Ptosis is an abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid. In this case, a 74-year-old female patient presented with a history of drooping of the right eye lid, diplopia, right frontotemporal headache, pain in right eye, and tinnitus in the right ear. Diagnostic tests suggested palsy of the superior division of the third cranial nerve due to probable compression by the posterior communicating artery. In Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with Vatahata vartma (~ptosis), a Vata pradhana dosha vyadhi (~ Vata predominant disease). Although classified as an Asadhya vyadhi (~incurable disease), the implementation of Vata pacifying line of treatment resulted in significant improvement. This case highlights the potential efficacy of Ayurvedic therapies in acquired ptosis management, warranting further clinical trials for validation.
The global diffusion of Ayurveda, combined with a favorable policy climate for innovation and entrepreneurship in India, has enabled the emergence of a distinct cohort of Ayurveda startups that operate at the intersection of traditional knowledge, technology and market systems. Yet this apparent dynamism coexists with foundational challenges, including definitional ambiguity, regulatory layering, and misalignment with conventional validation and funding models. This narrative review synthesizes literature from 2015 to 2026 spanning Ayurveda, health-sector entrepreneurship, innovation and public policy to: (i) propose an evolving normative definition of Ayurveda startups grounded in classical textual authority and statutory frameworks, (ii) identify systemic constraints affecting their growth, scale-up and ecosystem visibility, and (iii) analyze the comparative suitability of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of AYUSH Innovation Readiness (AIR) framework. Conceptual analysis reveals that regulatory complexity, ecosystem fragmentation, funding misalignment and the absence of a structured public registry together create an “epistemic funding gap” for Ayurveda startups, even as generic wellness and plant-based ventures attract significant capital. The review argues that an explicit normative definition is a precondition for credible ecosystem mapping, policy design, assessment framework and responsible commercialization of Ayurveda-based innovation.
Background: Standardization and analytical assessment of two Ayurvedic formulations under the Public Health Initiative (PHI) project on stress management for police personnel, implemented by the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Ministry of Ayush, established a vital translational link by scientifically validating their pharmaceutical quality, safety, and therapeutic suitability through rigorous testing as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Objectives: The present work aimed at preliminary phytochemical evaluation of Jatamansi tablet and Brahmi - Ashwagandha taila. Materials and Methods: Ayurvedic formulations prepared according to classical Ayurvedic procedures were procured from Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified pharmacy. Standardization involved organoleptic assessment, physicochemical profiling, heavy metal analysis, aflatoxin screening, microbial load testing and pesticide residue analysis as per API and WHO guidelines. Results: Jatamansi tablets exhibited a disintegration time of 20 min, alcohol soluble extractive value of 13.35% w/w , and hardness of 5.0 kg/cm 2 , all within acceptable limits. Microbial load was well controlled (260 CFU/g bacteria, 120 CFU/g fungi), and heavy metals and aflatoxins were not detected. In the case of Brahmi-Ashwagandha taila , physicochemical parameters such as refractive index (1.4682), specific gravity (0.917), and saponification value (215.42) were within standard limits. Microbial counts remained minimal (150 CFU/ml), with no pathogens or pesticide residues detected. Conclusion: Jatamansi tablet and Bramhi-Ashwagandha taila consistently met pharmaceutical-grade quality standards. They demonstrated regulatory compliance, with no detectable microbial contamination, aflatoxins, or heavy metals exceeding permissible limits.
Beta-blockers are commonly used drugs for the treatment and prevention of various diseases, and are associated with a spectrum of cutaneous adverse reactions, which can present with diverse clinical manifestations and may often lead to misdiagnosis. This case report describes a 53-year-old man who presented to the outpatient department with generalized erythema, pruritus, powdery exfoliation, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, and lichenification over the flexural aspects of the upper limbs. The patient had a history of prolonged beta-blocker use and obtained a score of six on the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Probability Scale, indicating a probable drug-induced reaction. The histopathological examination revealed a lichenoid interface reaction, consistent with a drug-induced cutaneous reaction. Based on its clinical presentation, the condition was classified as Tridoshaja kushtha (~various skin diseases involving all three Doshas ). The patient received individualized Ayurvedic treatment comprising Shodhana (~major purification procedure), Shamana (~palliative therapy), Rasayana (~rejuvenation), and external therapies, selected according to the predominant Dosha (~regulatory functional factors of the body) at each stage of the disease, continued for five weeks. Marked clinical improvement, with resolution of pruritus, edema, and exfoliation, reduction in lichenification and palmoplantar scaling, was observed by the third week, and restoration of normal skin texture at discharge. Beta-blocker-induced Lichenoid Drug Eruption (LDE) is a rare but recognized ADR. This case highlights the potential application of an individualized Ayurvedic management approach, guided by Dosha assessment and supported by modern diagnostic evaluation. Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate its therapeutic role.
Background: Snakebite envenomation remains a critical public health issue in India, especially in rural regions with limited access to modern healthcare. West Bengal, with its ecological diversity and rich cultural heritage, is home to a variety of traditional healing practices used in snakebite management. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of snakebites and to systematically document traditional plant-based and complementary nonpharmacological remedies employed by indigenous healers across distinct regions of Bengal. Methodology: A cross-sectional ethnobotanical field survey was conducted in 2020 across 15 subcenters in three ecologically and culturally distinct zones: North Bengal, South Bengal, and Jangal Mahal. Data were collected through structured interviews and semi-structured questionnaires administered to traditional healers and snakebite survivors. Plant specimens used in treatments were collected, identified, and validated using herbarium techniques and global botanical databases. Results: A total of 522 snakebite cases were documented. Regional variation in therapeutic approaches was evident – North Bengal demonstrated a preference for mineral-based treatments, while South Bengal and Jangal Mahal predominantly employed plant-based remedies. A total of 54 medicinal plant species were recorded, with preparations tailored to specific types of envenomation. In addition, several non-botanical interventions rooted in cultural and ritualistic practices were observed. Conclusion: Traditional snakebite management practices in Bengal represent a valuable repository of ethnomedicinal knowledge. Scientific validation and integration of these practices into public health strategies could improve snakebite response in resource-limited settings and support the development of complementary therapeutic interventions.
Background: Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation that contributes to various Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Recent studies report a 40.3% prevalence of obesity in India, with higher rates among women (41.88%) compared to men (38.67%), varying by age, location, and socioeconomic status. Considering the growing need for safe and effective long-term intervention, this study was designed, thereby contributing clinical evidence to obesity. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Lekhaniya Gana Kashaya (LGK) and Arogyavardhini Gutika (AG) in improving anthropometric and metabolic parameters associated with Medoroga (~obesity) management. Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-arm, open-label interventional study was conducted at two peripheral units of Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences. A total of 100 participants diagnosed with Medoroga were enrolled according to the predefined inclusion criteria. The intervention involved the administration of LGK (50 ml orally, twice daily before meals) and AG (500 mg orally twice daily with lukewarm water after meals) for 12 weeks. This was followed by a 4-week follow-up period without medication. Outcome measures included changes in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, and scores on the Obesity and Weight Loss Quality of Life (OWLQOL) questionnaire. Fat analysis using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan was also performed. Results: The combination of LGK and AG demonstrated statistically significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and OWLQOL scores ( P < 0.05) compared to baseline. There were no adverse effects reported. Conclusion: The formulations exhibited promising efficacy and safety as interventions for obesity, producing significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference, alongside improvements in overall metabolic and functional health outcomes.
Background: Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent long-term inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa characterized by sneezing, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, and nasal itching due to IgE - mediated hypersensitivity. It significantly impairs Quality of Life (QoL), sleep, and daily productivity. In Ayurveda, AR is comparable to Vataja pratishyaya . Aim: To assess the QoL of patients with AR through a survey and evaluation of clinical effectiveness of its Ayurvedic management. Materials and Methods: This protocol outlines a survey study and an open-label, double-arm, comparative Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). A total of 120 previously or newly diagnosed patients with AR will be enrolled in the clinical trial, while 400 participants will be included in the survey study. The survey study will be conducted using the Rhinoconjunctivitis QoL Questionnaire. In the clinical study, the control group will receive Haridrakhanda and Anu taila pratimarsha nasya (~low- dose medication through the nasal route using Anu taila ), whereas the intervention group will receive Nardiya laxmivilasa rasa in addition to Haridrakhanda and Anu taila pratimarsha nasya for 30 days. The primary outcomes will include the assessment of QoL in the survey study and the efficacy of the interventions in reducing Kshavathu (~sneezing) in the clinical trial. Outcome: The purpose of this study is to produce empirical data regarding the efficacy, tolerability, and adherence of a frequently recommended Ayurvedic regimen in the management of AR. Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) no. CTRI/2025/07/091426. Protocol Version: 1.0; dated October 10, 2025.
Traditional Medicine (TM) plays a vital role in global health systems. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that a significant proportion of the world’s population relies on traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine for primary health care, prevention, and well-being. WHO also acknowledges its important contribution to universal health coverage, people-centered care, and resilient health systems worldwide. Within this global context, Ayurveda stands as one of the oldest, continuously practiced and codified systems of TM, deeply embedded in India’s cultural, scientific, and intellectual heritage. In recent decades, the growing global demand for holistic and preventive healthcare has renewed interest in Ayurveda products, therapies, and technologies. Simultaneously, the expansion of Intellectual Property (IP) rights regimes has generated complex debates regarding the patentability of Traditional Knowledge (TK)-based innovations. While patent systems are designed to incentivize novelty and inventive activity, they often struggle to accommodate knowledge systems that are collective, historically documented, and publicly accessible. This review critically analyzes the patentability landscape of Ayurveda innovations by examining the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks governing IP protection. It evaluates recent policy developments, particularly India’s Guidelines for Examination for Ayush Related Inventions , identifies key commercialization barriers, and proposes future pathways for innovation-driven IP protection through scientific validation, value addition, interdisciplinary research, and a stronger innovation ecosystem. The analysis highlights that Ayurveda has considerable potential to generate globally competitive patentable innovations when supported by robust scientific evidence, enabling policies, and responsible commercialization, while preserving its TK and foundational principles.
Background: Parijata ( Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.) is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its immunomodulatory, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antifertility properties. However, systematic toxicological data on its hydroalcoholic flower extract are lacking. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety profile of hydroalcoholic extract of N. arbor-tristis flowers through single-dose and 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity studies in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: For the single-dose acute oral toxicity study, 36 Swiss albino mice were administered the hydroalcoholic extract of Parijata flowers orally at doses of 250–2000 mg/kg body weight and observed for 14 days. For the 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity study, 48 Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups and administered the extract orally at 180, 900, or 1800 mg/kg/day for 28 consecutive days, while the control group received 0.2% w/v carboxymethylcellulose as the vehicle. Parameters evaluated included mortality, clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, feed and water consumption, hematological indices, serum biochemical parameters, organ weights, gross pathological, and histopathological examination. Results: No mortality or treatment-related clinical signs were observed at any dose in either species. In the single-dose study, the No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) was established at 2000 mg/kg. In the 28-day study, high-dose male rats exhibited a significant reduction in body weight gain from Week 2 onwards; however, no corresponding histopathological abnormalities were observed. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters showed statistically significant changes in some treated groups; however, all values remained within normal limits and lacked a dose-dependent pattern. Moreover, no treatment-related gross or histopathological abnormalities were observed in any organ or tissue. Conclusion: The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was established at 1800 mg/kg/day and the NOEL at 900 mg/kg/day following 28 consecutive days of oral administration. The findings demonstrated a favorable safety profile of Parijata flower extract and support its further investigation for therapeutic potential.
Smoking adversely affects ocular health by accelerating various pathological conditions. Both active and passive smoke exposure contributes to multiple eye pathologies. This review focuses on the impact of smoking on ocular health and evaluates integrated approaches to smoking cessation, combining modern understanding with Ayurvedic interventions. A literature search was conducted across PubMed (2014–2024). A two-component search strategy integrated smoking-related and ophthalmic terms, yielding 46 eligible studies for the analysis. The review identified significant correlations between smoking and various ocular conditions. Notable findings include gender-specific cataract risks, accelerated Age-related Macular Degeneration progression with genetic interactions, mixed evidence for glaucoma association, and corneal endothelial cell changes. Studies revealed paradoxical effects in dry eye syndrome and increased surgical burden in thyroid eye disease patients. Traditional Ayurvedic de-addiction protocols demonstrated potential through a three-phase approach: withdrawal management, toxin elimination, and rejuvenation. The integration of Ayurvedic approaches with modern smoking cessation strategies offers a comprehensive framework for addressing both addiction and ocular health concerns. This review emphasizes the importance of combining traditional wisdom with contemporary healthcare approaches, particularly in developing nations where smoking-related ocular diseases present a growing burden.
Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) remains one of the most prevalent healthcare-associated infections. Despite continuous advances in diagnostic and preventive strategies, antibiotic resistance has rendered CAUTI management increasingly challenging. Patients requiring long-term catheterization, particularly those with neurogenic bladder, are prone to recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and eventual frequent antibiotic exposure. This case describes a 35-year-old Indian male residing in Australia with neurogenic bladder performing Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) for 5 years. During this period, he frequently suffered recurrent UTIs, pelvic inflammation, and testicular swelling, managed repeatedly with antibiotics. Since initiating Ayurvedic treatment, the patient remained infection-free for five months, and subsequent urine cultures showed no bacterial growth. Although the patient’s CIC routine remained unchanged due to persistent neurogenic bladder, the absence of recurrent infections following Ayurvedic intervention provided notable clinical improvement and suggests potential benefits of such therapies in the prevention of CAUTI. Further systematic clinical trials are needed to validate the efficacy of Ayurveda-based approaches in this clinical setting.
Background: Vacha (Acorus calamus L.), an endangered and commercially important Ayurvedic medicinal plant, is widely cultivated using chemical fertilizers, which may increase costs and adversely affect quality and environmental sustainability. Traditional Vrikshayurveda (~Ayurveda for plant life) describes Kunapajala (KJ) (~water smelling like a corpse), a nutrient-rich organic formulation, as a potential sustainable alternative. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the formulation and nutritional composition of KJ and evaluate its effects on the growth and yield of Vacha. Materials and Methods: The study involved the production and nutritional analysis of KJ in both liquid and dry form using a standard operating procedure to analyze organic fertilizers mandated by the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, as well as assessing its effect on the germination, growth, and yield of an extensively used, endangered medicinal and aromatic plant, Vacha, in a pot experiment. The results were compared with a positive control (Vacha grown with chemical fertilizers) and a negative control (Vacha grown without fertilizers) using one-way ANOVA test. Results: The nutritional analysis exhibited the presence of all essential macro- and micronutrients necessary for plant growth in KJ. Statistical analysis highlighted statistically significant differences among the three groups in rhizome germination (P < 0.00001), growth (P < 0.00001), and yield (P < 0.00001). Vacha plants treated with KJ performed best in pairwise comparison (post hoc Tukey Honestly Significant Difference [HSD] analysis). Conclusion: The study concludes that KJ can potentially replace or reduce the dependency on chemical fertilizers for Vacha cultivation. Using KJ in Vacha cultivation could help mitigate the indiscriminate collection of its rhizomes from wild populations and address the ever-increasing demand from Ayurvedic practitioners and the pharmaceutical industry. Its large-scale production can also provide economic and environmental benefits, supporting sustainable farming practices.
Trikatu churna is an Ayurvedic tri-herbal, pungent formulation mostly used for balancing regulatory functional factors of the body and treatment of conditions such as anorexia, dyspepsia, and throat infection. The present study undertakes a thorough evaluation of both classical and contemporary literature to elucidate the advancements in its formulation and medicinal practices, highlighting the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific evidence. The literature review was conducted from classical texts, books, databases, research papers, and an exploration of the AYUSH research portal. The available evidence suggests that the formulation may have greater therapeutic effectiveness than its individual components, possibly due to synergistic effects. Phytochemical evaluation and proper standardization are important for establishing pharmacopoeial standards and ensuring quality control. Although the review highlights the broad therapeutic potential of the formulation, there is a need to develop a strong scientific database to validate Ayurvedic claims through well-designed, evidence-based studies. By examining classical, folkloric, and ethnomedicinal knowledge alongside modern research, this study attempts to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary science. Such efforts may support the development of improved therapeutic agents and help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions.
