Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) Jamnagar, Gujarat, India which was founded in 1967. It has a joint campus with , an Institute of National Importance, established in 2020.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a chronic and disabling condition that is affected by inflammatory, neuroimmune, biomechanical, psychological and functional processes. Symptomatic treatment is frequently used, and more comprehensive, patient-oriented, treatment strategies are required, incorporating both pain mechanisms and long-term functional recovery. This comprehensive review examines the role of integrative Ayurveda and physiotherapy interventions in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The review synthesizes evidence on biomedical and Ayurvedic perspectives of pain, Ayurveda-based interventions such as Panchakarma, Basti, Kati Basti, herbal formulations, yoga, and lifestyle regulation, alongside physiotherapy approaches including therapeutic exercise, pain neuroscience education, postural correction, neuromuscular rehabilitation, electrotherapy, and psychologically informed care. Current evidence suggests that Ayurveda may support systemic regulation, inflammation control, pain relief, and holistic restoration, while physiotherapy provides structured rehabilitation aimed at movement recovery, strength, function, and self-management. Their integration offers a clinically relevant model for chronic low back pain, osteoarthritis, cervical pain syndromes, and inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders. However, the evidence base remains limited by clinical heterogeneity, variable treatment protocols, small-scale studies, and insufficient long-term outcome data. Further studies are needed on standardized, individualized protocols; pragmatic clinical trials; safety monitoring; cost effectiveness; and implementation frameworks involving multiple disciplines. Integrative Ayurveda–physiotherapy care could be a viable approach to enhance pain, function and quality of life, as well as ensure long-term recovery in chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The advancement of drug delivery systems has become a critical focus in pharmaceutical research due to the persistent limitations of conventional dosage forms, including poor bioavailability, low solubility, rapid metabolism, and lack of site-specific targeting. In this context, natural materials derived from medicinal plants have gained significant attention as promising alternatives to synthetic excipients. Ayurvedic medicinal plants, with their rich history of therapeutic use, offer a diverse range of bioactive compounds and functional biomaterials that can be effectively utilized in modern drug delivery systems. This review explores the potential of Ayurvedic medicinal plants as novel drug delivery agents, emphasizing their dual role as both therapeutic entities and formulation excipients. Key categories such as plant-derived polymers, bioenhancers, and lipid-based materials are discussed in relation to their functional applications in enhancing drug solubility, stability, permeability, and controlled release. Traditional Ayurvedic concepts, including Anupana, Yogavahi, and Samskara, are critically analyzed and correlated with modern pharmacokinetic and formulation principles. Furthermore, the review highlights the mechanisms by which plant-based systems improve drug delivery, including bioavailability enhancement, mucoadhesion, permeation modulation, and targeted delivery. The integration of these materials into advanced platforms such as nanoparticle-based and transdermal systems is also examined. Despite challenges related to standardization, variability, and regulatory acceptance, Ayurvedic medicinal plants present a sustainable, biocompatible, and multifunctional approach to drug delivery. Overall, this review underscores the potential of bridging traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with contemporary pharmaceutical technologies to develop innovative and efficient drug delivery systems.
Abstract BACKGROUND: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a progressive atherosclerotic condition affecting the lower limb arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and ischemic symptoms. Despite its increasing global prevalence, PAD often remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed. Treatment options for PAD encompass lifestyle modifications, management of cardiovascular risk factors, pharmacological therapy, and, in advanced cases, endovascular procedures or surgical interventions. Ayurveda treatment has been utilized in clinical practice for the management of the disease and also to improve the quality of life. PATIENT INFORMATION: A 30-year-old Indian female farmer presented with a non-healing ischemic ulcer on the left second toe, along with tingling, hyperaesthesia, and nocturnal foot pain, with a past history of self-amputation of the left great toe due to gangrene. The patient had no history of any addiction. The patient had no conventional risk factors, and she had been managing the condition at home without medical supervision until the presentation. Based on clinical assessment and arterial Doppler study of the lower limbs, she was diagnosed with PAD. INTERVENTION: The patient was managed through an integrative Ayurvedic approach comprising medicated Ghee-based internal Snehapana , Virechana (therapeutic purgation), medicinal leech therapy for localized bloodletting, local wound cleansing, wound dressing, and oral administration of Ayurvedic formulations, including Kaishora Guggulu , Haritaki Churn a, and Pippali Churna. RESULT: By the 43rd day, the patient got relief from pain and hyperesthesia, and the wound healed completely. CONCLUSION: In this young patient without conventional risk factors, a comprehensive Ayurvedic treatment protocol resulted in the healing of ischemic ulcer associated with PAD. This case suggests that Ayurveda may offer an effective non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing PAD-related complications, potentially reducing the need for more invasive vascular interventions.
https://www.drpankajjain.com/ayurveda-communication-media-studies-countering-misinformation-global-branding/
Abstract BACKGROUND: Tulasiswarasadi Taila (TT) is a traditional oleaginous formulation consisting of Tila ( Sesamum indicum L.) oil, a paste of Kundrushka ( Boswellia serrata Roxb.), and Tulasi ( Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) leaf juice, all boiled together as described in the Sahasrayogam . This formulation is used in Nasya (medication through the nasal route) for conditions such as Nasadaurgandhya (dysosmia) and Pratishyaya (allergic rhinitis). Tulasi , a key ingredient, imparts a distinctive and potent fragrance to the oil. To elucidate the primary phytochemical constituents of TT oil, a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed. The study aimed to identify the phytochemical composition of TT using GC-MS. METHODS: The preparation of TT adhered to the guidelines provided in the Sahasrayogam . The formulated oil was then subjected to GC-MS analysis following standard procedures by using an electron ionization system operated in the electron impact mode with an ionization energy of 70 eV. RESULTS: GC-MS analysis identified 21 compounds in TT. Notable constituents included linalool (21.08%), 1,5-pentanediol (16.2%), cycloheptanol (13.46%), and palmitoleic Acid (3.59%). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 20 compounds for the first time in TT through GC-MS analysis, highlighting linalool, 1,5-pentanediol, cycloheptanol, and palmitoleic acid as significant components. These identified compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, and anti-bacterial properties, which may contribute to the efficacy of TT in treating Nasadaurgandhya and Pratishyaya .
