Ayurvedic Pharmacology and Therapeutic Applications

Ayurvedic pharmacology is founded on a holistic system of medicine that seeks to restore equilibrium among the three fundamental bioenergetic forces, or doshas, by employing a detailed classification of medicinal substances according to their rasa (taste), guna (qualities), virya (potency), vipaka (post-digestive effect) and prabhava (specific action). Classical formulations, often termed Rasayanas, combine multiple botanicals to exert adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Iconic preparations such as Triphala, Chyavanaprasha and Brahmi have been subjected to phytochemical analysis, revealing diverse bioactive constituents—polyphenols, alkaloids and terpenoids—that modulate cellular signalling pathways governing oxidative stress, apoptosis and immune responses. Advances in formulation science, including nanoparticulate systems and thermoresponsive hydrogels, have enhanced bioavailability and target specificity. Therapeutic applications of Ayurvedic pharmacology encompass gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer support and radioprotection. The integration of standardised Ayurvedic formulations into evidence-based practice demands rigorous characterisation of active molecules, elucidation of pharmacokinetics and toxicology, and well-designed clinical trials to substantiate efficacy and inform global regulatory standards.

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Ayurvedic Pharmacology and Therapeutic Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in ayurvedic pharmacology and therapeutic applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Dosha: Fundamental physiological principle categorising bioenergetic forces (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in Ayurvedic medicine.

Rasayana: Class of rejuvenative Ayurvedic formulations designed to enhance longevity, immunity and tissue vitality.

Oxidative stress: Cellular damage resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defence systems.

Thermoresponsive hydrogel: Polymer network that transitions from liquid to gel at specific temperatures, enabling controlled drug delivery.

Radioprotector: Agent that mitigates the harmful effects of ionising radiation on biological tissues.

References

1. Indian Systems Of Medicine: A Brief Profile. African Journal of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines (2008).
2. Bridging Ayurveda with evidence-based scientific approaches in medicine. EPMA Journal (2014).
3. A Narrative Review of the Herbal Preparation of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines Applied as Radioprotectors. Antioxidants (2023).
4. Investigation of a Thermoresponsive In Situ Hydrogel Loaded with Nanotriphala: Implications for Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Therapy in Nasal Disorders. Gels (2025).
5. Oxidative Stress and Cancer: Chemopreventive and Therapeutic Role of Triphala. Antioxidants (2020).