Management of cognitive decline during ageing: evidences from ayurveda
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Management of cognitive decline during ageing: evidences from ayurveda
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Rashmi Pareek
PG Scholar, P.G. Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Nisha Ojha
Assistant professor, P.G. Department of Kaumarbhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur
Satyendra Kumar Tiwari
Reader, Department of Panchakarma, SSSB Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Renwal, Jaipur
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Management of cognitive decline during ageing: evidences from ayurveda
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
As individuals age, they often experience a decline in cognitive capacities, such as memory and intellectual abilities, leading to significant public health concerns. The prevalence of mild to severe cognitive decline, including conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, affects about 15% of people over the age of 65. Cognitive decline not only hinders daily life activities but also imposes a considerable burden on families and society. Ayurveda offers potential therapeutic interventions through its rejuvenative approach, particularly through drugs known as Medhyarasayana which aim to improve cognitive function and delay the aging process.
Neuroprotective Properties of Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica, also known as Mandukaparni, is recognized for its cognitive-enhancing properties and is classified as a Medhya Rasayana in Ayurvedic texts. This perennial herb has been shown to possess several neuroprotective properties, including the inhibition of memory impairment by affecting neurotransmitter levels and improving brain health. Its constituents, particularly asiatic acid, exhibit the ability to protect neurons from the toxic effects associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, it has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, which contributes to its effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall brain health.
Memory Enhancement and Antioxidant Activity of Tinospora Cardifolia
Tinospora Cardifolia, commonly known as Guduchi, is another significant herb in Ayurveda recognized for its Rasayana properties. This plant has displayed potent antioxidant activity, which aids in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing immunity. Moreover, studies suggest that it can improve cognitive functions by increasing neurotransmitter levels, leading to enhanced memory retention and learning abilities. Its immunomodulatory effects may also play a role in improving overall mental health, making it a valuable therapeutic agent in managing cognitive decline among the elderly.
Conclusion
The review highlights the promising benefits of Medhyarasayana drugs such as Centella Asiatica and Tinospora Cardifolia in improving cognitive functions and preventing age-related decline. Their documented activities, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, antidepressant, and memory-enhancing effects, suggest that these Ayurvedic remedies can be effectively employed to mitigate the impact of cognitive decline and enhance the quality of life in geriatric patients. Continued research and clinical trials are necessary to fully establish their efficacy and potential applications in modern therapeutic practices for cognitive health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is cognitive decline and its significance in aging?
Cognitive decline refers to deterioration in memory and intellectual abilities, often seen in older individuals. It’s an increasing public health concern, with about 15% of people over 65 experiencing moderate to severe dementia, leading to substantial impacts on their daily lives.
What are Medhya Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda?
Medhya Rasayana drugs are specific Ayurvedic formulations aimed at enhancing cognitive function and neurological health. They help improve memory, emotional wellbeing, and overall vitality while potentially delaying the aging process, particularly within brain tissues.
How do Ayurvedic herbs help in managing cognitive decline?
Ayurvedic herbs like Centella asiatica and Tinospora cordifolia exhibit properties that enhance memory, act as antioxidants, and provide neuroprotective benefits. Their regular use can prevent cognitive deterioration and alleviate symptoms related to aging and dementia.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Management of cognitive decline during ageing: evidences from ayurveda�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
In Ayurveda, Rasayana refers to a therapeutic method aimed at rejuvenation and revitalization of the body. Rasayanas are believed to improve immunity, longevity, memory, intelligence, and overall vitality. They also adapt the body to stress, delaying the ageing process and addressing neurodegenerative disorders.
2) Drug:
Drugs in Ayurveda like Medhya Rasayana are substances formulated to treat or prevent disease. Medhya drugs specifically aim to enhance cognitive functions and are derived from plants such as Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni), Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), and Glycirrhiza glabra (Yastimadhu).
3) Medhya:
Medhya refers to the cognitive-enhancing properties of certain herbs in Ayurveda. Drugs with Medhya properties, such as Centella asiatica, aim to enhance memory, intellect, and mental clarity. These are often prescribed in Rasayana therapy for their neuroprotective and memory-enhancing functions.
4) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India. It emphasizes prevention, holistic treatment, and rejuvenation of the body. It includes treatments like Medhya Rasayana to manage cognitive decline and other age-related disorders. It’s a key focus in the management of geriatric health.
5) Disease:
Ayurveda aims at preventing and managing diseases, particularly focusing on neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's disease through Medhya Rasayana. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining cognitive functions and overall bodily health to prevent progression into severe disorders.
6) Rashmi (Rasmi):
Dr. Rashmi Pareek is a PG scholar in the P.G. Department of Kaumarbhritya at the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, India. She is an author of the study discussed in the text, which reviews the efficacy of Medhya Rasayana drugs in managing cognitive decline during ageing.
7) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts that compile extensive knowledge on medicine, treatments, and health practices. For instance, the Charaka Samhita describes Medhya Rasayana drugs and their uses in enhancing cognitive abilities and managing age-related cognitive decline.
8) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi, is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda. It is included in Medhya Rasayana drugs for its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidepressant properties, and its ability to enhance cognitive power and manage psychological disorders.
9) Glycirrhiza glabra:
Glycirrhiza glabra, or Yastimadhu, is an Ayurvedic herb with therapeutic benefits for cognitive enhancement. It possesses antioxidant properties, anxiolytic effects, and memory-enhancing activity, making it an important ingredient in Medhya Rasayana for managing cognitive decline.
10) Mandukaparni (Manduka-parni, Mamdukaparni):
Mandukaparni, also known as Centella asiatica, is a herb used in Ayurveda with Medhya Rasayana properties. It acts as a cognitive enhancer, neuroprotective agent, and brain growth promoter, and exhibits anti-oxidant and antidepressant properties. It is specifically used to inhibit memory impairment.
11) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are active compounds found in plants like Centella asiatica and Convolvulus pluricaulis. They possess antioxidant properties, helping to eliminate free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thereby supporting brain health and cognitive functions in Medhya Rasayana therapy.
12) Jaipur:
Jaipur is a city in India where the National Institute of Ayurveda is located. It is notable in this context as the institution where researchers like Dr. Rashmi Pareek conduct studies on the efficacy of Medhya Rasayana drugs for managing cognitive decline in ageing.
13) India:
India is the origin country of Ayurveda. It houses institutions like the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, where extensive research on traditional medicines such as Medhya Rasayana is conducted to manage cognitive decline and other age-related issues.
14) Shankhapushpi (Sankhapuspi, Samkhapuspi):
Shankhapushpi, scientifically known as Convolvulus pluricaulis, is a perennial herb used in Ayurveda for its Medhya Rasayana properties. It enhances memory, exhibits antioxidant activity, and has an anxiolytic effect, making it effective in managing cognitive impairment and psychological disorders.
15) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yastimadhu, or Glycirrhiza glabra, is an herb known for its therapeutic benefits in Ayurveda. It has antioxidant, anxiolytic, and memory-enhancing properties, making it a valuable agent in Medhya Rasayana for managing cognitive decline and enhancing brain functions.
16) Toxicity:
[see source text or glossary: Toxicity]
17) Family:
Family in the context of Tinospora cordifolia refers to its classification in the Menispermaceae family. This plant is used widely in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly in Medhya Rasayana therapies, for its beneficial effects on cognitive health and immune function.
18) Medha (Medhas):
Medha refers to intellect or cognitive ability in Ayurveda. Medhya Rasayana drugs are specifically designed to enhance Medha, improving memory, learning ability, and overall mental clarity, which is crucial for preventing cognitive decline during ageing.
19) Beta:
Beta refers to beta-amyloid, a substance involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Medhya Rasayana drugs, such as those containing Centella asiatica, have been shown to protect neurons against beta-amyloid-induced toxicity, thereby preventing cognitive decline.
20) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis, or Amavata in Ayurveda, is a chronic inflammatory disorder. Tinospora cordifolia, a Medhya Rasayana drug, is particularly effective in treating this condition due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
21) Tridoshahara (Tridosahara, Tridosha-hara):
Tridoshahara refers to balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—in Ayurvedic philosophy. Some Medhya Rasayana drugs, like Tinospora cordifolia, possess tridoshahara properties, making them effective in maintaining overall bodily harmony and health.
22) Medadhatu (Meda-dhatu):
Meda-dhatu is one of the seven bodily tissues (dhatus) in Ayurveda, representing fat or adipose tissue. Some Rasayana drugs are specifically targeted for promoting the health and balance of Meda-dhatu, thereby contributing to overall wellness and longevity.
23) Depression:
Depression is a significant mental health issue that can deteriorate cognitive functions. Medhya Rasayana drugs, such as Centella asiatica and Glycirrhiza glabra, have antidepressant properties that help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve mental health.
24) Liquorice (Licorice):
Liquorice, or Glycirrhiza glabra, is a Medhya Rasayana herb known for its antioxidant, anxiolytic, and memory-enhancing properties. It is used in Ayurveda for managing cognitive decline, psychological disorders, and enhancing overall brain function.
25) Medicine:
Medicine in the context of the text refers to Ayurvedic formulations like Medhya Rasayana, which are used to treat and manage various conditions, specifically focusing on cognitive enhancement and the management of neurodegenerative diseases in geriatric populations.
26) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the ancient language in which classical Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita are written. These texts describe Medhya Rasayana drugs and their uses in treating cognitive decline and other age-related disorders, providing a comprehensive understanding of traditional medical practices.
27) Dharana:
Dharana in Ayurveda refers to the power of retention or the ability to hold onto learned information. Medhya Rasayana drugs are designed to enhance Dharana, thereby improving memory and cognitive functions, particularly in older adults suffering from cognitive decline.
28) Grahana:
Grahana refers to the power of understanding or comprehension. In Ayurveda, Medhya Rasayana drugs enhance Grahana, improving mental clarity and cognitive function, which is crucial in managing age-related cognitive decline and promoting overall brain health.
29) Amavata (Ama-vata):
Amavata refers to rheumatoid arthritis in Ayurvedic medicine. Tinospora cordifolia, one of the Medhya Rasayana drugs, is effective in treating Amavata due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to balance the immune system.
30) Buddhi:
Buddhi means wisdom or intellect in Ayurveda. Cognitive decline in ageing involves the deterioration of Buddhi. Medhya Rasayana drugs are formulated to support and enhance Buddhi, thereby improving intellectual abilities and preventing age-related cognitive disorders.
31) Wisdom:
Wisdom, or Buddhi in Ayurveda, refers to the higher cognitive functions including judgment and decision-making. Medhya Rasayana drugs are used to enhance Buddhi, supporting intellectual abilities and integrity of cognitive functions in ageing individuals.
32) Silver:
[see source text or glossary: Silver]
33) Animal:
Animal studies are used to investigate the effectiveness of Medhya Rasayana drugs. For example, animal models have shown that Centella asiatica can enhance learning and memory, and improve dendritic growth in the hippocampus, thereby supporting its use in managing cognitive decline.
34) Indian:
Indian in this context refers to the origin of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine practiced in India. Ayurvedic practitioners and institutions in India, like the National Institute of Ayurveda, conduct research on Medhya Rasayana drugs to evaluate their efficacy in managing cognitive decline.
35) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Manas refers to the mind in Ayurveda. Disorders related to Manas, such as psychological conditions and cognitive decline, are treated using Medhya Rasayana drugs, which aim to enhance cognitive functions and mental health.
36) Dhatu:
Dhatu in Ayurveda refers to the fundamental bodily tissues that sustain and nourish the body. Medhya Rasayana drugs are specific Rasayanas that support the health of Medha-dhatu (intellectual tissue), thereby promoting cognitive functions and mental clarity.
37) Kumar:
[see source text or glossary: Kumar]
38) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to the traditional Indian systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. The journal 'AYUSHDHARA' publishes research on these systems, such as the study on Medhya Rasayana drugs for managing cognitive decline in ageing.
39) Death:
[see source text or glossary: Death]
40) Blood:
Blood may refer to the role of certain Medhya Rasayana drugs in enhancing cognitive functions through the regulation of blood factors. For instance, Tinospora cordifolia affects cytokine levels and growth factors in the blood, which may contribute to its cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective effects.
41) Nish (Nisa, Nis, Nishe, Nisha):
Nisha Ojha is an Assistant Professor in the P.G. Department of Kaumarbhritya at the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur, India. She is one of the authors of the study on the management of cognitive decline through Medhya Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda.
42) Jara (Jara°, Jará):
Jara refers to ageing in Ayurveda, considered a natural process that can be delayed but not avoided. Medhya Rasayana drugs are used to manage Jara by enhancing cognitive functions and delaying the onset of age-related diseases like dementia.
43) Roga:
Roga in Ayurveda refers to disease. Medhya Rasayana drugs are used to treat various Rogas, particularly psychological disorders (Manas Roga) and cognitive decline, by enhancing memory, intellect, and mental clarity.
44) Medas (Meda, Medash):
Meda refers to fat tissue in Ayurveda. Medhya Rasayana drugs, such as those targeting Meda-dhatu, support cognitive health and overall mental clarity, as fat is believed to play a crucial role in the functioning of the brain and cognitive processes.
45) Mana:
Mana in Ayurveda represents the mind. Disorders of Mana, including cognitive decline and psychological conditions, are managed using Medhya Rasayana drugs, which aim to improve mental clarity and cognitive health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Management of cognitive decline during ageing: evidences from ayurveda�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Nervous system, Intellectual abilities, Alzheimer's disease, Aging process, Rasayana-chikitsa, Antioxidant activity, Memory enhancing activity, Cognitive enhancer, Neurodegenerative disorder, Antidepressant activity, Cognitive decline, Immunomodulatory effect, Medhya Rasayana, Geriatric age group, Medhyarasayana drugs, Public health concern, Behavioural effects.