A review article on the concept of Rasayan in Ayurveda

Minakshi; Rakesh Sharma

A review article on the concept of Rasayan in Ayurveda

Minakshi.^1*, Sharma R.²

DOI:

^1* Minakshi, Ph.D. Scholar, Guru Ravidas Ayurved University Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Reader, P. G. Dept. of Kaumarbhritya Rajiv Gandhi Govt. P. G. Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Paprola, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.

² Rakesh Sharma, President, Board of Ethics and Registration for Indian System of Medicine, NCISM, New Delhi, India.

Ayurveda is the ancient system of medicine in the world. This science of life deals with every aspect of life. Ayurveda has two aims i.e., Promotion of Health and Cure from disease. Rasayan may be employed for ful-filling both of them. Rasayan are the ways of attaining excellent Ras i.e., Attains longevity, memory, intelligence, freedom from disorders, youthful age, excellence of luster, complexion and voice, ultimate strength of physique and sense organs, wisdom and successful words and brilliance. Rasayan also called a Rejuvination therapy is one considered under Ashtang Ayurveda. Rasayan drugs are those which are capable of importing superior Rasas and Dhatus to the body and toning up the system of healthy persons. Rasayan aids in increasing natural immunity enhancing general wellbeing, improving the functioning of all the fundamentals organs of the body and keep the signs of early ageing at bay. Moreover, it involves two opposite processes that simultaneously come into operation i.e., growth and atrophy. Ageing represents structural and functional changes of an organism over its entire life span. Rasayan is not a drug therapy but it is a specialized procedure practiced in the form of rejuvenate recipes, dietary regimes and special health promoting conduct and behaviour i.e., Achar Rasayan.

Keywords: Rasayan, Ashtang Ayurveda, Rasa, Dhatu, Achar Rasayan, Ayurveda

Corresponding Author	How to Cite this Article	To Browse
Minakshi, Ph.D. Scholar, Guru Ravidas Ayurved University Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Reader, P. G. Dept. of Kaumarbhritya Rajiv Gandhi Govt. P. G. Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital Paprola, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. Email:	Minakshi, Rakesh Sharma, A review article on the concept of Rasayan in Ayurveda. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(2):101-106. Available From https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2206

Introduction

Ayurveda is a science of life which deals with physical, psychological as well as spiritual wellbeing of an individual. Ayurveda on one hand emphasizes on maintenance of health whereas on the other hand have very scientific and sound fundamental principles for curing the ailments.^[1]Keeping in view different areas of expertise required to manage different aspects of health and diseases, Ayurveda was divided into eight specialized branches.^[2]Among the eight specialities of Ayurveda, Rasayana Tantra is a branch exclusively devoted to nutrition, immunology, rejuvenation and geriatrics.

Word Rasayana is derived from "Rasasya Ayanam Rasayanam" which means the way of obtaining a good Rasa is Rasayana.^[3]Acharya Dalhana has explained that the methods which improve youth and enhance longevity by attaining best quality body tissues are termed as Rasayana.^[4]

The word Rasayana is comprised of two terms i.e., “Rasa" and "Ayana". Term Rasa has many connotations. It is used for juice, alchemy, taste, first Rasa Dhatu etc. Word Rasa, in relation to Rasayana therapy means the Rasa Dhatu and Ayana means the path of circulation. Thus, it can be said that Rasayana is related to the nutrition and its transportation in the body.

Why Rasayana is needed?

In this fast moving world our life style has become very hectic. Stress is an in escapable part of personal and professional life. In order to achieve the things for better and pleasurable living there is hardly any time for exercise. Dietary habits have become faulty as many people are into the habit of fast food.^[6] Timings of eating have become irregular due to change in the duties and more and more persons are using stale foods with preservatives. More and more people are becoming addicted to alcohol, smoking and drugs.^[7] All these factors are responsible for vitiation of Doshas and Agni, thus causing improper nutrition to the tissues, low immunity, fatigue, debility, inability to adapt to stress and premature aging. Rasayana foods, herbs and regimens help to re-establish this balance.

1. Classification of Rasayana^[8]

Dravyabhuta-Rasayana: When Rasayana effect isobtained using Dravyas like herbs,

minerals, herbo-mineral drugs, food, milk etc. it is known as Dravyabhuta-Rasayana.

Adravyabhuta-Rasayana: Where no substance is used and Rasayana effect is obtained by good moral conduct, meditation etc. then it is called as Adravyabhuta-Rasayana. e.g., Achara-Rasayana.

2. According to scope of use

Kamya-Rasayana: These are used in healthy persons for further promotion of health. It is further sub-divided into;

a. Pranakamya - one which promotes longevity.

b. Srikamya - promotes body lusture.

c. Medhakamya - promotes memory & intellect

Naimittika-Rasavana: The Rasavanas which are used specifically in the prevention or treatment of specific diseases are termed as Naimittika-Rasayana. This is the prime area where Rasayana drugs are mainly studied and tested in present times.
Some of the examples are

Pandu - Loha, Mandura, Swarnmakshika
Prameha - Haridra, Shilajatu, Amalaki
Kushtha- Khadira, Tuvaraka, Triphala, Bhallatak
Mutravahasrotas Vyadhis - Gokshuru, Punarnava, Shilajatu
Vata Vyadhi - Shilajit, Guggulu, Rasna, Bala
Eye diseases - Triphala, Madhuyashti
Respiratory diseases- Pippali, Sirisha, Chyawanprasha
Psychiatric disorders- Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi, Brahmi

Ajasrika Rasavana: Food substances which we consume in our daily life on regular basis in moderation for nourishment of body tissues. Examples are daily usage of milk & ghee.

3. According to method of administration

Kuti Praveshika Rasayana: This is basically the indoor method of Rasayana administration. As per the textual reference person was made to stay in a specially designed Trigarbha chamber for a particular period and Rasayana drug was administrated after biopurification with Panch-Karma.

Along with Rasayana drug patient is also advised to follow strict diet schedule and specific code and conduct of life. Thus, it is administration of Rasayana under strict controlled conditions. This is superior method of administering the Rasayana as maximum benefits can be obtained from this.

Vatatapika Rasavana

Vata means air and Atapa means sunlight. In this method of Rasayana administration person is exposed to air and sunlight hence it is termed as Vatatapika. In this method person while on Rasayana therapy continues his normal daily routine. Here the diet and lifestyle are flexible as per the lifestyle of patient and therefore the outcome of the Rasayana therapy administered by this method is lesser than the indoor method of Rasayana administration.

Dronipraveshika-Rasayana

This method of Rasayana administration is not in use in present times. But treatise Charak Samhita has described this method in which person after consuming specific herbs stays in Droni (boat) made of Palash (Butea monospermea) and stays inside it for six months. After six months person attains health, lusture, intellect and vigour.

4. Other types of Rasayana

Medhya Rasayana^[9]

This group of Rasayana have memory and intellect enhancing properties. They improve the (intellect) Dhi, (retention power) Dhriti and (recalling power) Smriti. Although all the Rasayana drugs are having these properties but special four drugs have been mentioned in improving the higher mental functions. They are Guduchi, Madhuyashti, Mandukparni and Shankhpushpi.

Aachara Rasayana^[10]

Achara-Rasayana is basically the non pharmacological way of acquiring the Rasayana effect with the good personal, moral and social behaviour.

In this type of Rasayana, the ways of living, role of Satvika diet, what to do and what to avoid have been described. By following the principles of Achara Rasayana, person can achieve psychological and social satisfaction which is essential for a healthy living.

Classifications of Rasayan

Construction of Kuti: Kuti should be constructed in a good site inhabited by the king, physician, Brahmins, saints and those who perform virtuous acts and place well ruled and freed from disturbances. The place is having adequate water storage. The Kuti should face towards the east or the north direction. It should have three concentric courts ‘Garbha-Grihas’ (inner homes) and should be furnished with narrow ventilators. It should not be very tall, long or low. The wall should be thick and it should be pleasant to reside in all season. It should be well lighted and pleasant to the mind and be free from undesirable noise etc. The most important point in the construction is 'Ritu-Sukha' that means heat, cold and light should be adequate. The seasonal changes outside should not affect the Kuti inside. The Kuti should be surrounded by compound wall, having lot of useful trees and medicinal herbs grown in the compound. The outer Griha should have its entrance in east, the centre Griha should have the entrance in west and the inner one should have the entrance in north. It is designed so because north is the conceptual abode of Lord of Medicinal herbs. Also, one can easily enter the inner-house clockwise. Whatever may be the style it should be in such a way that there will be only minimum exposure to light and wind. None other than the physician and patient should be allowed to enter the Kuti during the course of treatment. Toilet and washing facilities should be there inside the Kuti. Only warm water should be used for all needs. If needed, a believable attendant can be employed. The physician should either stay there or come and visit the patient quite often.^[11]

Mode of action of Rasayana

Our body is sum total of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala.^[12]

Everyone on this universe cherishes a healthy life and for that it is essential that these three elements remain in a balanced state. Health of an individual is again dependent on the quality of food he takes and on the status of Agni^[13]which will help in digestion, absorption and assimilation of the ingested food. Nutrition to the body elements is provided by the Ahara-Rasa which is the first Dhatu formed during the digestion of food. Rasa nourishes our body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and mind in best of health. Thus, it is very important for health of a living being that Ahara-Rasa formed after digestion of food must be of best quality and it must get circulated in body unhindered in order to nourish the body tissues. Rasayanas help in achieving the above-mentioned objective. Thus, we can conclude that Rasayana act at the level of Agni to enhance the nutritional quality of Ahara-Rasa and helps in better circulation and assimilation of the nutrients at cellular level. The Rasayana by improving digestion and enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients of Ahara-Rasa thus helps in attaining longevity, memory, intelligence, health, youthfulness, excellence of lustre, complexion and voice, optimum development of physique and sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brilliance.^[14]

Time of administration & selection of Rasayana

The ageing starts right from the birth. Old cells are replaced by new cells in the growing phase of life. But when the catabolic process dominates over anabolic process, we start growing old. In today’s fast pace world stress is an inescapable part of life due to which this degeneration starts early which can be prevented by Rasayana. Now the question arises what is the appropriate time of administration of Rasayana? Acharya Shusruta has said "Purvevayasivamadhaye”^[15] means best time for administration of Rasayana is late adult or middle age i.e., 3^rd-5^th decade of life. During selection of a particular Rasayana various factors like Desha, Kala, Vaya, Prakriti, Dhatu, Agni, Dosha, Dushya & Vayadi (disease) condition should be kept in consideration.

Acharya Sharangdhara has advocated that with every decade of life some important aspect of life is lost.^[16] The order of loss of these ten elements in consecutive order is Balya (childhood), Vridhi (growth), Chhavi (beauty), Medha (intellect), Tvak (skin health), Drishti (visual acquity), Shukra

(sexual power), Vikrama (physical strength), Budhi (wisdom), Karmendriya (locomotor power). Hence, the selection & administration of Rasayana drugs should be done keeping in mind these losses. Similarly different Rasayana drugs act at different tissue level hence the affected tissue should also be kept in mind while selecting Rasayana.

Decade wise specific loss and desirable Rasayana

Decade of life (Years)	Specific loss from body	Desirable Rasayana
1-10	Balya	Vacha, Suvarna
11-20	Vridhi	Bala,Ashwagandha
21-30	Chhavi	Amalki, Lauha
31-40	Medha	Shankpushpi, Jyotishmati
41-50	Tvak	Bhringraja, Somraji
51-60	Drishti	Saptamritalauha
61-70	Shuskra	Ashwagandha, Kapikachu
71-80	Vikrama	Amalki, Bala
81-90	Budhi	Brahmi
91-100	Karm-endriya	Bala, Ashwagandha

Discussion

Health is a complex phenomenon. To maintain health and balance of mind & body at any time numerous interrelated physiological, biochemical and hormonal functions need to act together in harmony with great precision. The ancient Ayurvedic physicians have explained the delicate anatomy and physiology of human body in a very holistic way. They saw the living entity as sum total of physical body, senses, the psyche and the soul. Ayurveda describes the healthy person as one whose anatomy and physiology in terms of Dosha, Dhatu and Mala are in a state of balance and who is in a state of sensorial, mental and spiritual well being.^[17]

Avurveda describes its objectives in two broad ways one is preservation of health and second is treating the disease. For preservation of health there is detailed description of measures like Dincharya, Ratricharya, Rittucharva, Sadvritta and periodic seasonal Panch-Karma. Details about lifestyle, diet, exercise, personal and social hygiene have been described. Similarly, Rasayana-Chikitsa, a separate speciality branch of Ayurveda is devoted mainly for preservation and promotion of health by revitalizing the metabolism and enhancing immunity. It has therapeutic potential in combating

many dreadful diseases of present times like tuberculosis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, stroke, Alzheimer’s, cancer etc.^[18]

However, this holistic science cannot be entirely tested on parameters of the today's science which is having reductionist approach but still there has been a plenty of research work done on the Rasayana in order to reason them in the modern context. Different studies on Rasayana drugs have proven their efficacy to treat epilepsy, convulsive disorders, and psycho-somatic stress. Rasayana have also shown positive results in alleviating anxiety, apprehension and keeping the mind calm and cool.^[19]Maximum studies on Rasayana have been done on their antioxidant & immune-modulation properties. Studies have concluded that Rasayana regulate the immunological and endocrine systems without damaging the auto-regulative functions of the organisms. Rasayana drugs have been reported to treat generalized weakness and afford protection from cyclo-phosphamide induced leuckopenia.^[20]

Possible protective mechanism of Rasayana may be by immune-modulation, quenching free radicals, enhancing cellular detoxification mechanisms, repairing damaged non proliferating cells, inducing cell proliferation and self-renewal of damaged proliferating tissues and replenishing them by eliminating damaged or mutated cells with fresh cells.^[21]

Conclusion

Rasayana is a specialized branch of Ayurveda practiced in the form of drug, diet and special health promoting conduct and behaviour.

Studies have proven the efficacy of Rasayana drugs mentioned in Ayurvedic texts in management of various disorders like infections, diabetes, cancers, inflammations, neuro-degenerative conditions and atherosclerosis etc. Rasayana drugs are believed to act as immune-modulators, adaptogens, tree radical scavangers, anabolic, nutritive and anti-ageing agents etc. But still there is lacuna in existing knowledge and lot of work is required to generate scientific evidence in support. It can be concluded that if worked out in a systematic way, Rasayana drugs will be future medicine in combating dreadful diseases of current times and future.

Reference

1. Kashinath Shastri, Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi, Charaka Samhita with Elaborated Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Sutrasthana, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, 2005, p.587.

2. Atrideva Gupta, Ashtanga Hridyam, Edited with Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Sutrasthana, Chapter 1 verse 5, Chaukhambha Prakshan, Varanasi. 2016, p.3

3. Ajay Kumar Sharma, Kayachikitsa-IV, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Delhi, 2014, p.310.

4. Acharya Y T, Shusruta Samhita, Edited with Nibandha Sangraha Teeka, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 27 verse 1, Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthana. Varanasi. 2009, 0498

5. Eric L. Teasdale, Workplace stress. Psychiatry, July2006. Vol.5(7):251-254.

6. http://m.timesofindia.com/india/Indias-eating-habits-may-have-changed-but-not-nutrition-levels/articleshow/45655606.cms.

7. http://scroll.in/article/812278/ Every day, India sees 10 suicides related to drug abuse and only one of them is from Punjab.

8. Ajay Kumar Sharma. Kavachikitsa-IV. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Delhi, 2014, p.322.

9. Kashinath Shastri, Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi, Charaka Samhita with Elaborated Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 1-3 verse 30-31, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi,1998, р.39

10. Kashinath Shastri, Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi, Charaka Samhita with Elaborated Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 1-4, verse 26, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi. 1998, p. 58.

11. Agnivesha, “Charak Samhita”, with Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary, by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi and Ganga SahayPandey, Chikitsa Sthana Chapter 1/1, Verse No. 5. Page.4. Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.

12. Ambikadutta Shastri, Shusruta Samhita, Edited with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika, Sutrasthana, Chapter 15 verse 3, Chaukhambha Sanskrita Sansthana, Varanasi, 2003, p.56.

13. Kashinath Shastri,'Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi, Charaka Samhita with Elaborated Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 15 verse 3-5, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, 1998, р. 452-453.

14. Kashinath Shastri, Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi, Charaka Samhita with Elaborated Vidyotini Hindi Commentary, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 1-1 verse 7-8, Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, Varanasi, 1998, p. 5.

15. Ambikadutta Shastri, Shusruta Samhita, Edited with Ayurveda TattvaSandipika, Chikitsasthana, Chapter 27. verse 3, Chaukhambha Sanskrita Sansthana, Varanasi, 2003, p. 120

16. Brahmanand Tripathi, Sharangdhara Samhita, Dipika Hindi Commentary, Purva Khanda, Chapter 6 verse 62, Chaukhambha surbharti Prakashan, Varanasi, 2007, p.86

17. Ambikadutta Shastri, Shusruta Samhita, Edited with Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika, Sutrasthana, Chapter 15 verse 48, Chaukhambha Sanskrita Sansthana, Varanasi, 2003, p.64.

18. R. Govindarajan, M. Vijayakumar, P. Pushpangadan, Antioxidant approach to disease management and the role of Rasayana herbs of Ayurveda, Joural of Ethnopharmacology: 99 (2005);165178

19. Puri, H.S., 2003. 'Rasayana'-Ayurvedic herbs for longevity and rejuvenation. Taylor and Francis, London.

20. Kumar, P., Kuttan, R.V., Kuttan, G.G,1994. Chemoprotective action of 'Rasayana' against cyclophosphamide toxicity. Tumori 80, 306308.

21. Vayalil PK, Kuttan G Kuttan R. Rasayanas: evidence for the concept of prevention of diseases. Am J Chin Med, 2002: 30(1): 155-71.

Manuscript Received	Review Round 1	Review Round 2	Review Round 3	Accepted
2022-12-24	2022-12-27	2023-01-03	2023-01-10	2023-01-17
Conflict of Interest	Funding	Ethical Approval	Plagiarism X-checker	Note
Nil	Nil	Yes	16%

Review Article

Rasayan

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences