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Plant-Based Rasayana Drugs from Ayurveda

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• 88 • Chin J Integr Med 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94

FEATURE ARTICLE
Plant-Based Rasayana Drugs from Ayurveda
Subramani Paranthaman Balasubramani, Padma Venkatasubramanian,
Subrahmanya Kumar Kukkupuni, and Bhushan Patwardhan

ABSTRACT Rasayana tantra is one of the eight specialties of Ayurveda . It is a specialized practice in the form
of rejuvenative recipes, dietary regimen, special health promoting behaviour and drugs. Properly administered
Rasayana can bestow the human being with several benefits like longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from
diseases, youthful age, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, optimum strength of physique and sense
organs, respectability and brilliance. Various types of plant based Rasayana recipes are mentioned in Ayurveda .
Review of the current literature available on Rasayanas indicates that anti-oxidant and immunomodulation are
the most studied activities of the Rasayana drugs. Querying in Pubmed database on Rasayanas reveals that
single plants as well as poly herbal formulations have been researched on. This article reviews the basics of
Rasayana therapy and the published research on different Rasayana drugs for specific health conditions. It also
provides the possible directions for future research.
KEYWORDS Ayurveda, Rasayana , rejuvenation, anti-ageing, anti-oxidant, immunomodulation

Ayurveda is a highly a comprehensive understanding of assimilation and

systematized Indian medical metabolism. Ayurveda has its own concept of the
system resting on codified formation of the tissues (Dhatus ), their function, and their
theories and thousands of ultimate fate(4), where Rasayana contributes to multi-
years of practice. Ayurveda , faceted action on the human physiology. Susruta (600
meaning the "science of life", BC) mentions that Rasayanas are capable of pacifying all
has its roots in the Veda (1). As afflictions (Sarvopaghatashamaneeyam rasayanam )(2).
per Ayurveda , health implies
equanimity and cheerfulness Rasayanas were classified in Ayurveda on the basis
(prasannata ), which spring of benefit, method of use, or material used (Figure 1)(5). The
Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan from a composite state of scope of this article is limited only to the herbal Rasayana
homeostasis (samya ) within the constituents of the body drugs, which are a part of Aushadha Rasayana .
(dhatu, dosa and agni ); and between the constituents
Rasayana
and the causative agents (hetu/nidana ) which exists
within and outside the body such as the environment
(rtu )(2). Ayurveda's understanding of the functioning of the Based on benefit Based on Based on
method of use material used
human body is based on tridoshas (approximately three
humours) — vata , pitta , and kapha , which in Sanskrit
1. Kamya Rasayana 1. Vatatapika Rasayana 1. Aushadha Rasayana
refer to functions such as movement, transformation and (Enhances normal health) (Out door regimen)
2. Kutipraveshika Rasayana
(Drugs)
2. Naimittika Rasayana 2. Ajasrika Rasayana
support and growth, respectively(3). (Based on disease condition)
(Indoor/hospital based)
3. Achara Rasayana
(Diet)
(Good conduct)

Rasayana therapies constitute one of the eight Figure 1. Classification of Rasayana

major divisions of Ayurveda . The word "Rasayana "
means the pathway for essence of nutrition (Rasa- )
towards all body tissue elements (-ayana ) to nourish
and replenish them(1). Charaka, the father of Ayurveda ,
defines Rasayana as the means of procuring the best
qualities of different dhatus (tissues). He further adds
that Rasayana therapy improves longevity, memory,
intelligence, health, youth, complexion, voice, motor,
and sensory strength (1) . The scientific concepts of
Rasayana therapy and karma (action) are based on
© The Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western
Medicine Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011
Supported by the Department of Science and Technology,
Government of India, to establish a "National R&D Facility for
Rasayana products in Indian System of Medicines" under Drugs
& Pharmaceuticals Research Programme (DPRP)
Institute of Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine, 74/2, Jarakbande
Kaval, Post Attur, Via Yelahanka, Bangalore - 560106, India
Correspondence to: Prof. Bhushan Patwardhan, Tel: 91-80-
28463303, Fax: 91-80-28567926, E-mail: bpatwardhan@gmail.
com
DOI: 10.1007/s11655-011-0605-1
Chin J Integr Med 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94 • 89 •

Under Aushadha Rasayanas (drugs), a number of though Ayurveda describes many more Rasayana plant
formulations were from herbs or vegetable, animal, and drugs and a variety of health benefits, currently published
mineral substances. It was believed that the Rasayana literature has only focused on limited type of activities.
drugs produced pharmacological effects through three This gap provides an opportunity for further research.
qualities inherent in them. These were taste (rasa ), post-
digestive taste (vipaka ), and potency (virya ). However, Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Rasayana
rejuvenant therapy was more than the administration of Plants
formulations. The full benefits of therapy could not be Free radicals are charged metabolic byproducts
reaped unless the body and mind were clean and the that are capable of attacking cells, disrupting cellular
individual had followed a code of virtuous conduct(4). membrane, and mitochondria, and reacting and
damaging nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes present
Rasayana thantra is a specialized practice in the in the body (6). Free radicals play an important role in
form of rejuvenative recipes, dietary regimen, special "ageing" as evidenced by several studies in animals(6).
health-promoting conduct/behaviour and drugs. A study Oxidative stress occurs as a result of high metabolic
of rasayana therapy in its fullness is hardly possible under rates, increased oxygen tension, and presence of
experimental conditions. The large number of formulations redox active xenobiotics that compromise normal
that are credited with powers to increase lifespan, cellular antioxidants. Superoxide is often referred to
enhance memory, sharpen intellect, increase resistance to as "primary reactive oxygen species" (ROS) as most
diseases, brighten complexion, promote digestion, speed of the other ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)
up repair, strengthen the body, and minimize the ill effects arise from it. Apart from ageing, free radicals are also
of old age can indeed be researched. known to be involved in more than 100 diseases (6).
The disease preventive action of Rasayanas has been
Current Status of Rasayana Plants Research researched by studying the inhibition of free radical
In recent times, research publications on drugs stress(7). Govindarajan, et al(8) have described the role of
are emerging due to increased interest in preventive Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs in the disease management
and promotive health. We have reviewed the status through antioxidant approach.
of research on Rasayanas by querying "Pubmed"
(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) with the keyword Rasayana plants such as Withania somnifera ,
"Rasayana ". A total of 73 citations were obtained Phyllanthus embelica , etc., have been studied for their
as of September 2010 inclusive of 10 reviews. The free radical scavenging property in cold stress-induced
literature indicated that about 23 single plants have rodent models. Enzymes such as superoxide dismutase,
been researched, of which Asperagus resimosus and glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha ) were the most catalase have been used to assess the anti-oxidant
studied Rasayana plants. Brahma Rasayana was the potential of Rasayana drugs(9,10). Mangathayaru, et al(11)
most studied of the seven Rasayana formulations. It was have reported the doxorubicin, induced DNA damage
observed that free-radical scavenging activity was the protective activity of Cynodon dactylon by spectral
most studied activity of Rasayana plants and formulations studies in vitro . These studies indicate that Rasayana
followed by immunomodulatory activity (Figure 2). Even drugs hold potential in decelerating the ageing process
and imparting youthfulness or longevity to the individual.
25

20
Immunomodulatory Effect of Rasayana Plants
No. of citations

15

10 Immune response requires the timely interplay

5 of multiple cell types, proteins, tissues, and organs
0 within specific microenvironments to maintain immune
homeostasis. Through a series of steps called the
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immune response, the immune system attacks organisms

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and substances that invade the body to cause disease.

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The repertoire of immune defenses used by body in

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Property of Rasayana defending against infections and other internal changes

Figure 2. Citations on the Activities of such as cancers, involves humoral as well as cellular
Rasayana Plants/Formulations
• 90 •
immunity and the regulators of the immune system, such
as cytokines. The most likely hypothesis explaining the
apparently diverse actions of rasayanas was that the
plants were modulating as endogenous system of the
body, setting into motion a cascade of events leading to
the multiple effects in the immune system(12).
Immunomodulating agents that are free from
adverse reactions and those that can be administered
for long duration, if possible throughout life, to obtain
a continuous immune activation are highly desirable
for prevention of diseases. The significance of the
rasayanas as immunomodulating agents compared
to other conventional immunomodulators is that they
activate the immune function without altering the other
basic parameters of the body(12).
Anacyclus pyrethrum , Asparagus racemosus, and
Chlorophytum borivilianum are some of the Rasayana
herbs, while Brahma Rasayana and Aswagandha
Rasayana are the formulations studied for their
stimulatory property of the acquired immune system(12-14).
Humoral immunity in terms of antibody production
and cell-mediated immunity in terms of delayed-type
hypersensitivity (DTH) have been stimulated by various
Rasayana herbs and formulations. Percentage neutrophil
adhesion, phagocytic activity, and Th1/Th2 balance are
used to measure the innate immune system activation
by the Rasayanas (12). Rasayanas also have the potential
to be used as vaccine adjuvants. Asparagus racemosus
and Withania somnifera enhanced protective immune
response by improving serological and hematological
parameters following diphtheria, pertusis and tetanus
vaccination(15,16).
Rasayana Plants in Maintenance of Central
Nervous System Function
Diseases, such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and
Huntington's, occur as a result of neurodegenerative
processes. The Ayurvedic texts describe a set of
rejuvenative measures to impart biological sustenance to
the bodily tissues. Some of the Rasayanas are organ and
tissue specific. Those specific to brain tissue are called
Medhya Rasayana or brain tonics. Such Rasayanas
retard brain ageing and help in regeneration of neural
tissues besides producing antistress, adaptogenic
and memory-enhancing effects. The popular Medhya
Rasayanas are Sankhapuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis
Chois ), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal),
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn), and Mandukaparni
Chin J Integr Med 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94
(Centella asiatica Linn)(17-19).
The use of W . somnifera (WS) in various central
nervous system disorders, particularly its indication
in epilepsy, stress and neurodegenerative diseases,
such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disorders,
tardive dyskinesia, cerebral ischemia, and even in the
management of drug addiction, has been reviewed by
Kulkarni and Dhir(20). The investigations by Bhattacharya,
et al(10) support the use of WS as a mood stabilizer in
clinical conditions of anxiety and depression in Ayurveda.
Asparagus racemosus (AR) significantly reversed
scopolamine and sodium nitrite-induced increase
in transfer latency on elevated plus maze (EPM),
indicating anti-amnesic activity(21). Further, AR inhibited
acetylcholinesterase enzyme in specific brain regions
(prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus), in a
dose-dependent manner.
Brahma Rasayana (BR), which contains Clitoria
ternatea , Acorus calamus , Emblica officinalis etc, has
been described in Ayurveda for improving intelligence,
memory power, and immunity(22). The potential use of BR
as memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia
in elderly has been illustrated by the decreasing levels
of whole brain acetyl cholinesterase activity in mice
model(20). Student Rasayana improved brain functions
through scavenging free radicals as well as increasing
the second messenger for long-term potentiation(23).
Rasayanas with Radio-protective Effect
In spite of adverse reactions, ionizing radiation,
alone or in combination with other therapies, is one of
the most commonly used treatments for cancer. The
early or acute effects of irradiation result from the death
of a large number of cells in tissues with a rapid turnover
rate. These include effects on the epidermal layer or
skin, gastrointestinal epithelium, and the hematopoietic
system(24). Injury resulting from irradiation of biological
tissue is a consequence of the trans fer of radiation
energy to critical macromolecules or indirectly through
the action of free radicals. Antioxidant enzymes act as
the first-line defense against free radicals. The most
important enzymes include superoxide dismutase (SOD),
catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
The radioprotective agents are chemicals
that reduce the biological effects of radiation by the
scavenging of free radicals or repairing of radiation
injury. Radiation exposure-induced increase in serum
Chin J Integr Med 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94
and liver lipid peroxides was significantly reduced in
mice model by treatment with BR while increase in SOD,
catalase, and GSH levels was observed(25). The results
indicate that BR could ameliorate the oxidative damage
produced in the body by radiation and may be useful as
an adjuvant during radiation therapy.
The administration of triphala , in combination with
Emblica officinalis , Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia
chebula , resulted in an increase in the radiation tolerance
by 1.4 Gy, and the dose reduction factor was found to
be 1.15 (26). Triphala provided protection against both
gastrointestinal and hematopoietic death by their free
radical scavenging activity(27).
Rasayana Plants with Aphrodisiac Activity
Throughout the ages, men and women have
incessantly pursued all means to enhance, maintain, and
bring back their sexual ability or to stimulate the sexual
desire for the opposite sex. One of the most recurrent
methods has been the use of aphrodisiacs. Herbal
medicines are a major source of aphrodisiacs and have
been used worldwide for thousands of years by different
cultures and civilizations to enhance sexual performance.
Natural herbs that are popularly considered to have
properties such as enhancing potency, enhancing sexual
functioning or improving sexual performance, make up
the large segment of current day herbal markets. On a
broader scale, the herbal aphrodisiacs may also include
products that have adaptogenic, tonic, revitalizing, and
rejuvenating properties.
In Ayurvedic system of medicine, a special class
of Rasayana drugs known as Vrishya or Vajikarana
is aphrodisiacs, which are said for be associated with
improvement of male sexual potency(5). They are especially
recommended for people suffering from sexual insufficiency
and people in advancing age, losing interest in sexual
act, or failing in sexual performance. Numerous plants
are indicated to have been used as sexual stimulants.
Anacyclus pyrethrum, Asparagus racemosus, Chlorophytum
borivilianum and Curculigo orchioides are some of the
examples described in modern scientific literature.
In a study conducted by Sharma, et al(13) petroleum
ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum roots showed equal
aphrodisiac activity with testosterone, but the herb was
found to be effective in rats tested after a lapse of 7 and 15
days of discontinuation of treatment, thus suggesting that
the drug has prolonged effect and capacitate the treated
• 91 •
rats for improved sexual potential. Aqueous extracts of
Asparagus racemosus, Chlorophytum borivilianum roots
and rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides had pronounced
anabolic effect and showed significant increase in the
sexual behavior of animals as reflected by reduction
of mount latency, ejaculation latency, post-ejaculatory
latency, intromission latency, and an increase of mount
frequency. The observed effects appear to be attributable
to the testosterone-like effects of the extracts. Nitric oxide
based intervention may also be involved as observable
from the improved penile erection(28, 29). These reports
authenticate the claim for the usefulness of these herbs
as aphrodisiacs and provide a scientific basis for their
purported traditional usage as Vajikarana Rasayanas .
Anti-ulcer Rasayana Plants
Peptic ulcer disease encompassing gastric and
duodenal ulcer is the most prevalent intestinal disorder. The
pathophysiology of PUD involves an imbalance between
offensive factors (acid, pepsin, and H. pylori ) and defensive
factors (mucin, prostaglandin, bicarbonate, nitric oxide, and
growth factors). There are two main approaches for treating
peptic ulcer. The first deals with reducing the production
of gastric acid and the second with re-enforcing gastric
mucosal protection. Current drug therapies for PUD include
proton pump inhibitors, histamine receptor blockers, drugs
affecting the mucosal barrier, and prostaglandin analogues.
However, the clinical evaluation of these drugs showed
development of tolerance and incidence of relapses and
side effects that make their efficacy arguable. This has
been the rationale for the development of new anti-ulcer
drugs, which includes herbal drugs. Asparagus racemosus ,
Bacopa monniera , Centella asiatica and Convolvulus
pluricaulis are some of the rasayana drugs that have been
characterized for their gastroduodenal ulcer protective
activity(30, 31).
A . racemosus (AR) showed significant protection
against acute gastric ulcers induced by cold restraint
stress (CRS), pyloric ligation, aspirin plus pyloric ligation,
and duodenal ulcers induced by cysteamine and acetic
acid in animal model(30). However, AR was ineffective
against aspirin- and ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. B.
monniera (BM), C. pluricaulis (CP), and C. asiatica (CA)
showed dose-dependent anti-ulcerogenic on various
gastric ulcer animal models induced by ethanol, aspirin,
cold restraint stress, and pylorus ligation(31). Treatment
showed no effect on acid-pepsin secretion and increased
mucin secretion, while it decreased cell shedding with
no effect on cell proliferation. BM showed significant
• 92 •
antioxidant effect per se and in stressed animals. All
four rasayana herbs studied for their protective effect on
gastric ulceration indicate that they act by strengthening
the mucosal defensive factors, mucin secretion, and
lifespan of mucosal cells and glycoproteins. They did
not show any significant effect on the mucosal offensive
factors such as acid-pepsin(30,31).
Anti-giardial Rasayana Plants
Giardia intestinalis is a worldwide cause of
intestinal infection. Treatment of this debilitating disease
is usually accomplished using one of several drugs, such
as metronidazole. Each shows different modes of action.
However, resistance to those drugs is increasing and
alternatives are being sought. New wave anti-giardials
appear to have their roots in natural herbal remedies.
Pippali rasayana (PR), prepared from Piper longum
(Pippali) and Butea monosperma (Palash), as described
in Ayurveda produced up to 98% recovery from the
infection in mice model(32). The Rasayana had no killing
effect on the parasite in vitro . It induced significant
activation of macrophages as evidenced by increased
macrophage migration index (MMI) and phagocytic
activity. Enhancement of host resistance could be one
of the possible mechanisms contributing towards the
recovery of animals from the giardial infection.
In 1997, Agarwal, et al (33) reported that PR,
administered to patients (25 treated and 25 placebo
controls) suffering from giardiasis, showed complete
disappearance of G. lamblia (trophozoites/cysts) from
the stools (23 out of 25). General signs and symptoms of
ill health and abdominal discomfort, presence of mucus,
pus cells and red blood cells were significantly reduced.
There was a marked improvement in the clinical and
haematological profile of the patients. Spontaneous
recovery in 20% cases was also recorded in placebo
controls. Pippali rasayana has the most clinical research
evidence supporting its use to treat giardiasis(34).
Rasayana Plants with Anti-cancer Property
Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in human body
that can lead to death. Many genetic changes, behavioral
defects and infections are linked to the development of
cancer. Cancer cells usually invade and destroy normal
cells. Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with
cancer, leading to death. Serious side effects, and toxicity
of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to normal cells or
tissues, make many cancer patients seek alternative and/or
Chin J Integr Med 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94
complementary methods of treatment.
In 1997, Menon, et al (35) studied the effect of
five Rasayana formulations, Brahma Rasayana (BR),
Aswagandha Rasayana (AR), Narasimha Rasayana
(NR), Amrithaprasam (AP), and Chyavanaprasam
(CP) and extract of Emblica officinalis (EO), for their
antimetastatic activity using B16F-10 melanoma cells
in C57BL/6 mice. On oral administration, BR and
AR significantly reduced the lung nodule formation,
hydroxyproline, and serum sialic acid contents indicating
the inhibition of metastasis. Further, BR and AR also
increased the lifespan of the animal. Other Rasayanas
did not show any significant activity. BR and AR
stimulated antibody-dependent complement-mediated
tumour cell lysis and natural killer cell activity, while AR
was also found to activate macrophages(36).
The anti-cancer property of Rasayanas has
been attributed to their immunostimulating nature(36,37).
Administration of Rasayanas was found to enhance the
proliferation of spleen and bone marrow cells in mice
model significantly especially in the presence of mitogen.
Esterase activity was found to be enhanced in bone
marrow cells indicating increased maturation of cells of
lymphoid lineage. Rasayanas also enhanced humoral
immune response as seen from the increased number of
antibody-forming cells and circulating antibody titre(37).
Brahma rasayana treatment to the Copenhagen
rats injected with MAT-LyLu cells resulted in a decreased
palpable tumor incidence, a delay in the tumor
occurrence, lower mean tumor volumes, by as much as
14% to 35% and significant reduction in tumor weight and
lung metastasis in comparison to untreated controls(38).
BR treatment showed a significant reduction in factor V
Ⅲ expression compared to control indicating reduced
angiogenesis. BR-treated tumor specimens showed
a decrease in the pro angiogenic factors. Methanolic
extract of BR was found to inhibit the proliferation, tube
formation, cell migration and attachment of human
umbilical vein endothelial cell on matrigel in a dose-
dependant manner (39) . These findings suggest the
possible mechanism of action of BR in the reduction
of tumor growth and metastatic spread. Rasayana
formulations are inexpensive preparations that have little
or no adverse reactions and hold potential as a lead
chemopreventive agent in cancer management.
Treatment of ascitic sarcoma-bearing mice with
Chin J Integr Med 2011 Feb;17(2):88-94
a formulation of total extracts of Withania somnifera
and Tinospora cordifolia (80:20) and alkaloid-free polar
fraction of Withania somnifera resulted in protection
towards cyclophosphamide-induced myeloprotection
and immunoprotection by significantly increasing
white blood cell counts and hemolytic antibody titers.
Treatment with these candidate drugs will be important
in the development of supportive treatment with cancer
chemotherapy(40).
Conclusion
Every human is desirous of longevity, youthfulness,
and health. This is possible by promoting rejuvenation,
healing and regeneration of living tissues in the body.
Rasayana is not just a drug therapy but is a specialized
procedure practiced in the form of rejuvenative recipes,
dietary regimen, and special health-promoting conduct and
behavior. Scientific studies have proven the efficacious
role of Rasayana drugs in preventive medicine and in
the management of chronic degenerative diseases.
Unlike modern drugs, they may not possess sharp
pharmaceutical activities if used in holistic traditional forms;
hence, they may be treated as soft and safe medications
that can be used as dietary supplements that can be taken
daily to support healthy living.
Potential Areas for Future Research
Besides mention in classic Ayurveda texts and
claims of traditional physicians, it is noted that evidence
through scientific studies is emerging to demonstrate
the benefits of Rasayana drugs. However, the definite
lacuna in all research publications reviewed in this article
is the inadequate probing into Ayurvedic science. This
has led to superficial correlations, where the plant drugs
have remained as mere candidates for testing against
selected pharmacological reactions. Deciphering deeper
into Ayurvedic concept behind Rasayana therapy can
help identify better candidates and models for study. For
example, it is indicated that Rasayana drugs act through
nutrition dynamics, for example, improving the quality
of plasma (Rasa enhancing), normalizing the digestion
and metabolism (Agni ), and improving tissue perfusion
of nutrients (Srotas ) at molecular level. None of the
literature cited in this review has considered the above
logic of Rasayana action in their studies. As described
by Singh, et al(18) the evidence-base for the efficacy of
these Rasayana medications is three-fold: (1) literary and
conceptual evidence, (2) experience-based evidence
and long tradition of use, and (3) new scientific evidence
that is being attempted now to be generated with the
• 93 •
help of selected clinical and experimental studies. The
latter are not adequate at present, but it is worthwhile to
project such evidences to provide lead for further studies.
Drug discovery strategies based on natural products
and traditional medicines are reemerging as attractive
options. A reverse pharmacology approach, inspired
by traditional medicine and Ayurveda, can offer a smart
strategy for new drug candidates to facilitate discovery
process and also for the development of rational
synergistic botanical formulations(41).
Acknowledgement
The authors wish to thank Dr. Venugopal, for his
Ayurveda inputs and Prof. K.V. Krishnamurthy for his
suggestions in preparing this manuscript.
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(Received November 5, 2010)
Edited by WANG Wei-xia