability of the body to respond to these stresses is one of the factors that bring ageing or age related debility. Study on Drosophila fly shows supplementation of amalaki rasayana improves the tolerance to various cell stresses. The oxidative stress tolerance was improved and remarkably reduced accumulation of ROS was reported. Reduced lipid peroxidation levels and improved SOD activity suggests a lesser oxidative damage. This might be the cause for improved fecundity and life span.<ref>Dwivedi V, Lakhotia SC. Ayurvedic Amalaki Rasayana promotes improved stress tolerance and thus has anti-aging effects in Drosophila melanogaster. J Biosci. 2016 Dec;41(4):697-711. doi: 10.1007/s12038-016-9641-x. PMID: 27966490.</ref>
In a study conducted on 25 patients with iron deficiency anemia, amalaki rasayana is found to be effective in increasing the Hb%, RBC, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Transferrin saturation is found to be significantly increased. Symptoms like pallor, weakness, headache, fatigue, heaviness in body, anorexia and leg cramps relieved significantly. Amalaki is a rich source of Ascorbic acid. Presence of Vit C in diet increases the absorption of nonheme iron up to six folds than normal. The antioxidant property of amalaki helps in reducing the oxidative stress which is one of the potent biochemical mechanism involved in iron deficiency anemia.<ref>Layeeq S, Thakar AB. Clinical efficacy of Amalaki Rasayana in the management of Pandu (Iron deficiency anemia). Ayu 2015;36:290-7.</ref>
Immunomodulatory and cytoprotective effect of amalaki rasayana is reported in an experimental study. Rats treated with cyclophosphamide shows 50% reduction in induced weight loss when treated with amalaki rasayana. It attenuated the weight loss observed in thymus, kidney and spleen. This suggests thymus stimulating and nephroprotective action of amalaki rasayana. Histopathological examination after administering amalaki rasayana revels the reversal of hepatotoxicity produced by cyclophosphamide. Amalaki rasayana might have an action over various sets of cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha which might be causing tissue degeneration.<ref>Rajani J, Ashok BK, G, Patgiri BJ, Prajapati PK, Ravishankar B. Immunomodulatory activity of Āmalaki Rasāyana: An experimental evaluation. Ancient Sci Life 2012;32:93-8.</ref>
Anti oxidant and immunostimulatory activity of Brahma rasayana is reported along with improvement in learning and memory in mice. Significant reduction in Factor VIII, pro angiogenic factors like VEGF, MMP-9 and MMP-2 suggests the possible anti angiogenic property of Brahma rasayana. Mice treated with Brahma rasayana shows a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations and micro nuclei when exposed to mutagens. An increased levels of anti oxidant and detoxification enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S transferase is also reported. It also shows excellent protection against sperm abnormalities along with increase in sperm count.<ref>Guruprasad KP, Mascarenhas R, Gopinath PM, Satyamoorthy K. Studies on Brahma rasayana in male swiss albino mice: Chromosomal aberrations and sperm abnormalities. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2010 Jan;1(1):40-4. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.59826. PMID: 21829300; PMCID: PMC3149391.</ref>
Rasyana drugs might act at the level of stem cells also. When the stem cell is treated with Medhya rasayana drugs, presence of nestin which is an early marker of neuronal stem cell differentiation is found.<ref name=4JoshiBhonde/>
Administration of Pippali rasayana in escalating dose pattern shows significant reduction in pain, stiffness and swelling of joints in 73 patients having rheumatoid arthritis (amavata). The range of motion of joints was improved along with a significant reduction in ESR levels.<ref>Soni A, Patel K, Gupta SN. Clinical evaluation of Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana in the management of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Ayu. 2011 Apr;32(2):177-80. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.92555. PMID: 22408298; PMCID: PMC3296336.</ref> The skin renewal and anti oxidant property of Benincasa hispida (kusmanda) used as a topical application is reported in an invitro study which points out the possibility of its use as a topical anti ageing preparation.<ref>Sabale V, Kunjwani H, Sabale P. Formulation and in vitro evaluation of the topical antiageing preparation of the fruit of Benincasa hispida. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2011;2:124-8.</ref> In an experimental study, a poly herbal compound, Rasayana Ghana consists of Tribulus terrestris, Tinospora cordifolia and Emblica officinalis, is reported to be having antidepressant and anxiolytic property. Tinospora cordifolia is having adaptogenic and anti oxidant properties along with stress attenuating activity. The harmine content in Tribulus acts as monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibiter leading to higher dopamine levels in brain, which elevates the mood.<ref>Deole YS, Chavan SS, Ashok BK, Ravishankar B, Thakar AB, Chandola HM. Evaluation of anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet (A compound Ayurvedic formulation) in albino mice. Ayu. 2011 Jul;32(3):375-9. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.93918. PMID: 22529654; PMCID: PMC3326886.</ref>
Bhringarajadi ghrita rasayana, a formulation which contains Eclipta alba, Sesamum orientale, Embelica officinalis, cow’s milk, ghee and sugar is found to be effective in reducing the general debility, graying of hairs, fatigue etc. associated with premature ageing.<ref name=Devangi/>
In another study on 36 cancer patients undergoing radio and chemotherapy, a herbal rasayana preparation comprises of Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Withania somnifera (ashwaganda), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), Glycirrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu), Leptadenia reticulata (jivanti), Ocimum sanctum (tulasi) and Piper longum (pippali), in electuary form, as a supportive therapy, is found to be effective in reducing the symptoms like vomiting, mucocitis, fatigue, xerostomia, alopecia and tastelessness than those treated without rasayana. The weight loss associated with the cancer treatment is also found to be comparatively less in patients treated with rasayana compound. Flavonoids present in these herbs, are potent anti oxidant and provide protection against H2O2 cytotoxicity, created by radiotherapy. It also helps in termination of lipid peroxidation chain reaction which is formed as a result of chemotherapeutic cytotoxic agents.<ref>Vyas P, Thakar AB, Baghel MS, Sisodia A, Deole Y. Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in reducing adverse effects. Ayu. 2010 Oct;31(4):417-23. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.82029. PMID: 22048532; PMCID: PMC3202271.</ref>
In a patient with psoriasis vulgaris, it is reported that by the administration of tuvaraka rasayana (rasayana preparation made out of Hydnocarpus laurifolia) alternatively for 5 days, after purification procedures, PASI score reduced from 42 to 3.8. On follow up there was complete remission of the lesions making PASI score 0. Histopathological study also revel the complete remission of psoriasis on follow up.<ref>Krishna Kumar K, Chacko J. Thuvaraka rasayana regimen in Psoriasis vulgaris - A case report. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2019 Jan-Mar;10(1):41-44. doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2018.04.003. Epub 2019 Jan 1. PMID: 30606464; PMCID: PMC6470303.</ref>
Pre treatment of mice with rasayana drug, thriphala (Haritaki, vibitaki and amalaki) extract for 7 days showed protection against paracetamol induced renal and hepatic toxicity. Thriphala inhibited the raise of serum enzyme markers like ASP, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Hystopathological study revels protection of liver cells, central vein and portal vein and maintains the normality of liver tissues. Thriphala might have controlled the free radical formation and there by prevents the cellular damage.<ref>Singh DP, Mani D. Protective effect of Triphala Rasayana against paracetamol-induced hepato–renal toxicity in mice. J Ayurveda Integr Med 2015;6:181-6.</ref>
==List of theses done==
#Srikanth T (2002). A critical study on the effect of rasayana on different age groups- “ poorve vayasi madhye va”. Department of Basic Principles.IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Dodia Rajesh (2002): Clinical study on the aetio-pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (Sannipatika-pratishyaya) and role of rasayana in its management. Department of Roga nidan and Vikritivigyan. IPGT&RA Jamnagar.
#Ami T Kataraia (2003). A comparative clinical study of medhyarasayana and shayyamootahara yoga in the management of shayya mootra. Department of Kaumarabrithya. IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Parthiv Bhatt (2002): A comparative study of Rasayana therapy & shamana yoga in the management of Sheetapitta(urticaria). Department of Kayachikitsa. IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Dalvi Prachi (2002): Role of Virechana and Amalakyadi rasayana in the management of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis). Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Rajesh Dodia (2002): Clinical study on the aetiopathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (Sannipatika pratishyaya) and role of rasayana in its management. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Sejal Naik (2002): Study on the role of varahikanda rasayana in the management of akalaja-jara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Nakum Sudha K (2003) : Comparative study of the role of Shamana (Rasayana) and Shodhana therapy in Vicharchika.Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Dhananjay Patel (2003): The role of manasika bhavas in the aetio-pathogenesis of uccha-rakta-cchapa (hypertension) & its management with medhya rasayana and shiro dhara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Yadav Ramdev (2003): A clinical study on the Rasayana effect of Tuvaraka Taila Nasya in the management of Dushta-Pratishyaya. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Ahuja Harish (2004): A clinical study on the efficacy of Virechana and Medohara Rasayana in the management of Madhumeha w.s.r. to Diabetes mellitus. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Ahuja Harish (2004): A clinical study on the efficacy of Virechana and Medohara Rasayana in the management of Madhumeha w.s.r. to Diabetes mellitus. Department of Roga Nidhana and vikriti vigyan, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Purvi Vyas (2005): A clinical study on the role of gudoochyadi rasayana as a radio-protective and chemo-protective adjuvant in the management of carcinoma. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Basil Cardozo (2006): A clinical study on physo-somatic management of sukra avrita vata (premature ejaculation) with rasayana yoga and shirodhara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Hetal Dave (2006): A comparative study on the role of medhya rasayana yoga and dasamoola kwathadhara in the management of vatika shirashoola (tension headache). Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Zankhana N Mankad (2007): Clinical study of role of rasayan as a pre, adjuvant and post treatment of chemotherapy in the management of carcinoma. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Devangi Shukla (2007): The role of manasika bhavas in akalaja jara (ageing) and comparative study of its management with guduchyadi and bhringarajadi rasayana. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Somarathna KIWK (2009): Evaluation of immunomodulatory effect of Ranahansa rasayana ( A Srilankan classical drug) on HIV positive patients. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Nakul A Jethva (2011): A Clinical Study on the Effect of Virechana Karma and Amalaki Rasayana in the Management of Kshina Shukra w.s.r. to Oligozoospermia. Department of Panchakarma, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Monika N Solanki (2018): Efficacy of Shayyamutrahara yoga and medhya rasayana in the management of shayyamutra (Enuresis) – An open labeled, randomized study. Department of Kaumara Bhritya, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Chagole Akash Subhash (2016): Role of koshthasuddhi in augmenting effect of chandrashakaladi vataka rasayana and chandamarutam W.S.R to Psoriasis. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
==More information==
[[Rasayana Chikitsa]]
==References==