European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

RASADRAVYA AS RASAYANA IN GERIATRIC CARE AND CURE- WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MAKARADHWAJA RASA

Anjana Nambiar* and Rachana C.

ABSTRACT

Rasashastra is one of the essential branches in Ayurvedic management ofdiseases as well as maintainance of health. There is a mention of chaturvidha rasayana in the classification of rasaushadhis. Out of these, kupipakwa rasayana is a popular and commonly used formulation. It is known for its quick action and minimum therapeutic dosage. Makaradhwaja rasa is one such Kupipakwa rasayana. It is renowned rejuvenator, immunomodulator and aphrodisiac and also used in several disorders. Hence, considered as a Rasayana drug. In today‟s world, owing to faulty eating habits and modified lifestyle symptoms of ageing like greying of hair, memory loss, low immunity etc are observed in early stages of life itself. In Ayurveda, Geriatrics is described under vriddhavastha or jeenavastha. The word ageing is described by the word Jara. Types of jara, its symptoms and management are also described. Ayurveda has a lot to contribute towards Jarachikitsa. Rasayana drugs can be effectively used to delay the early ageing signs and prove to be very effective in management of geriatric problems. In the present paper specific mode of action of Makaradhwaja rasa as a rasayana dravya in Geriatric care and cure has been discussed.

Keywords: Kupipakwa rasayana, makaradhwaja rasa, geriatric, antiageing.