AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN NUTRACEUTICALS W. S. R. TO RASAYANA

The roots of the concept of Nutraceuticals and functional foods can be traced to the ancient Ayurvedic system of health care. The concept of Rasayana or Rejuvenation therapy is a part of eight clinical specialities of Ayurveda. The concept of promotion of health through Rasayana is based on Ayurveda pathophysiology and its understanding of health and physiological system imbalances that lead to disease development. The word Rasayana is composed of two words ‘Ras’ + ‘Ayan’. The means by which one gets the excellence of Rasa (the nourishing fluid which is produced immediately after digestion) is Rasayana. These Rasa nourishes our body and stimulates the immunity of the body and keeps us healthy. The Ayurvedic texts describe a set of rejuvenative measures i.e. Rasayana which are claimed to act as micronutrients offering protection from external and internal stressors. This ancient understanding is being reintroduced as Nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are natural, bioactive materials that provide demonstrated physiological benefits or reduce the risk of chronic diseases, above and beyond their basic nutritional function. This concept of promoting health and preventing disease through nutrition and special nutritional preparations has been used for millennia in Ayurveda.The term ‘Nutraceutical’ was coined by Stephen L. De. Felice, in 1989. The word is a portmanteau of ‘Nutrition’ and ‘Pharmaceutical’ and refers to extracts of foods claimed to have a medicinal effect on human health. Consumers’ demand for quality of life has fueled the nutraceutical revolution and seeking complementary or alternative beneficial products. The association of nutraceuticals with traditional medicine brings the long standing consumer acceptance. In this review article Nutraceuticals and Rasayana in Ayurveda have been correlated and discussed

REVIEW ON CHAKRADATTA - A GREAT TREATISE BY CHAKRAPANIDATTA

Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy) forms the basis of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. In ancient Ayurveda, the emphasis has been over the herbs and their therapeutic usages. Later on the animal products, metals and minerals started to find favor of the Ayurvedic practitioners. Ample of literature is available on Rasashastra. Chakradatta is one of the great treatise composed by Shri Chakrapanidatta, the well known Tikakarta of Charak Samhita. Chakradatta holds an important place amongst academicians, researchers and students of Rasashastra. Many verses of Chakradatta are derived from 50 sources. The principle source of this book as stated by the author himself at the end of the work is Vrndss Siddhayoga. Chakradattas main aim was to present it as an up to date text of Ayurveda medicine for the benefit of ailing mankind. The uniqueness of Chakradatta is in the description of several metallic and mercurial preparations for the purpose of internal use as medications. Therapeutic principles specific for the disease recommended by Chakradatta are beneficial even today for the practitioners of Ayurveda. Present paper will highlight the framework of Chakradatta, providing information about the author, text, characteristics & innovations. It will also throw a light towards the contribution of Chakradatta in the field of Ayurveda.

ROLE OF LEPAKALPANA FOR IMPROVING BEAUTY OF SKIN W. S. R. TO MUKHALEPA

Skin (Twacha) is the largest organ of the body and has a great cosmetic value. It is one of the five Jnanendriyas (sense organs) i.e., Sparsha jnyaan (touch sensation) gets from it. So it has ample of importance in physical and mental well being of an individual. It is most vulnerable to disease as it exposes to external environment. There are lots of reasons behind the skin problems and most striking is the todays busy and stressful life. Skin disorders affects all ages from the neonates to the elderly persons.Ayurveda an ancient science has vast description of the topical applications in the name of Lepa kalpana described both as the Chikitsa (treatment) of various skin diseases and for beauty. The medicines that are in the form of a paste and used for external application are called as Lepas. A great demand from Ayurveda in the field of cosmetology has been established due to its unique concept about beauty and effective, cheaper and long lasting therapy without any side effects. The herbal paste which is applied on face to treat acne, pimples, scars, marks and pigments are known as Mukha Lepa (face pack) in Ayurveda. Mukhalepa is a simple and effective skin care treatment in Ayurveda, which is done using variety of herbal pastes. The herbal face pack mainly consists of different rejuvenating herbs that help in nourishment of the skin and also aid in skin cleansing and make it soft and clear. Mukhalepas also helps to increase the elasticity of the skin and thereby prevents the ageing of the skin, avoids wrinkles on the face, and gives a good skin tone.The present article is aimed to provide the details about the Lepa kalpana from the classics of Ayurveda, the concept of Mukha lepa and the drugs mentioned in classics which are useful for improving complexion and for the common skin ailments.