ROLE OF MEDHYA RASAYANA (NOOTROPIC HERBS) IN PRESENT SCENARIO: AN AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Rasayanatantra is a branch of Ayurveda which describes the measures of attaining long life, maintenance of youthfulness, increasing immunity and providing excellent nutrition to all the body tissues. Rasayana on regular practice boosts nourishment, health, memory, immunity and longevity. Rasayana can be classified as Dravyabhuta and Adravyabhuta Rasayana. Adravyabhuta Rasayana includes Aachara Rasayana and Dravyabhuta Rasayana are classified as Kamya Rasayana, Naimittika Rasayana and Ajasrika Rasayana. Medhya Rasayana (nootropic herbs) is a subtype of Kamya Rasayana and they are used with an intention or desire to improve intellect, concentration and memory. Need of attaining mental peace is increasing day by day in view of tremendous increase in the stress and strain. Medhya Rasayana described in the classics can be used as single Dravyas or in combination. Some examples from our classics are Mandukaparni, Gudduchi, Yashtimadhu, Shankhpushpi, Brahmi, Vacha, Jatamansi and Ashwagandha. Aims and Objectives: To highlight the importance of using Rasayana in today’s perspective which is bounded by stressed life and immense competition. Materials and Methods: All the relevant Ayurvedic classics with desired content matter was available which was thoroughly searched and the outcome was analyzed. Conclusion: The use of Medhyarasayana in everyday sphere is a boon to the mankind considering the amount of stress, one is surrounded by which is difficult to deal with now a days

Microfluidic Platforms to Unravel Mysteries of Alzheimer's Disease: How Far Have We Come?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a significant health concern with enormous social and economic impact globally. The gradual deterioration of cognitive functions and irreversible neuronal losses are primary features of the disease. Even after decades of research, most therapeutic options are merely symptomatic, and drugs in clinical practice present numerous side effects. Lack of effective diagnostic techniques prevents the early prognosis of disease, resulting in a gradual deterioration in the quality of life. Furthermore, the mechanism of cognitive impairment and AD pathophysiology is poorly understood. Microfluidics exploits different microscale properties of fluids to mimic environments on microfluidic chip-like devices. These miniature multichambered devices can be used to grow cells and 3D tissues in vitro, analyze cell-to-cell communication, decipher the roles of neural cells such as microglia, and gain insights into AD pathophysiology. This review focuses on the applications and impact of microfluidics on AD research. We discuss the technical challenges and possible solutions provided by this new cutting-edge technique to understand disease-associated pathways and mechanisms

Revolutionizing goat milk gels: A central composite design approach for synthesizing ascorbic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles fortified smart gels

Goat milk gels (GMGs) are popular food due to their high water content, low-calorie density, appealing taste, texture enhancers, stability, and satiety-enhancing characteristics, making them ideal for achieving food security and zero hunger. The GMGs were optimized using the central composite design matrix of response surface methodology using goat milk powder (35–55 g), whole milk powder (10–25 g), and potato powder (10–15 g) as independent variables. In contrast, complex modulus, flow stress, and forward extrudability were chosen as dependent variables. The maximum value of complex modulus 33670.9 N, good flow stress 7863.6 N, and good extrudability 65.32 N was achieved under optimal conditions. The optimized goat milk gel was fortified with ascorbic acid-coated iron oxide nanoparticle (magnetic nature) decorated alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (AA-MNP@CANPs), making it nutritionally rich in an economically feasible way—the decorated AA-MNP@CANPs characterized for size, shape, crystallinity, surface charge, and optical characteristics. Finally, the optimized fortified smart GMGs were further characterized via Scanning electron microscopy, Rheology, Texture profile analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The fortified smart GMGs carry more nutritional diversity, targeted iron delivery, and the fundamental sustainability development goal of food security