Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS)
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The Role of Ayurveda in Avoidable Blindness
Get PDFBlindness, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), and adopted by the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) in India, is a significant public health concern. Conditions such as Vitamin A deficiency in children, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) and various ocular injuries are major contributors. Despite the high prevalence, notably with India housing one-third of the world\u27s blind population, up to 80% of blindness is preventable or treatable. Ayurveda, particularly through Shalakya Tantra, emphasizes the importance of eye care and offers a holistic approach to preventing blindness. This article reviews the role of Ayurvedic principles in managing key eye diseases, drawing from classical texts and contemporary medical literature. The study highlights the potential of Ayurvedic practices in preventing avoidable blindness, advocating for their integration into modern ophthalmic care to enhance both preventive and therapeutic outcomes
Reviving Sukhaprasava - Classical Approaches to Promote Natural Vaginal Birth
Get PDFBackground: Sukhaprasava (normal labour) is considered a physiological process that should occur spontaneously without any complications. In Ayurveda, this concept encompasses a holistic approach to childbirth, ensuring not only the physical wellbeing of the mother and child but also addressing mental and spiritual health.[1]
Objectives: The primary objective of this review is to explore classical Ayurvedic references regarding Sukhaprasava and understand their applicability in the context of modern obstetric care. It seeks to highlight traditional practices that promote uncomplicated delivery and compare them with current lifestyle factors and medical trends affecting normal labour.[2]
Methods: A thorough literature review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Hridaya, and Kashyapa Samhita. Contemporary scholarly articles were sourced from PubMed and Google Scholar to correlate traditional practices with modern findings.[3,4]
Results: Ancient Ayurvedic regimens such as Garbhini Paricharya (antenatal care), use of Anuvasana Basti and Yoni Pichu from the 8th to 9th month of pregnancy, and the design of the Sutikagara (labour room) contribute to facilitating smooth and safe delivery.[5,6] Advance maternal age, Lack of physical activity, increasing mental stress, improper dietary habits, and avoidance of squatting positions in contemporary lifestyles are significant factors contributing to the rise in unnatural deliveries.[7]
Conclusion: Emphasizing Ayurvedic principles in prenatal care and childbirth. Preparation has significant potential in supporting Sukhaprasava. These practices should be integrated into modern maternal health protocols to reduce the increasing dependency on surgical and pharmacological interventions during delivery.[8
Khadira (Senegalia Catechu): An Ayurvedic Tree with Great Potential
Get PDFPlant based medicine, a cornerstone of traditional healthcare systems, has been utilized for millennia across various cultures to treat a wide spectrum of ailments. Traditional medicine heavily relies on the therapeutic properties of herbs and natural products derived from plants. According to an estimate made by the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) 80% population of the world relies on traditional medicine and thus it forms the basis of primary healthcare. Primary reason for that being the inexpensive nature of herbal medicines as compared to modern pharmaceutics as these can be grown from seed or gathered from nature for little or no cost. Plants such as Khadira (Senegalia catechu), turmeric and Ashwagandha are some of the prime examples of natural remedies mentioned in Ayurveda classics that have been used for centuries. Khadira (Senegalia catechu) has been revered in Ayurveda for its wide range of therapeutic properties. Khadira commonly known as Kattha or Khair tree, has been extensively used in the management of skin disorders, gastrointestinal ailments and respiratory conditions. The most important bioactive compounds of this plant are flavanoids (catechin, (-) epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, rocatechin, phloroglucinol, procatechuic acid, catecutannic acid, quercetin, quercitrin), alkaloids (kaempferol, dihydrokaempferol, taxifolin, afzelchin gum), glycosides (poriferasterol, poriferasterol acylglucosides), tannins (gallic acid, phlobatannins), sugars (d-galactose, d-rhamnose and larabinose). It has been shown to possess medicinal properties such as anti-bacterial, anticancer, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-ulcer, antisecretory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycaemic and useful in sore throat, wound healing and obesity. The present review study aims to comprehensively explore and provide reported detail information of this herb from various Samhitas and its study in modern area like its phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities and therapeutic applications. Focussing on the relevance of Khadira in integrative healthcare approaches, with insights into recent studies will highlight the plant’s promising role in drug development and public health
Ayurvedic management of Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Case Report
Get PDFThe type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with chronic hyperglycaemia and usually necessitates lifelong medication treatment; nevertheless, drawbacks like side effects of therapeutic agents, high costs of the drugs and non-compliance may subsequently shrink the clinical effectiveness. A case report details about a 33-year-old male diagnosed with uncontrolled T2DM, and who chose to stop the standard allopathic medicine and switch to purely Ayurvedic therapeutic approach. His baseline HbA1c was 12.73%, he had polydipsia, polyphagia, nocturia, fatigue, and erectile dysfunction. Ayurvedic protocol specific to the individual was followed, which included polyherbal preparations such as Vairayadi, Bhumi Amalaki Ghana, Chandraprabhavati, Lodhrasavam, etc., with dietary suggestions to focus on the low-glycaemic-index foods in addition to lifestyle interventions such as yoga and pranayama. At the end of the 9.5 months of treatment, the patient had reduced glycaemic burden significantly, and HbA1c had decreased to 6.62% (in absolute reduction 6.11%, in relative reduction 47.8%). At the same time, the fasting glucose was stabilized, nocturia and erectile dysfunction were resolved completely, no cases of hypoglycaemia or adverse effects were reported. Serum liver and renal function indicators were at normal level which proved the safety of the regime. These results endorse the plausibility of Ayurvedic herbal pharmacotherapy, dietary management, and orderly lifestyle alteration as an attentive and save standalone treatment measure in the management of the early phase, and moderately advanced T2DM. There is need to replicate and extend the preliminary observations in larger prospective studies
Quality Assurance in Ayurveda Institutions: NCISM\u27s Vision and the Role of QCI
Get PDFThe rapid transformation of Ayurveda education in India has brought the dual imperatives of regulatory reform and quality assurance into sharp focus. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has undertaken major initiatives to restructure Ayurveda institutions through competency-based education, standardized infrastructure norms, and institutional performance ratings. Simultaneously, the Quality Council of India (QCI) has emerged as a critical partner, offering independent evaluations, third-party accreditations, and institutional benchmarking aligned with global standards. This article examines the collaborative efforts of NCISM and QCI in shaping a transparent, accountable, and excellence-driven academic ecosystem within Ayurveda colleges. It highlights the significance of QCI\u27s frameworks - such as NABET and NABH - in enhancing educational outcomes, clinical preparedness, and institutional credibility. Through this integration, the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda is being empowered to meet modern pedagogical expectations and global healthcare benchmarks, marking a pivotal shift in India\u27s integrative medical education landscape
Understanding Shatkriyakala - A Classical Framework for Disease Progression in Ayurveda
Get PDFThe identification of a disease\u27s progression stage is known as Kriya Kala. This idea is primarily compared to the pathogenesis of disease. Kriyakala refers to the period of therapy or pause in the progression of an illness. The 21st chapter of the Sutrasthana has a detailed account of Shatkriyakala by Acharya Susrutha. Sanchaya, Prakopa, Prasara, Sthansamshraya, Vyaktavastha, and Bhedavastha are the six stages of Shatkriyakala. Shat means 6 Kriya signifies action or therapy Kala signifies period or time. Therefore, "appropriate time periods to take action/treatment" is what Shatkriyakala signifies. Ayurveda\u27s Prayojana is divided into two categories: healing a disease in a sick person by using therapeutic methods, and maintaining health in a healthy person by following the Ritucharya, Dincharya, and Sadvritta
Therapeutic and toxic effect of Panchangula (Ricinus communis Linn.) in Ayurveda
Get PDFEranda (Ricinus communis), commonly known as castor, holds a prominent place in Ayurvedic medicine due to its therapeutic properties. Eranda (Castor oil plant) is highly regarded for its purgative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to explore the traditional uses and pharmacological aspects of Eranda, highlighting its relevance in Agada Tantra for detoxification, healing, and its role in the management of various diseases, especially in the context of toxicity and poisoning. The paper examines the scientific evidence supporting these traditional uses and offers insights into the mechanism of action of Eranda and Ricin, a highly toxic protein isolated from the beans of the castor plant. Additionally, the review addresses the potential benefits and precautions associated with its use, emphasizing the importance of understanding its therapeutic potential in Ayurvedic practice while ensuring safety and efficacy. This comprehensive analysis intends to bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern scientific research, reinforcing the significance of Eranda in holistic healthcare
A Scientific Review on Selected Herbal Medhya Rasayanas from Sushruta Samhita
Get PDFBackground: Ancient Acharyas have well documented Medhya Rasayanas (Ayurvedic Nootropics) for neurocognitive enhancement. An elaborated reserve of herbs indicated as Medhya (intellect promoting), Buddhivardhak (wisdom gaining), Smritisheel (memory generating), Smritivardhak (memory enhancing), etc. can be traced from Sushruta Samhita, a classical textbook of Ayurveda.
Aim: This review study delves into the documentation and therapeutic attributes of Medhya Rasayanas (Ayurvedic Nootropics) explained by Sushruta in the light of recently reported contemporary proof.
Materials and Methods: Sushruta Samhita was reviewed in terms of description of herbs/ compounds possessing nootropic potential. Important Medhya Rasayanas (Ayurvedic Nootropics) mentioned by Sushruta were reviewed. The electronic database such as Google Scholar and PubMed was searched for related literary published from time of their launch to April 2025.
Results: Documenting the scattered knowledge on herbs or compounds assigned with Medhya (nootropic) effect is a key for further research & development. These herbs/drugs have a positive effect on memory, intellect, learning, language, and speech. Furthermore, these drugs have shown potential therapeutic actions on cognition, sedation, depression, stress, antiepileptic effect, antianxiety effect, antioxidant, adaptogenic and tranquilizer effect.
Clinical significance: Medhya Rasayanas (Ayurvedic Nootropics) mentioned by Sushruta are having evidence for providing better mental health and neurocognitive increase.
Conclusion: An alarming rise in cases of mental upset & unmet medical necessitates, there is a need felt to augment the mental health resources. Medhya Rasayanas (Ayurvedic nootropics) mentioned in Sushruta Samhita is a unique endowment towards cognitive betterment and in recent times these drugs are scientifically justified in pre-clinical and clinical trials
Applied aspect of Samanya-Vishesh Siddhanta in General Aspects
Get PDFSamanya-Vishesh Siddhanta[1] is a fundamental principle in Ayurveda that explains the concepts of similarity (Samanya) and dissimilarity (Vishesh) in relation to substances, qualities, and actions. This principle plays a crucial role in understanding the physiology of the body, the pathology of diseases, and the mechanism of treatment. According to Ayurveda, Samanya leads to an increase (Vriddhi) of similar attributes, while Vishesh results in a decrease (Kshaya). This concept is applicable in various aspects of life, including dietary practices, drug selection, and therapeutic approaches. For instance, consuming substances with properties similar to the bodily components increases them, while those with opposite properties decrease them. The principle of Samanya-Vishesh serves as the foundation for Ayurvedic treatments, allowing physicians to restore balance in the body by either enhancing or reducing specific qualities. It aligns with the holistic approach of Ayurveda, emphasizing personalized treatments through diet, lifestyle modifications, and targeted herbal interventions. This Siddhanta is not only relevant in classical Ayurvedic formulations but also provides insight into modern pathophysiology by offering a logical framework for understanding the impact of various therapeutic measures on the human body
Ayurvedic management of Grave’s Disease - A Case Report
No full textBackground: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid. Symptoms include - weight loss, despite an increased appetite, rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability, trouble sleeping, fatigue, sweating or trouble tolerating heat, frequent bowel movements, an enlarged thyroid gland, called a Goiter. More than 1 in 3 people with Graves’ disease develop an eye disease called Graves’ Ophthalmopathy. Symptoms can include bulging eyes, puffy eyes, light sensitivity, blurred or double vision. As per Ayurveda the signs and symptoms related to thyroid disease can be taken with many diseases like Galaganda (goiter), Atyagni (excessive digestive fire), Bhasmaka and Ati Karshya (excessive emaciation), etc. Hence, the study explores Ayurvedic management of the same disease. Case presentation: A 32-year-old male patient came to OPD with the complaints of swelling in neck, weight loss, fatigue and bulging eyes since the past 5 years. He was diagnosed with Grave’s disease and treatment was started. He was given Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vata-Pittahara (pacification of Vata-Pitta), Brimhana (nourishment) Chikitsa(treatment). Result: after the treatment most of the symptoms like weight loss, weakness, fatigue was cured. There was a great relief in objective criteria like swelling of neck (Goitre) and IOP. Conclusion: Regardless the chronicity of the disease and being the autoimmune disease, Ayurveda has great scope in the management of Grave’s disease