Aging is a complex biological process characterized by oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and metabolic dysregulation. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emphasizes longevity and rejuvenation through Rasayana therapy, a specialized branch that enhances vitality, delays aging, and prevents age-related diseases. This review explores the mechanistic basis of Ayurvedic antioxidants, including Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Curcumin (Curcuma longa), in promoting longevity. These herbs modulate key aging pathways, including oxidative stress reduction, mitochondrial protection, immune modulation, neuroprotection, telomere maintenance, and endocrine balance. Scientific evidence highlights their potential in mitigating chronic inflammation, enhancing cognitive function, and improving metabolic homeostasis, thereby increasing lifespan and healthspan. Systematic electronic database search via PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar with the use of the keywords "Ayurveda," "Rasayana," "antioxidants," "longevity," and "anti-aging herbs" was conducted. English-language peer-reviewed papers were selected on the basis of relevance, mechanistic content, and availability of experimental or clinical evidence. The evidence was collated to identify patterns of therapy and mechanisms in common. Despite promising outcomes, the clinical translation of Ayurvedic antioxidants faces challenges such as limited standardized trials, bioavailability concerns, and regulatory hurdles. Future directions include integrating Ayurvedic principles with modern medicine through personalized therapeutics, nutraceutical innovations, and synergistic formulations. Standardized clinical trials and molecular validation are essential for their acceptance in global healthcare. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of Ayurvedic antioxidants as potent natural interventions for healthy aging.
Background: DOMS is a common post-exercise syndrome characterized by pain, stiffness, and decreased muscle function. Conventional therapies have limited efficacy and have potential side effects. Objective: This study explored the molecular mechanisms of Ficus religiosa 's alleviation of DOMS using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation analyses. Materials and methods: This study used a network pharmacology framework to identify and analyze the phytochemicals from F. religiosa . Databases like IMPPAT 2.0 were used to retrieve potential compounds, while SwissTargetPrediction predicted target proteins. Therapeutic targets were identified using Genecards and OMIM databases. Protein-protein interaction networks were analyzed using STRING and Cytoscape software, while pathway enrichment was conducted using Enrichr. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTools (v1.5.7), followed by molecular dynamics simulations using GROMACS to validate target-compound interactions. Results: Of the 140 phytochemicals, 44 met the drug-likeness and bioavailability criteria and were associated with 39 potential therapeutic targets for DOMS. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune regulation as the primary mechanisms of action. Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) was identified as a critical target. Molecular docking showed that compounds such as α-eudesmol, epi-γ-eudesmol, and α-cadinol exhibited superior binding affinities for PTGS2 compared to ibuprofen. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that α-cadinol exhibited the most stable binding owing to its robust hydrogen bonding, whereas epi-α-cadinol displayed progressive stabilization and efficient accommodation inside the active region of the protein. Conclusion: This study suggests that F. religiosa could be used as a therapeutic agent for the management of DOMS. The key compounds, α-cadinol and epi-α-cadinol, show potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
Background: Variation is the common phenomena in natural specimens; but is within certain limit and may show some association between various characteristics. The present study forms the basis of standardization for such natural specimens. Terminalia chebula Retz. ( Haritaki ), one of the most useful Ayurvedic drugs has been worked out for the same aspect. Objective: To obtain the range of variations and relation between different characteristics of T . chebula fruit collected from different geographical regions of India; to compare Ayurvedic parameters as mentioned for standards with physicochemical and morphological characteristics of T . chebula fruit; and to develop standards for T . chebula fruit accordingly. Materials and methods: Ten samples were obtained by coning and quarting technique from about 3000 fruits obtained from ten different geographical regions, pan India; including one sample of T. pallida for determining variations and relation between usual parameters used for standards; along with assay of chemical group “total phenolic” calorimetrically; instead of any single active principle alone. Ayurvedic parameters as ‘ Nimmjate’ (sinking in water) has also been obtained. Interrelation and correlation between morphological, physicochemical and Ayurvedic parameters were studied. Result: Large variations, which are far from existing texts were found. Quality of the fruits as mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for the drug is not available. Conclusion: Ayurvedic parameters can be applicable only if the drug is self-collected to avoid any malpractice. The standard of the drugs as obtained here are far from that are reported in various recent texts.
Prakriti, the Ayurvedic concept of individual somatic constitution, forms the foundation for personalized preventive and therapeutic strategies by classifying individuals based on distinctive physical, physiological, and psychological attributes. Traditional methods of Prakriti assessment, such as physician-administered questionnaires, clinical examinations, and observational techniques, though deeply rooted in Ayurvedic principles, are often constrained by subjectivity, limited reproducibility, and a lack of standardization. Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and digital health technologies offer new opportunities to modernize Prakriti assessment and enhance its reliability. This narrative review systematically located, selected, and synthesized relevant literature from scientific databases and institutional repositories to identify digital, AI, and ML tools applicable to the parameters outlined in the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) Prakriti Assessment Manual. Retrieved data were categorized according to their relevance to physical, physiological, psychological, and behavioral domains, emphasizing technologies that enable objective measurement and computational analysis. The review highlights the potential of integrating physiological sensors, image analysis systems, and computational algorithms with classical Ayurvedic approaches to improve the accuracy and clinical relevance of Prakriti analysis. The convergence of Ayurveda and digital health technologies holds transformative potential to generate evidence, enhance clinical applicability, and foster interdisciplinary research in personalized medicine. However, challenges related to data quality, interoperability, algorithmic interpretability, and domain-specific validation must be addressed to ensure credibility and wider adoption. Overall, digital innovations can significantly enhance the rigor, reach, and impact of Prakriti assessment in integrative healthcare.
Background: Vitex trifolia L. is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Thai medicine for treatment of muscle pain and skin disorders. Objective: To evaluate the in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Vitex trifolia (VTE) and to develop a stable topical herbal cream. Materials and methods: The analgesic activity of VTE was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in rats. A topical cream was developed containing VTE at 0.4% w/w, and its physical characteristics (pH, viscosity, spreadability, and phase separation), short-term and accelerated stability (at 4 °C and 30 °C for 90 days), and phytochemical contents (phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins) were analyzed. Results: VTE (0.5-2.0 mg/ear) significantly reduced EPP-induced ear edema by up to 71.5% at 120 min (p < 0.001) and suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema by 45.3% at 4 h with a 250 mg/kg body weight (p < 0.001), showing comparable efficacy to standard drugs. The number of abdominal writhes in mice treated with VTE remained statistically comparable to the control group (p > 0.05), and no significant increase in latency time was observed in the hot plate model. The HCF5 cream exhibited favorable physical characteristics (pH: 4.26-4.99; viscosity: 8683–40,065 cP), and remained stable over 90 days, especially at 30 °C. Phytochemical analysis showed stable retention of total phenolics, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins with no significant degradation during storage. Conclusion: This study confirms the anti-inflammatory potential of VTE and its suitability for use in a stable topical herbal formulation.
