Karam Singh et al. Journal of Biological & Scientific Opinion · Volume 2 (1).

2014

Available online through

www.jbsoweb.com
ISSN 2321 - 6328

Review Article
RASAYANA: TRANSCENDING AGE
Karam Singh1*, Bhavna Verma2
1
Lecturer, Department of Kaumarbhritya/Balroga, Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar, Mahatma Hans Raj Marg, Punjab,
India
2
Lecturer, Department of Basic Principles, Dayanand Ayurvedic College, Jalandhar, Mahatma Hans Raj Marg, Punjab, India
ABSTRACT
The concept of ‘Rasayana’ was among the Astangayurveda as evident from Ayurvedic texts which
*Correspondence serves the principle “Swasthasya swasthya rakshanum aaturasaya vikara prashmanum ch” as advocated
Dr.Karam Singh by both Acharya Charaka and Sushruta when they stated the aim of Ayurveda. Further, acharya Sushruta
Lecturer, Department of defines Rasayana Tantra as “Rasayantantrum nama vayasthapanam ayurmedhabalkaram
Kaumarbhritya/Balroga, Dayanand Ayurvedic rogaapharansamartham ch” which means, the branch of Astangaayurveda where all types of methods
College, Jalandhar, Mahatma Hans Raj Marg, which maintains longevity, enhance intelligence and mental strength, and increase immunity against
Punjab, India various disorders. The word Rasayana is composed of two words “Ras” and “Ayana” which refers to
nutritional essence and its transportation throughout the body for its efficient assimilation into the body.
Also, Rasayana use increases the essence of each Dhatu by acting as a source of vital nutritional
supplement. Being naturally rich in antioxidants Rasayanas increase the immunity of a person which
DOI: 10.7897/2321–6328.02127
keeps him away from opportunistic diseases. Above all the rejuvenating properties of Rasayanas are
held in high esteem in Ayurvedic texts which are capable of not only keeping aging at bay but have also
proved very effective as supportive therapy in many chronic diseases and as adjuvant to chemotherapy.
A number of herbs have been ascribed with properties of Rasayana in Ayurvedic literature as Guduchi,

Article Received on: 24/01/14 Triphala, Madhuyashti, Shankhpushpi, Jyotishmati, Brahmi, Mandookparni etc. The use of these herbs

Accepted on: 20/02/14 as Rasayana transcends ages, for Rasayanas have been described for all age groups in Ayurveda. The
aim of this review paper is to bring into light certain such herbs which since time immemorial have been
employed as Rasayanas and hold promise in today’s health scenario more than ever.
Keywords: Rasayana, immunity, antioxidants, adjuvant, nutrition, rejuvenation etc.

INTRODUCTION mind) (Prasanatamendriya Mana) (Sushruta Samhita

‘Rasayana’ is amongst the Astangayurveda, the eight Sutrasthana 15/48 p.64).2 The word Rasayana is composed of
divisions of Ayurveda as advocated in various Ayurvedic two words “Ras” and “Ayana” which refers to nutritional
texts. As others it was propounded to serve the fundamentals essence and its transportation throughout the body for its
of Ayurveda, i.e. “Swasthasyaswasth rakshamanum efficient assimilation into the body. A plentiful Rasa (rasa
aaturasaya vikarum prashmanum ch” as set out by the means first dhatu or the nourishing fluid which is produced
pioneers of Ayurveda, acharya Charaka (Charaka Samhita instantly after digestion of food) holds promise of an
Chikitsasthana 30/26 p.587)1 and Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita impeccable nutritional state which is essential for increased
Sutrasthana 1/22 p.4).2 Acharya Sushruta further defines vitality, prevention of aging (jara), immunity against diseases
Rasayana Tantra as “Rasayantantrum nama and for prompt mental functioning. Rasayana agents act by
vayasthapanayurmedhabalkaraam rogaapharansamartham ch” various modes such as 1) Direct enrichment of the nutritional
(Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana 1/15 p.4)2 which means that quality of rasa (i.e. the nutrient pool of plasma). (2)
branch of Astangaayurveda where all measures which help in Improving pertinent functionality at the level of dhatus (the
promoting longevity, enhance intelligence and mental various tissues of body). (3) Promoting the competence of
strength and increase immunity against various disorders are ayanas or srotas (the bio transport pathways) in the body
elucidated. The Rasayana therapy endeavours to preserve leading improved dhatus poshan or tissue perfusion and
good health thus ensuring longevity by optimizing the optimum bioavailability of nutrients to the tissues.
cellular level nutrition. Sushruta has defined a swastha pursha
(healthy man) as one who has equilibrium of the doshas Benefits of Rasayana Therapy
(sama dosha), normal functioning of agni (sama agni), Acharya Charaka (Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana 1/1/7-8
normal state of seven dhatus (sam dhatu), normal excretion of p.5, 1/2/3 p.21)1 and Vagbhata (Astanga Hridyum
waste products (sam malkriya) as well as a blissful state of Uttaratantra 39/1-2 p.1183)3 described various benefits of
atma (Soul), the indriyas (or sense organs) and mana (or rasayana therapy as - enjoying long healthy life, enhances
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intelligence, memory, strength, youth, lustre, sweetness of · Svabhavavaydhipratishedhaniya (means delaying onset of
voice etc. or simply, enhancing physical and mental vigour svabhavika disease)
lifelong. Also, Rasayanas improve metabolic processes, · Nivrittasantapiya rasayana (means which clears all type of
which results in apposite biotransformation and produces the santapa (dukha or diseased state)
best-quality bodily tissues. Rasayana therapy is basically
targeted towards the daily wear and tear the human body According to the health status of the patient/person (rogi-
suffers in the course of routine life and also the unwanted ill- awastha) (Charaka Samhita Chikitisasthana 1/1/4 p.3)1:
effects of infirmities afflicted during the same. Ayurveda, · Rasayanas which are used even in good health as they
true to its nature of being the science of life has throughout promote and maintain the health of a person i.e.
propounded the factors favourable and unfavourable towards “Swasthasyaorjaskara”.
a healthy lifestyle (Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 1/41 p.13).1 · Rasayanas used in case of diseased states as they have
Unacknowledgement of rules of daily living as prescribed by restorative properties in certain diseases i.e.
Ayurveda, not only accentuates aging but also predisposes to “Kinchitartasya roganut”.
various lifestyle disorders. Acharya Sharangdhara has clearly
stated that Rasayana includes use of certain dravyas as This fact has been reinforced by Dalhana in his commentary
Rudanti, Guggul, Haritaki etc. prevent early aging (jara) and on Sushruta, where he classifies Rasayanas as – (1) Kamya
guard against opportunistic infections as well (Sarangdhara rasayana, used during health (2) Naimittika rasayana for
Samhita Poorvakhand 4/13 p.48).4 Similar description is diseased person (Sushruta Samhita Chikitsasthana Dalhana
found in Bhaishajyaratnavali (Bhaisjyaratnavali 27 p.121).2
Rasayanaprakaran 73/1 p.1102).5 Overall, in Ayurvedic texts,
Rasayanas have been mentioned as a set of rejuvenating Rasayana use in Pediatric Age-group
measures which aim towards a youthful rich life free of Two very important properties of Rasayana therapy i.e. its
disease and infirmity. A number of other Rasayanas aimed at potency to increase the essence of bodily Dhatus and another
enhancing the composition or functionality of particular to enhance immunity are very useful in terms of paediatric
tissues have also been mentioned for example medhya medicine. A number of such Rasayana herbs find mention in
rasayana for optimum mental vigour (Shankhpushpi, Ayurveda. These Rasayans promote growth and development
Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Mandookaparni), dristiprada of children and have been advocated to be used since very
rasayana for maintaining the visual acuity (e.g. Jyotishmati, young age as infancy known as Ksheerap kala in Ayurveda.
Chakshusya) etc. As the immunological system of children is not yet fully
developed as in an adult, hence they are more prone to
Rasayana Use and Age opportunistic infections. For protection of children against
Both Acharya Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita Chikitsasthana such life threatening infectious diseases, Ayurveda has
27/3 p.120)2 and Vagbhata (Ashtanga Hridayum Uttaratantra advocated a preventive measure in form of Rasayana therapy
39/3 p.1183)3 counsel that Rasayana should be used in early for children as well. Different acharyas have specified
and or middle age: ‘Purve vayasi madhye va.’ Acharya also various Rasayana yogas (formulations) for the pediatric age
advised not to use Rasayana without body purification i.e. group. Some of these are -
detoxification, to be undertaken by Panchkarma methods. · Acharya Charaka: Mahapaishachik ghrita (ghrita means
The Rasayana dravya are advised for use, according to vaya, clarified butter made from cow’s milk) (Charaka Samhita
desha, kala, satmya, prakriti, agnibala etc. Chikitisasthana 9/45-48, p.319)1 use enhance intelligence
and memory as well as helpful in growth and
Classification of Rasayanas development with effective in disorders. Brahmi ghrita
According to Acharya Charaka: (Charaka Samhita Chikitisasthana 10/23, p.332)1 etc.
· Kutipraveshika (indoor regimen): while using this · Acharya Sushruta described following formulations
method, patient has to stay in a specially designed (containing gold) which provide general immunity, body
cottage or kuti for the whole duration of this therapy resistance, helpful in growth and development (Sushruta
(Charaka Samhita Chikitisasthana 1/1/16-20, p.7-8).1 Samhita Sharirsthana 10/72-74, p.84).2 These are: (1)
· Vatatapika rasayana (outdoor regimen): While Svaran bhasm with kustha (Saussurea lappa), vacha
undertaking this mode of rasayana therapy, a person can (Acorus calamus), madhu (honey) and ghrita. (2) Svaran
carry out his daily routine (Charaka Samhita bhasm alongwith brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), sankhpuspi
Chikitisasthana 1/1/16, p.7).1 (Convolvulus pluricaulis), with honey and ghrita. (3)
· Achara Rasayana (code of conduct) - Acharya Charaka Svaran bhasm, arkpushpi, vacha, honey and ghrita. 4)
(Charaka Samhita Chikitisasthana 1/4/30-35, p.58)1 Svaran bhasm, khaidarya, sweta durva, ghrita.
described it in detail in Rasayana chapter. Aim is to · Vagbhata prescribed following yoga: Sarshvata ghrita
follow a particular code of conduct in routine life, which (Astanga Hridyam Uttaratantra 1/45, p.885)3 combination
attains good mental and spiritual health. After following of vacha and savarna bhasma with honey and ghrita,
this, person can be keep away from anxiety, stress, and (Astanga Hridyam Uttaratantra 1/47, p.885),3 etc.
thereby from all diseases etc. · Kashyapa prescribed following yoga: Shuddh Swarn (in
small quantity) has given with honey and ghrita to the
According to Acharya Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita newborn results in promotion of health, growth,
Chikitsasthana chapter 27-30,120-132)2: complexion and strength (immunity). Panchgavya ghrita,
· Sarvopaghatashamaniya (rasayana formulation which Brahmi ghrita, Abhaya ghrita, Samvardhana ghrita
counteract various diseases process) (effective in children with delayed milestones) (Kashyapa
· Medhaayushkamiya (rasyana which increase intellect and Samhita Sutrasthana, Lehaadhyaya, p.4-6).6
longevity)

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Rasayana use in Adult Age-group Mandookparni (Centella asiatica)

As the aim of Rasayana therapy is to promote good health, Centella asiatica showed cognitive enhancing effect,17
enhance immunity and to rejuvenate, it can be used neuroprotective effect18,19 and anti anxiety effect 20 in
successfully in adult age group and has a very good experimental trails.
supportive role in Geriatric medicine. Acharya Charaka
counsels various Rasayana yogas and dravyas in Charaka Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Samhita Chikitsasthana’s first chapter having four subparts Bacopa monnieri reported memory enhancer21-23,
which include Rasayana formulations for health promotion neuroprotective and improves cognitive functions.25
24

and cure in certain diseases as - kustha, gulma, shosha,

pandu, arsha, hridroga, shavsa roga etc. Acharya Charaka Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
also described ‘Achara rasayana’ (Charaka Samhita Withania somnifera is well known for its medicinal activity
Chikitsasthana 1/4/30-35 p.58)1 which is aimed at optimum in Ayurveda and recent studies also proved its effectiveness
mental, spiritual and social health, very important aspects of on various body systems e.g. antimicrobial activity26,
overall well-being of an individual. Formulations such as immunemodulatory activity27, anti-oxidant effect28,
29 30
Brahmarasayan, Chyavanprasha, Amalaka Rasayana, hepatoprotective effects and anti-depressant effects.
Bhallataka Rasayana, Lohadi-rasayana, Endriarasayana,
Pippali rasayana, Triphala rasayana, Shillajit Rasayana etc Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
popular amongst Ayurvedic physicians even today also find Nardostachys jatamansi showed neuroprotective effect,31
mention in the same chapter (Charaka Samhita antipsychotic activity32 and improvement in learning and
Chikitsasthana 1:1-4 p.1-64).1 While Acharya Sushruta has memory33 etc.
discussed Rasayana in Chikitsasthana in four separate
chapters (Sushruta Samhita Chikitsasthana 27-30 p.120-32).2 Jyotismati (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
Sushruta has described rasayana herbs such as Gambhari, Convolvulus pluricaulis showed neuroprotective property in
Brahmi, Bakuchi, Mandookparni, Somarasa etc. Acharya wistar rats,34 enhance learning and memory.35
Vagbhata, on the other hand, describes Rasayana in
Uttaratantra (Astanga Hridya Uttaratantra 39 p.1183-1206).3 Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
These Rasayanas are for exclusive use in adult age-group and Terminalia chebula showed antimicrobial properties36,
are found to be very beneficial as well. Thus in adult age antioxidant effects37 and antidepressant activity.38
group Rasayana use can serve various purposes as delaying
aging, improving mental functions, prevention of Neem (Azadirachta indica)
opportunistic infections, supportive therapy in certain chronic Azadirachta indica showed antimicrobial activity59 and anti-
disorders and as adjuvant therapy in case of chemotherapy. hyperglycaemic potential40 during different trails.
Nowadays Rasayana drugs are used mainly as immunity
enhancing methods. As we know that inherent property of Madhuyasthi (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
body to fight against infectious agents is called immunity. Glycyrrhiza glabra is a valuable medicine used from ancient
Various studies (experimental and clinical research) times in various diseases and showed antioxidant activity and
regarding herbs mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts have hepatoprotective effect,41 antimicrobial activity42 and
indicated significant results of Rasayanas in activating improving learning.43
macrophages, modulating cytokine network etc. have been
documented. Rasayana dravya have also found to have Baheda (Terminalia bellerica)
beneficial physiological effects on different organ system of Terminalia bellerica showed anti hypertensive effect44,
body thus hepatoprotective, immunomodulator, adaptogenic, antidepressant-like activity45 and antioxidant activity.46
antimicrobial, antiseizure property, hematoprotective etc.
properties of Rasayana have been documented as well. A few Sunthi (Zingiber officinale)
such studies depicting beneficial effects of Rasayana herbs Zingiber officinale reported anti-inflammatory and analgesic
are presented forthwith: properties,47 hepatoprotective activity,48 improves cognitive49
and memory function50 etc.
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
Emblica officinalis is probably one of the most renowned Kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum)
herbs in the Indian traditional medicine system, Ayurveda. S. xanthocarpum showed hepatoprotective effect 51, anti-
The extract of Emblica officinale showed many medicinal asthmatic property52 and antioxidant activity.53
properties which was proved by various experimental and
clinical studies e.g. anti inflammatory potential,7 anti tumour Bhumayaamlaki (Phyllanthus niruri)
activity,8 immunomodulatory activity,9 antioxidant activity,10 Phyllanthus niruri showed antimicrobial Effect54, antioxidant
antimicrobial activities11 etc. activity and hepatoprotective potential55 and antidiabetic
potentials.56
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)
Acharya Charaka advised this herb for promoting memory Lavang (Syzygium cumini)
(medhya), increasing strength, digestive fire, longevity and Syzygium cumini showed anti-inflammatory activity57,
curing various diseases (Charaka Samhita Chikitsasthana antimicrobial activity58 and anti-diabetic activity.59
1/3/30-31).1 Tinospora cordifolia’s medicinal property
reported in various studies are as antioxidant activity,12
antimicrobial activity,13,14 anthelminthic activity,15
16
immunomodulatory activity etc.

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 Karam Singh et al. Journal of Biological & Scientific Opinion · Volume 2 (1). 2014

Rasona (Allium sativum) 12. Ramya Premanath, N Lakshmidevi. Studies on anti-oxidant activity of
Allium sativum reported anti-diabetic and hypolipidaemic Tinospora cordifolia (Miers.) leaves using in vitro models. Journal of
American Science 2010; 6(10): 736-743.
properties60, anti-atherosclerotic61 and immunomodulatory 13. Verma DR, Kakkar Arun. Antibacterial activity of Tinospora cordifolia.
effects.62 Journal of Global Pharma Technology 2011; 3(11): 8-12.
14. R Jeyachandran, T Francis Xavier, SP Anand. Antibacterial activity of
Vacha (Acorus calamus) stem extracts of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Hook. f and Thomson.
Ancient Science of Life 2003; XXIII(1): 40-43.
Acorus calamus showed antimicrobial effect63, 15. M Reddy Rajeshwar, Reddy K Tirumal, AB Vedamurthy, V Krishna, H
anticonvulsant activity64 and analgesic activity.65 Joy Hoskeri. A study on anthelminthic activity of Tinospora cordifolia
extracts. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) 2011; 3, Suppl 5.
16. Vaibhav D Aher, Wahi Arunkumar. Pharmacological study of Tinospora
Rubia cordifolia showed anti-viral activity66, neuroprotective cordifolia as an immunomodulator. International Journal of Current
activity67 and gastro protective effect.68 Pharmaceutical Research 2010; 2(4).
17. Gupta YK, MH Kumar Veerendra, Srivastava AK. Effect of Centella
Pippali (Piper longum) asiatica on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling, cognition and oxidative
stress in rats. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behaviour 2003; 74:
Piper longum noticed anti-inflammatory activity69, anti- 579–585. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(02)01044-4
tussive activity70 and anti rheumatoid activity.71 18. Kumar Anil, Samrita Dogra, Atish Prakash. Neuroprotective effects of
Centella asiatica against intracerebroventricular colchicine-induced
CONCLUSION cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. International Journal of
Alzheimer’s Disease Volume 2009; 8 pages.
Rasayana thus forms a very important division of Ayurveda 19. M Ramanathan, S Sivakumar, PR Kumar Anand Vijaya, C
which clearly has an important role in the wholesome Saravanababu, P Rathinavel Pandian. Neuroprotective evaluation of
development of a person and is also a resource of preventive standardized extract of Centella asciatica in monosodium glutamate
medicine. Drugs (bhesaja), diet (ahara) and achara (ideal treated rats. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 2007; 45: 425-31.
20. U Jana, TK Sur, LN Maity, PK Debnath, D Bhattacharyya. A clinical
lifestyle) which promote longevity by preventing diseases study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Centella
and delaying aging are forms of Rasayana therapy. Rasayana asiatica. Nepal Med Coll J 2010; 12(1): 8-11.
dravyas influence the various aspect of body e.g. Dhatus, 21. Saraf Manish Kumar, Prabhakar Sudesh, Khanduja Krishan Lal, Anand
Agni and Srotasas and ojus etc. The pharmacological Akshay. Bacopa monniera attenuates scopolamine-induced impairment
of spatial memory in mice. Evidence-Based Complementary and
properties of many Rasayana herbs have been explored in Alternative Medicine Volume 2011:10 pages.
recent years through diverse scientific studies which have 22. Tatimah Peth Nui, Jintanaporn Wattanathorn, Supaporn Muchimapura,
brought into light the primeval expounded benefits of Terdthai Tong Un, Nawanant Piyavhatkul, Poonsri Rangseekajee et al.
Rasayanas. Augmented by modern day scientific research, Effects of 12-week Bacopa monnieri consumption on attention,
cognitive processing, working memory, and functions of both
evidence based Rasayana therapy can prove to be a much cholinergic and monoaminergic systems in healthy elderly volunteers.
sought-after herbal therapy for overall well-being and a Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume
wholesome long life. 2012:10 pages.
23. Joshi Hanumanthachar, Parle Milind. Brahmi rasayana improves
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