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This includes small molecules- the ‘Scavengers’, that react with radicals to produce another radical compound. When these scavengers produce a lesser harmful radical species, they are called 'antioxidants'. The-tocopherol, ascorbate and reduced glutathione (GSH) may act in combination to act as cellular antioxidants. The -tocopherol, present in the cell membrane and plasma lipoproteins acts as a chain-breaking antioxidant.
This includes small molecules- the ‘Scavengers’, that react with radicals to produce another radical compound. When these scavengers produce a lesser harmful radical species, they are called 'antioxidants'. The-tocopherol, ascorbate and reduced glutathione (GSH) may act in combination to act as cellular antioxidants. The -tocopherol, present in the cell membrane and plasma lipoproteins acts as a chain-breaking antioxidant.
From Ayurveda perspectives, this anti-oxidant system seems to be regulated by body constituents like the optimum quality of [[Rasa dhatu]], [[Kapha]][[dosha]] and [[Ojas]]. Rasayana therapy works to improve the quality of these three components. <ref name=deoleys> Deole Y.S. Thakar A.B. Chandola H.M. Ravishankar B.A Clinico Experimental Study On Role Of Stress In Premature Ageing And Its Management With Rasayana Yoga.Ph.D. thesis submitted to Gujarat Ayurved University, Jamnagar, India. 2011. </ref>
'''Rasayana as anti-oxidants:'''
Effect of rasayana therapy is assessed by its capacity to manage oxidative stress and prevent cellular damage. Free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed as a result of metabolism. They are highly reactive and can cause greater damage. Excessive accumulation initiates cellular damage and 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 usually by the antioxidant enzymes like Super oxide dismutase (SOD). In a study on 30 healthy individuals, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) and Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) showed a significant increase in the levels of SOD and a decrease in MDA levels. <ref name=kuchewar> Kuchewar VV, Borkar MA, Nisargandha MA. Evaluation of antioxidant potential of Rasayana drugs in healthy human volunteers. Ayu. 2014 Jan;35(1):46-9. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.141919. PMID: 25364199; PMCID: PMC4213967.</ref>
Devasagayam’s group at Bhabha Atomic Research Center studied the mechanism of actions of ayurvedic anti-oxidants. They reported that ayurvedic herbs can show anti-oxidant activity at different levels.
Level 1: Suppression of radical formation
Level 2: Scavenging of primary radicals
Level 3: Scavenging of secondary radicals
Level 4: Reconstitution of membranes
Level 5: Repair of damage.
Tinopsora is reported to work as anti-oxidant by suppressing the free radical formation, and reconstituting cell membrane and repair damage. Emblica is reported to work as anti-oxidant at all the five levels viz. suppress free radical formation, break chain initiation, break chain propagation, reconstitute membrane and repair damage. <ref name=ashokdb> Ashok D.B. Vaidya and Thomas P.A. Devasagayam; Current Status of Herbal Drugs in India: An Overview J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr., 41, July 2007, 1–11</ref>
'''Adaptogenic activitiy:'''
Adaptogenic substances are defined as "substances meant to put the organism into a state of nonspecific heightened resistance in order to resist stresses and adapt to extraordinary challenges". In ayurvedic perspectives, the adaptogenic activity can be due to stable (sthira), heavy (guru) and cold (sheeta) potency. These qualities lead to stability, increased endurance and can slow the responses. [[Kapha]][[dosha]] possesses all the three qualities, while [[vata]][[dosha]] shows the contrary characteristics. Adaptogens can be a drug with pro-[[kapha]] and [[vata]] stabilizer activity. <ref name=deoleys/> The substances that have similar properties can be used as rasayana with adaptogenic activities.
'''Nutraceutical effect:'''
Rasayana therapy can promote digestion at the microcellular level and promote microcirculation. The rasayana herbs are rich in micronutrients. They provide optimal nutrition to the body tissues ([[dhatus]]). They can prevent ageing. <ref name=devangi/> Rasayana herbs 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 name=sharmav> 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>
'''Immunomodulatory:'''
Rasayana therapy can improve immune response through immunomodulatory activity. Immune stimulants bring about a heightened resistance through the stimulation of non-specific defensive processes, largely independent of antigens. In ayurveda, immunity is dependent on status of [[ojas]], [[kapha]][[dosha]] and quality of [[rasa dhatu]]. Therefore, a rasayana herb that can improve [[rasa]], [[kapha]] and [[ojas]] can act as an immunomodulator. Phyllanthus emblica (amalaki) and Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi) are proven for their immunomodulatory activity. <ref name=deoleys/>
'''Nootropics (cognition enhancers):'''
The medhya rasayana herbs promoting intellectual and memory functions can act as nootropics. These can improve the higher integrative brain functions, such as memory, learning, understanding, thinking, and concentration capacity. It is assumed that nootropics stimulate existing neural synapses to optimum performance (adaptive capacity). This reduces damaging influences, such as disturbances of the energy and neurotransmitter metabolism or ischemia (protective capacity). <ref> Available from https://healthy.net/2000/12/06/drugs-with-adaptogenic-effects-for-strengthening-the-powers-of-resistance/ cited on 12/05/2021 </ref> The rasayana diet, herbs and regimen that influence intellect (dhi), restraint (dhriti) and memory (smriti) are nootropics. This again indicate the [[vata]]-[[pitta]] stabilizer and pro-[[kapha]] profile of the rasayana. <ref name=deoleys/> Rasayana drugs might act at the level of stem cells also. When the stem cell is treated with medhya rasayana drugs, nestin is an early marker of neuronal stem cell differentiation. <ref name=joshiks/>
'''Anabolics:'''
These substances, activate anabolism. They promote growth by synthesis of nucleic acids and protein metabolism. The rasayna herbs listed in vitalizer (jeevaniya), anti-aging (vayasthapana) category can promote strength (balya), bulk (pushti) and nourishment (brimhana).
===Researches on specific rasayana===
====Amalaki rasayana====
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 name=gurukp> 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 the brain is found significantly less than that of control animals. <ref name=swainu> 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 is 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, thermotolerance, starvation tolerance, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) and faster development. The raised level of hnRNPs indicates a robust developmental gene expression. The improved thermotolerance may be due to the presence of abundant amounts of antioxidants in gooseberry (amalaki). <ref name=dwivediv> 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 where 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 name=priyas> 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 lesser oxidative damage. This might be the cause for improved fecundity and life span. <ref name=dwivediLakho> 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 were 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 reduce the oxidative stress, which is one of the potent biochemical mechanisms involved in iron deficiency anemia. <ref name=Layeeq> Layeeq S, Thakar AB. Clinical efficacy of Amalaki Rasayana in the management of Pandu (Iron deficiency anemia). Ayu2015;36:290-7.</ref>
The immunomodulatory and cytoprotective effect of amalaki rasayana is reported in an experimental study. Rats treated with cyclophosphamide show 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 reveals the reversal of hepatotoxicity produced by cyclophosphamide. Amalaki rasayana might have an action over various sets of cytokines like tumor necrosis factor alpha, causing tissue degeneration. <ref name=rajanij> 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>
====Brahma rasayana====
Antioxidant 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 anti-oxidant and detoxification enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S transferase are also reported. It also shows excellent protection against sperm abnormalities along with an increase in sperm count. <ref name=gurumascare> 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>
====Ashwagandha====
Adaptogenic and anti-stress properties of ashwagandha are reported in number of studies. It is effective in preventing stress induced ulcers in GIT, increases 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 ashwagandha are also reported. <ref name=singhbhalla> 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>
====Brahmi====
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 Bacopa 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 name=mukherjee> 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>
====Pippali rasayana====
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 name=sonia> 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>
====Kushmanda====
The skin renewal and anti-oxidant property of Benincasa hispida (kusmanda) used as a topical application is reported in an in-vitro study which points out the possibility of its use as a topical anti ageing preparation.<ref name=sabale>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>
====Rasayana formulation====
A polyherbal compound, rasayanaghana (made from Tribulus terrestris, Tinospora cordifolia and Emblica officinalis), was studied for antidepressant and anxiolytic activity in experimental animals. The formulation showed mild anxiolytic activity, moderate significant anti-depressant activity comparable to Imipramine (standard antidepressant) and a significant increase in anti-oxidant activity at cellular level. It also showed significant gastro protective activity against forced swimming stress induced gastric ulcers. Tinospora cordifolia have a daptogenic 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 name=deolechavan>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> In clinical study, the treatment with rasayanaghanavati (RGT) showed 8.62% increase in the level of DHEAs in a span of two months. De hydro epi aldosterone decreases with age. The formulation also showed significant improvement in parameters of quality of life scale.<ref name=deoleys/>
====Bhrngarajadighrita rasayana====
Bhringarajadighrita 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/>
===Rasayana as an adjuvant to chemotherapy===
In a study on 36 cancer patients, effect of a polyherbal rasayana formulation was studied as an adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The rasayana preparation was made from Emblica officinalis (amalaki), Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (guduchi), Glycirrhiza glabra (yashtimadhu), Leptadenia reticulata (jivanti), Ocimum sanctum (tulasi) and Piper longum (pippali), in electuary form. It effectively reduces the symptoms like vomiting, mucocitis, fatigue, xerostomia, alopecia, and tastelessness than those treated without rasayana. The weight loss associated with the cancer treatment was 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 the termination of lipid peroxidation chain reaction which is formed as a result of chemotherapeutic cytotoxic agents.<ref name=vyasp>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>
===Tuvaraka rasayana in psoriasis===
Administration of tuvaraka rasayana (rasayana preparation made out of Hydnocarpus laurifolia) alternatively for 5 days in a patient with psoriasis vulgaris showed reduction in PASI score from 42 to 3.8. The rasayana was administered after purification procedures. Complete remission of the lesions making PASI score 0 was observed. The histopathological study also reveals the complete remission of psoriasis on follow-up.<ref name=krishnakumar>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>
===Triphalarasayana===
Pre-treatment of mice with rasayana drug, triphala (Haritaki, vibitaki and amalaki) extract for 7 days showed protection against paracetamol-induced renal and hepatic toxicity. Triphala inhibited the raise of serum enzyme markers like ASP, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, creatinine, urea and uric acid. Histopathological study reveals protection of liver cells, central vein, and portal vein and maintains the normality of liver tissues. Triphala might have controlled the free radical formation and thereby prevents 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- “ poorvevayasimadhyeva”. 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 Roganidan and Vikritivigyan. IPGT&RA Jamnagar.
#Ami T Kataraia (2003). A comparative clinical study of medhyarasayana and shayyamootahara yoga in the management of shayyamootra. 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 medhyarasayana and shirodhara. 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
#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 sukraavritavata (premature ejaculation) with rasayana yoga and shirodhara. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Hetal Dave (2006): A comparative study on the role of medhyarasayana yoga and dasamoolakwatha dhara 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 akalajajara (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 Ranahansarasayana( ASrilankan 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 medhyarasayana in the management of shayyamutra (Enuresis) – An open labeled, randomized study. Department of KaumaraBhritya, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
#Chagole Akash Subhash (2016): Role of koshthasuddhi in augmenting effect of chandrashakaladivataka rasayana and chandamarutam W.S.R to Psoriasis. Department of Kayachikitsa, IPGT&RA Jamnagar
==More information==
[[Rasayana Chikitsa]]
==References==