Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
DEFINITION
Medha means intellect
Rasayana means therapeutic procedure or
preparation that on regular practice will boost
nourishment, health, memory, intellect, immunity
and hence longevity.
Medhya Rasayanas are group of medicinal plants
described in Ayurveda with multi-fold benefits,
specifically to improve memory and intellect by
Prabhava (specific action).
Specially mentioned with wide range of
applications on different systems.
Medhya Rasayana are used either in polyherbal
preparations or alone.
Common Drugs in Medhya Rasayana
Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.)
Yastimadhu (Glycirrhiza glabra Linn.),
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers)
Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pleuricaulis Chois),
Brahmi (Bacopa monniera)
Jyothishmati (Celastrus panniculata)
Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida)
Vacha (Acorus calamus)
Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi).
Medhyarasayanas 1
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa:Tikta(bitter),Kashaya(astringent),Madhura
(sweet)
• Guna: Laghu(light),Sara (unstable)
• Virya : Shita(cold)
• Vipaka :Madhura(sweet)
• Doshakarma : Kaphavatashamak(alleviates K and V
dosha), Ayusya, Svarya ,Prajasthapana
• Prabhava : Medhya(memory booster)
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• It is best memory boosting herb.
• Diuretic :used in renal stones
• Blood purifier
• Nervine tonic: Used in sleep disorders, insanity,
Depression
• Improves digestion: Used in Anorexia,Dyspepsia
• Helps in Fatigue
• Bacopa monniera is a well-known tranquilizing,
cognitive enhancer, hepatoprotective.
http://LernAyurved
a.com
• Neuroprotective activity may be ascribed to
having its reactive oxygen species scavenging
property.
• Bacopa monniera is a saponin rich plant.
• Bacosides are the main active nootropic
principle present in the alcoholic extract of the
plant.
• Useful Parts:Whole plant
• Dose: Churna (powder) 1-3 gm
• Important Formulation:
• Brahmi ghrita
• Brahmi Tablets
• Ratnagiri rasa
• Smritisagar rasa
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
GUDUCHI
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Miers) is a
large glabrous, deciduous, climbing shrub of
Menispermaceae family found throughout
tropical India.
• Juice of whole plant is used therapeutically
as Medhya.
• It is also used in the form of decoction, powder
and Satwa (starch extract of stem).
Guduchi
• It is a well known Adaptogen.
• Adaptogen are herbs that bring the body back to
balance.They increase the immunity system.
• It is said to enhance the functions of protective
cells macrophages.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Synonyms
• Sanskrit : Guduchi, Amrita, Giloy
• English : Gulvel, Giloe
• Latin : Tinospora cordifolia
• Family : Menispermaceae
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Tikta(bitter),Kashaya(astringent)
• Guna: Laghu(light)
• Virya : Ushna(hot)
• Vipaka :Madhura(sweet)
• Doshakarma :Tridoshashamak (alleviates V
Pand K dosha), Samgrahi, Deepan, Balya ,
Raktasodhak
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• Medhya Rasayana
• It is best hepatic stimulant
• Diuretic: used in incontinence of urine,
dysuroa,gonorrhoea,cystitis,calculous
infection
• Jaundice
• Diabetes
• Piles
• Skin ailments
• Neurological disorders
• Improves intellect
• Respiratory disorders
• Arthritis and gout
• Chemotherapy
• Mechanism of cognitive enhancement is by
immunostimulation and increasing the synthesis
of acetylcholine, this supplementation of choline
enhances the cognition.
• Its root is known for its anti stress, anti-leprotic
and anti-malarial activities.
• Chemical constituents’ classes are alkaloids,
diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids and
polysaccharides.
• Neuroprotective and ameliorative properties are
due to their antioxidant and trace element
contents.
• Tinospora cordifolia is known to be a rich source
of trace elements (Zinc and Copper) which act as
antioxidants and protects cells from the
damaging effects of oxygen radicals generated
during immune activation.
• Tinospora cordifolia has been claimed to
possess learning and memory enhancing,
antioxidant and anti-stress activity.
• Useful Parts: Stem
• Dose: Churna(powder) 3-5 gm
• Important Formulation:
• Amritarishta
• Giloy satva
• Chemical composition:Terpenoids and
alkaloids.
MANDUKAPARNI
• Mandukaparni is a prostrate, perennial herb
rooting at nodes.
• Fresh whole plant juice is used for therapeutic
purposes as Medhya (cognitive enhancer).
• The proven clinical efficacy of Centella asiatica
selected triterpenes has led to its incorporation in
numerous cosmetic products
Mandukparni: Centella asiatica
Family:- Umbelliferae
Ayurvedic properties:
• Rasa :- Tikta
• Guna:- Laghu
• Veerya:- Seeta
• Vipaka:- Madhur
Medicinal Properties
• Nervine tonic
• brain growth promoter
• Centella asiatica showed highest free radical
scavenging activity
• hair growth promoter & prevent hair fall
• ant wrinkle, Rasayana - rejuvenator.
• Neuroprotective in nature
• Shows improved learning and memory.
• Anti seizure activity
• Antistress effects.
• It also exhibits DNA damage protection activity.
• Extracts of Centella are used in a herbal
cosmetic cream for the improvement of skin
viscoelasticity and hydration.
• Administration of Centella asiatica at 1,000
mg/kg b.wt for a period of 30 days in albino rats,
showed organ specific toxicity.
• The potential Major constituents are saponin
(medacoside, asiaticoside, medacassoside,
asiatic acid, a new triterpenic acid.[
• Useful Parts:Whole plant
• Dose: Churna (powder) 1-3 gm
• Important Formulation:
• Ratnagiri rasa
• Smritisagar rasa
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwaganda
• Ashwaganda is reputed as a
rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, alterative
and nervine tonic in Ayurveda.
• It is useful in emaciation, senile
debility, rheumatism. It is also
suitable as a geriatric tonic. Further
it also has an adaptogenic property
and hence prevents the harmful
effects of stress.
• It is the best Stress alleviating and Rejuvenative
herb.
• It helps in increasing immunity.
• It increases physical endurance and promotes
Ojas.
Synonyms
• Sanskrit : Ashwagandha , Vajigandha
• English : Winter Cherry
• Latin : Withania Somnifera
• Family : Solanaceae
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Tikta(bitter),Kasaya(astringent)
• Guna: Laghu(light)
• Virya : Ushna(hot)
• Vipaka :Madhura(sweet)
• Doshakarma :Kaphavatashamak(alleviates K
and V dosha), Balya, Rasayana, Vajikarna
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• It regenerates the hormonal system
• Promotes tissue healing
• Improves memory
• Medhya Rasayana
• Improves physical strength
• Cures ulcers
• Useful in stress, anxiety, depression, Rheumatism,
Dropsy,Impotency,Leucoderma,Cough
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Chemical Constituents
• Alkaloids like betasitosterol,
• Chlorogenic acid,scolpoletin and
• Withaferin.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
• Useful Parts:Roots and Leaves
• Dose: Powder 3-5 gm
• Important Formulation:
• Ashwagandha Churna
• Ashwagandha Tablets
• Ashwagandhadyaristha
• Ashwagandha lehya
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
JATAMANSI
• Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi) is an
erect perennial aromatic herb with long, stout,
woody, greyish, rhizomatous, tail-like rootstock
covered with reddish-brown hairs or tufted
fibrous remains of the petioles of withered
radical leaves and belongs to Valerianaceae
family.
Synonyms
• Sanskrit : Jatamansi, Mansi, Bhutajata
• English : Indian nard , Nardus root
• Latin : Nardostachys jatamansi
• Family : Valerianaceae
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Tikta(bitter),Kashaya(astringent)
• Guna: Laghu(light)
• Virya : Shita(cold)
• Vipaka :Katu(pungent)
• Doshakarma :Tridoshashamak (alleviates V
Pand K dosha), Medhya, Varnya, Nidrajanan,
Kusthaghna
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• Sleep disorders
• Medhya Rasayana
• Manasroga : Unmada (Insomnia),
Apasmar(Epilepsy)
• Blood disorders
• Improves digestion
• Improves Memory
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
• Rhizome is used for medicinal purposes as it
is Bhutaghna or Manasa Doshahara (relieves of
psychiatric problems) and Medhya.
• Roots and rhizomes of N. jatamansi are used to
treat hysteria, epilepsy, and convulsions.
• The decoction of the drug is also used in
neurological disorders, insomnia and disorders
of cardiovascular system.
Chemical Constituents
• Rhizomes contain a terpenoid ester,
nardostachysin I.
• An acetone extract of N. jatamansi has shown
significant inhibition of benzoyl peroxide-induced
cutaneous oxidative stress, toxicity, and ear
oedema in mice.
• Useful Parts:Root
• Dose: Churna(powder) 2 -4 gm
• Important Formulation:
• Mansyadi kwath
• Kumaryasava
• Chemical composition:Essential oil and
resinuous matter.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
SHANKHAPUSHPI
• Shankhapushpi is a perennial, prostate or sub
erect spreading hairy herb found throughout
India.
• Recommended therapeutic form is fine paste of
whole plant.
• Highly regarded as Medhya (intellect promoter).
Shankhapushpi
• Shankha means conch and so Shankhapushpi
means the herb which has conch shaped flowers.
• It is also one of the known nervine rejuvenator
ie: medhya rasayana.
• It helps in calming down the brain and thus
helps in relieving tension.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Synonyms
• Sanskrit : Shankhapushpi
• Latin : Convolvulus pluricaulis
• Family : Convolvulaceae
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Tikta(bitter),Kashaya(astringent),
Katu(pungent)
• Guna: Sara(unstable)
• Virya : Shita(cold)
• Vipaka : Katu(pungent)
• Doshakarma: Kaphapittashamak(alleviates
Kand P dosha),Rasayana , Medhya, Balya
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• It is a memory boosting herb hence used in
Nervous debility and memory loss.
• Syphilis
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
• It is effective in relieving signs and symptoms
of Chittodvega(anxiety disorders).
• Shankhapushpi significantly reversed the social
isolation stress-induced sleep.
• reported to be effective on Manasa-
mandata(mental retardation).
• Shankhpushpi calms the nerves by regulating the
body's production of the stress hormones,
adrenaline and cortisol.
Chemical composition
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
VACHA
• Vacha (Acorus calamus) of Araceae family is a
semiaquatic, perennial, aromatic herb with its
rhizome being horizontal, rounded, somewhat
vertically compressed, spongy and leaves grass
like and sword shaped; grown all over India.
• Rhizome is useful part having Medhya quality.
• It has been used in Indian and Chinese system of
medicine for hundreds of years to cure diseases
especially the central nervous system (CNS)
abnormalities.
Vacha
• It is also a memory boosting herb.
• It helps in improving speech of children who are
not able to speak clearly.
• It also acts as a tonic for general arthritic pains,
cold, cough.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Synonyms
• Sanskrit : Vacha , Ugra, Shadgrantha
• English : Sweet flag
• Latin : Acorus calamus
• Family : Arecaceae
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Tikta(bitter), Katu(pungent)
• Guna: Laghu (light),Tikshna(sharp)
• Virya : Ushna(hot)
• Vipaka : Katu(pungent)
• Doshakarma: Kaphavatahara (alleviates K and
V dosha), Malamutravishodhani, Medhya,
Dipani, Krimihara, Kanthya
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• Medhya Rasayana
• Dysentry
• Cough and asthma
• Clearing speech
• Epilepsy
• Insomnia
• Ear ache
• Constipation
• Colic Pain
• Memory loss
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Chemical composition
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
YASHTIMADHU
• Yastimadhu is a hardy herb or under shrub
belonging to Fabaceae family
• Fine powder of dried root is used internally with
milk for therapeutic purpose as Medhya.
Synonyms
• Sanskrit : Yashtimadhu
• Latin : Glycirrhiza glabra Linn.
• Family : Fabaceae
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Madhura(sweet)
• Guna: Guru, Snighda
• Virya : Shita(cold)
• Vipaka : Madhura
• Doshakarma: Vatapittashamak(alleviates Vand
P dosha),Rasayana , Medhya, Balya
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• an efficient brain tonic
• It increases the circulation into the CNS system
and balance the sugar levels in the blood.
• Liquorice has significant action on memory
enhancing activity in dementia
• It significantly improved learning and memory
• Anti emetic
• Good for cough and throat diseases.
• Powerful anti oxidant.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Chemical composition
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
SHATAVARI
• Shatavari is a potent Ayurveda herb for female.
• It prommote overall well being and health.
• It is one of the best female tonic
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Pharmacodynamic Properties
• Rasa: Madhura (sweet),Tikta(bitter)
• Guna: Guna: Guru, Snighda
• Virya : Shita(cold)
• Vipaka : Madhura
• Doshakarma: Vatapittashamak(alleviates Vand
P dosha),Rasayana , Balya, Ayusya.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Medicinal Uses
• supports reproductive health and tonic for
pregnant and nursing women.
• supports normal production of breast milk for
nursing mothers .
• relieves menopausal symptoms
• Traditional uses
• Shatavari has been used for improving women’s
reproductive health with milk. Shatavari also
increases libido
• It is used with sugar, ghee and milk during
pregnancy as a fetal tonic.
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
• Useful Parts: Root
• Dose: Powder 3-6 g with milk and sugar
• Important Formulation:
• Sthree kalp. Phal ghee,
• Shatavari ghee
http://LearnAyurve
da.com
Research Conclusions
(review by Murthy ARV, Intl. sem on plant based med. p194-
207,0ct 2004)
• Anxiolytic: Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jatamansi,
Dhatura
• Anti Depressant: Ashwagandha, Brahmi,
Jatamansi, Vacha, Kapikacchu, Puga
• Tranquilising: Jyotishmati
• Anti convulsant: Shankhapushpi, Shigru,
Ustakhaddus
• Anaesthetic: Ashwagandha
• Adaptogenic: Ashwagandha, Jyotishmati,
Amalaki
• Anti epileptic: Ashwagandha, Brahmi,
Jatamansi, Vacha, Kapikacchu, Jyotishmati
• Anti Parkinsonism: Kapikacchu
THANK YOU