1. PERSPECTIVE OF AYUSH ON HEALTHY AGEING
N.SRIKANTH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR RESEARCH IN AYURVEDA AND SIDDHA
Department of AYUSH
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
Govt. of India

2. Geriatrics in Ayurveda
The disease preventive and health promotive approach of ‘Ayurveda’, which takes into consideration the whole body, mind and spirit while dealing with the maintenance of health, promotion of health and treating ailments is holistic.
Ancient Ayurvedic physicians developed certain dietary and therapeutic measures to arrest/delay ageing and rejuvenating whole functional dynamics of the body system.
This revitalization and rejuvenation is known as the ‘Rasayan chikitsa’ (rejuvenation therapy).

3. Emphasis on prevention
The major preventive approaches for maintaining and improving the quality of life include individualized specific daily regimen (Dinacharya), seasonal regimen (Ritucharya), behavioral and ethical considerations (Sadvritta).
Healthy lifestyle is emphasized as the determinant of longevity of life, which by and large depends on the Prakriti (bio-identity i.e. body-mind constitution) of an individual.

4. Ageing………………
…….Ageing A Progressive and generalized impairment of functions Resulting …………… * loss of adoptive response to stress * increase in the risk of age-related diseases.

5. Ayurvedic Perspective
Geriasis ‘Jaraa Vyaadhi’ is a natural phenomenon
Classified as Swabhava pravritta Vyadhi
Although classified as disease; old age just like hunger, thirst, sleep and death; is a natural disposition, a natural phenomenon.
Predetermined life span (Niyat Aayush) can Universal, meaning observation of aging phenomena in all species.

6. Astanga Ayurveda : Eight Clinical Specialties of Ayurveda
Kayachikitsa Internal Medicine
Salya Tantra Surgery
Salakya Tantra Ophthalmology and ENT
Kaumarbhritya Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Gynecology
Agad Tantra Toxicology
Rasayan Tantra Geriatrics
Vajikarana Reproductive Health
Bhuta Vidya Psychiatry

7. JARA CHIKITSA ( AYURVEDIC GERIATRICS)
………………Jara Chikitsa or Rasayana is one among the eight branches of Ayurveda that deals with management of age related problems.
Preservation and Promotion of health
Prevention and Treatment of diseases
Preservation of youth

8. Caraka (700 BC) Chikitsa Sthan Chapter - 1/1-4
Changing Priority of Rasayana Tantra down the ages in Ayurvedic Classics
Caraka (700 BC) Chikitsa Sthan Chapter - 1/1-4
Susruta (600 BC) Chikitsa Sthan Chapter
Vagbhatta (300 AD) Uttar Tantra Chapter - 39

9. SEQUENTIAL LOSS OF SOME BIOLOGICAL VALUES IN AGING
Decades
Years
Losses (Vagbhatt)
Losses (Sarangdhara)
First
0-10
Balya (Boyishness)
Second
11-20
Vrddhi (Growth)
Vriddhi (Growth)
Third
21-30
Prabha (Lusture)
Chhabi (Beauty)
Fourth
31-40
Medha (Intellect)
Fifth
41-50
Twaca (Skin)
Twaca (Skin)
Sixth
51-60
Sukra (Sexual Ability)
Drsti (Vision)
Seven
61-70
Eighth
71-80
Srotendriya (Audition)
Vikram (Strength)
Ninth
81-90
Mana (Psyche)
Buddhi (Wisdom)
Tenth
91-100
Sparsendriya (Psychomotor
function)
Karmendriya (Locomotor Activity)

10. SCOPE use of Rasayanas Longevity Heightened memory and intelligence
  Freedom from disease
    Youth
Excellence of luster
   Excellence of Complexion and voice
Optimum strength of body and senses.
   Utterance that always gets
Fulfilled/Confidence
   The reverence of people
  Body-glow
all these can be obtained by the
use of Rasayanas

11. SCOPE A. As Per Scope of Use Kamya Rasayana (Health Promoting)
a. Prana Kamya for Vitality and Longevity
b. Medha Kamya for Mental Competence
c. Sri Kamya for Lusture and Complexion
2. Naimittika Rasayana (Disease specific)
B. As Per Method of Use
Vatatapika (Outdoor Regimen)
Kutipravesika (Intensive Indoor Regimen)
C. As Per Contents
Ausadhi Rasayana (Drug Rasayana)
Ajasrika Rasayana (Dietary Rasayana)
Acara Rasayana (Lifestyle Rasayana)

12. The Rasayana Effect Rejuvenation Rasayana Rasa Agni Srotas
(Nutrient Value
of plasma)
Agni
(DIGESTION Metabolism)
Srotas
(Microcirculation and Bio availability)
Improved Nourishment
Improved quality of Tissues
Longevity
(Jaranasa)
Immunity
(Vyadhi Nasa)
Mental Competence
(Medha Vriddhi)
Rejuvenation

13. Approach of Rasayana Therapy
The particular Rasayana has to be selected for each individual appropriately in consideration of
Vayas (age)
Prakriti (constitution)
Satmya (suitability)
State of agni (digestion & metabolism)
Dhatus (tissues)
Srotas (body channels)
Environmental factors like Desa (Habitat), Kala (Season) Etc.

14. Persons contra indicated for rasayan therapy
The following are persons contra indicated for Rasayan Therapy
Anatmawan – Mentally week
Alaso- lethargic
Pramadi – Carelessness
Vyasani – Addict
Papakarit – Trouble some
nature/sinfulness
7. Bheshajapamani – Dishonour for
medicine/no faith in medicine S.UT.27/1

15. The Holistic Rasayana Effect
Nutraceutical Vs Pharmaceutical
Nutrition Dynamics
Versus
Pharmacodynamics
Assimilation Transformation
Reaction Response

16. Possible Attributes PUSTIKARA NUTRITIVE OJOVARDHAKA/
BALAKARA IMMUNO MODULATORY/POTENT
MICRO NUTRIENT
AYUSHYA /AYUSKARA ANTIOXIDANT /ADAPTOGENIC
INDRIYA BALAPRADA SUPPORTS THE SENSORY
ANDMOTOR SYSTEMS
SMRITIKARA MEMORY BOOSTER
VRISYA APHRODISIAC
VAYASTHAPANA ANTI AGEING ACTION
BRIMHANA POLYTROPIC TISSUE TONIC

17. Some drugs possess more than one significant effects.
Specific Action of Rasayana Drugs
Rasayana drugs possess many effects out of which some are highly specific to the particular drug.
While selecting the drug for therapeutic purpose the specific effect of the drug is to be taken into consideration to achieve desired effects.
Some drugs possess more than one significant effects.
For instance, Haritaki possess both Vyadhihara (Curative effect) besides its potent Rasayana action.
Some drugs possess specific Rasayana effects- for instance Amalki possess Rasayana effects like- Anti-aging effect & Vyadhihara effect is not mentioned in particular context.

18. Specific Action of Rasayana Drugs
DESIRED EFFECT
SUITABLE RASAYANA DRUGS
Balya
Vaca (Acorus calamus Linn.)
Kasmari (Gmelina arborea Linn.)
Growth
Asvagandha (Withania somnifera)
Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.)
Beauty
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.)

19. Specific Action of Rasayana Drugs
Intellect
Sankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
Jyotismati (Celastrus panniculatus willd)
Skin Health
Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba Hassk)
Somaraji (Centratherum anthelminticum)
Vision
Caksusya (Cassia absus Linn.)
Saptamrta Lauha (An Ayurvedic Iron compound)

20. Jyotismati, Triphala, Satavari, Yastimadhu Heart diseases
Specific Action of Rasayana Drugs
DISEASE
SUITABLE DRUGS
Eye diseases
Jyotismati, Triphala, Satavari, Yastimadhu
Heart diseases
Salaparni, Arjuna, Guggulu, Pushkaramula
Skin diseases
Tuvaraa, Bhallataka, Vidanga, Somaraji, Gandhaka
Tuberculosis
Rasona, Nagabala, Silajatu, Pippali
Anaemias
Lauha, Maksika, Mandura
Asthma
Agastya rasayana, Bhallataka, Sirisa, Haridra

21. Bhallataka, Kupilu, Rasona Neuropathies
Specific Action of Rasayana Drugs
Arthritis
Bhallataka, Kupilu, Rasona
Neuropathies
Rasona, Guggulu, Bala, Nagabala
Diabetes
Silajatu, Amalaki, Haridra, Guduci, Jambu, Methika
Lipid disorders
Guggulu, Haritaki, Puskaramula, Vaca
Hypertension
Rasona, Bala, Rasna, Sarpagandha, Asvagandha
Psychosis
Sankhapuspi, Brahmi, Mandukaparni

22. SOME PROMISING RASAYANA
PLANT DRUGS OF AYURVEDA

23. Tinospora cordifolia(Guduchi)
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Amalaki
Emblica officinalis
Immunomodulatory
Adaptogenic
Antioxidant
Cardioprotective
Neuroprotective\
Anti-cytotoxic
Reference: Arunabh, B.et al.,1999: Antioxidant activity of active tannoids principles of Emblica officinalis(amla).I.J.Expol. Biology,vol.37(7),p
Tinospora cordifolia(Guduchi)
Hepatoprotective, Anti-inflammatory Nutrient ,Immunomodulator activity
-Immunostimulant activity (Activate Mononuclear cells to release cytokines)
Bhupinder Singh et al – Ind.J.Pharmacol 13(1): 96, 1981.
Rege, N. et al, Indian Drugs, 21(12): , 1984.Chopra R.N. et al, Gloss. Ind. Med. Plants CSIR, N. Delhi, 244, Thatte U M et al.J.Post.grad.Med.1994; 40:202-3

24. Tulasi (Ocium sanctum)
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Aswagandha (Withania sominifera)
Immunomodulatory
Adaptogenic
Immunomodulator ,Enhances life span of patients having lower immunity
Singh N., Curr. Med. Pract. 23(1) 50,1981.Singh N, Int.J.Crude Drugs Res. 29: 29, 1982.,Singh N. et al Int.J. Crude Drugs Res. 24: 90, 1986
Tulasi (Ocium sanctum)
Strong antioxidant activity in vitro and anti-lipid peroxidative effect in vivo which strongly suggest free radical scavenging as a major mechanism by which Ocimum products protect against cellular damage and tumor induction, Anti-stress
Uma Devi P., 2001: Radioprotective, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties of the Indian holy basil, Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi). Ind. J. of Experimental Biol. V. 39, p

25. Nutritive tonic and immunomodulator
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Satavari
Nutritive tonic and immunomodulator
Indian Med. Plants. TPA Devasagayam & K.B. Saini.-Ind. Jour. of Exp. Biology-Vl-10 (6) P
Yashtimadhu
Immunomodulator, antioxidant, antitussive
Daswani, B.R., et al, 2003: Study of immunomodulatory activity of Yastimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra). National convention on current Trends in Herbal drugs & Annual Conference of Indian Society of Pharmacology, Herb-The Natura; Alternative , Gandhinagar,Gujarat,India, P.A-15, January

26. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Haridra (Curcuma longa)
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stimulant, tonic
Arora, R.B. et al., 1970: Chemical, Pharmacological and Toxicological studies of Curcuma longa (Turmeric). II Indo Soviet sym. Chem.. Nat. Products including Pharmacol, p. 133.
Srimal, R.C. et al, 1971 : A preliminary report on anti-inflammatory activity of Curcumin. Indian J. Pharmac 3, 10.
Lasuna (Allium sativum)
anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, free redicals scavenger, has hypoglycemic and hypocholestermic effect
Bhakuni, D.S. et al., 1969: Screening of Indian Plants for biological activity, part-II. Indian J. Exptl. Biol. 7, 250

27. Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)
anti-inflammatory, diuretic
Annual Report, P.R.U., G.M.C, Bombay. Singh, R.H. and Udupa, K.N : Sutdies on the Indian indigenous drug Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.) Part-III. Experimental and pharmacological studies. J. Res. Indian Med. 7, 17.
Bhalla, T.N. et al, 1971:
Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
Hepatoprotective, antioxidant, adaptogenic
Pandey, V.N. and Chaturvedi, G.N. 1968: Effect of alcoholic extract of Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurroa) on experimentally nduced abnormalities in the liver Indian J. Res. Indian Med. 3 (1), 25.

28. Shunthi (Zinziber Officinalis)
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Shunthi (Zinziber Officinalis)
Aromatic, corninative, digestive, stimulant Hypolipidaemic, hypoglycemic
Journal of Nutrition V/30/(5) P Fuhrman (2000)-Hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of Zingiber in cholesterol fed rabits-(1996) Sharma, Gusain & dixit phytotherapy Res, volume 10/6) PP
Draksha (Vitis Vinifera)
Nutritious, demulscent, suppurative, antioxidant, hyetoprotective
R.M. Facino (1994)-free radicals scavenging action and antievzyme activities of pro-cynanidines from vitis vinifera A mechaulsm of these capillary protective action-Frankel & Meyer pharm-Biol. Vol 36 (suppl) PP Antioxidants in grapes, and grape juices and their potential health effects-1998

29. Mandukparni (Centella Asiatica)
DRUG
INDICATIONS
REFERENCES
Brahmi (Bacoppa Monnieri)
Astringent, Racequillizer, smooth musclerelaxant, antispasmodic, anticancer
RH Singh & L singh-Part I-JRAS Vol 41(1), PP.133-Studies of anti-anxiety effect of Medhya Rasayana Drug Brahmi (1980)
Mandukparni (Centella Asiatica)
Alterative, common nervine tonic, cooling, cardio tonic
DNK Sharma 1996-phytotheraphy Res, Vol 10(2), PP –antistress activity of TC and CA Extracts

30. CURRENT DAY NEEDS AND SUGGESTED APPROACHES
We are aware of known and new diseases of body and mind fast spreading and threatening comfort, peace and welfare of life on earth
Attributable to modern scientific technological advances disturbing universal laws of nature.

31. CURRENT DAY NEEDS AND SUGGESTED APPROACHES
Physical Factors:
Cold, Heat, Pressure, Radiations, Atmospheric composition, Rhythms
Mental Stress
Social
Economical
Chemical
Water Pollutants, Metal Pollutants, Pesticides, Preservatives, Additives,
Nutrition.
Mutations, Enzyme levels, Hormones and other Biological processes
Free Radicals
AGING

32. CURRENT DAY NEEDS AND SUGGESTED APPROACHESDI
VERS I F
ED E
ECTS
These factors can be successfully tackled with the unique strength of Ayurveda ie.Rasayana.
Rasayana Tantra provides number of herbs having diversified actions on human body

33. CURRENT DAY NEEDS AND SUGGESTED APPROACHES
·  It would be worth to direct our efforts to
those traditional drugs which may be of use
a. in combating the so-called ‘Refractory Diseases for
which modern medicine has not been able to offer
much so far; and
b. as supplementary remedies to well-established
chemotherapy.

34. Novel approaches for adopting Rasayana therapies
Multiple actions on psycho- somatic set up that includes immuno-modulation (on immune system), antioxidant action( prevents bio-oxidation there by checking age related disorders, auto immune disorders, degenerative disorders), adaptogenic affects (on psychoneuroendocrinesystem) and so on.
Panchakarma therapy inducing Rasayana is a boon for many unsolved clinical problems related to bio-oxidation, free radicals, autoimmune disorders, cancer, Immunodeficiency syndromes.

35. AYUSKARA/AYUSHYA ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT HYPERTENSION DIABETES
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
PARKINSON DISEASE
GERIATRIC PROBLEMS
DEGENERATIVE CONDITIONS
ALZEMERS DISEASE
ETC.

36. BALAKARA /OJOVARDHAKA IMMUNO MODULATION
AIDS
SLE
THYROIDITIS
RHEUMATIC FEVER
GLOMERULONEPHRITIS
MYASTHENIAGRAVIS
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
PHOTOALLERGY ETC.

37. AYUSKARA/ AYUSHYA ADAPTOGENIC EFFECT
STRESS RELATED DISEASES (MENTAL/PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENTAL)
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINE PROBLEMS
PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS

38. INITIATIVES OF CCRAS-DEPARTMENT OF AYUSH ,
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
ON GERIATRIC CARE

39. National Campaign on Ayurveda & Siddha for
Geriatric health care
The National Campaign is aimed at generating awareness in private & public circles on strengths of Ayurveda & Siddha in Geriatric health care which benefit the elderly population.
The objectives of the workshop is to sensitize policymakers, parliamentarians, professionals viz. eminent scientists, social scientists, Ayurveda, Siddha & Allopathic physicians of other traditions of medicines working at primary, secondary & tertiary health care setups concerning the strength and merits of Ayurveda & Siddha in catering health care services to elderly population

40. Special Geriatric OPD
Council started weekly special Geriatric OPD on every Wednesday at 27 CCRAS Ayurveda and Siddha institutes.

41. PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO GERIATRIC CARE
JRAS Special issues on Geriatric health care
Background papers
Medicinal plants in Geriatric Care
Training Module for Geriatric health Care
Brain Ageing & Ayurveda
Select Research papers in evidence based Geriatric health care
 Training module for Geriatric Health Care

45. Conclusion
Ayurveda, the Science of life and Longevity evolved a clinical discipline of Rasayana Tantra as one of the major components of Astanga Ayurveda thousands of years ago.
Rasayana Karma is an unique blend of the phenomenon of nutrition, immunity, longevity and rejuvenation, besides a range of tissue/organ specific Rasayanas and Rasayanas with disease specific activity.
Ayurveda recount Nutrition, Immunity, Stress, Adaptation and Aging are interlinked processes.
A large number of drug and non-drug Rasayanas are described in Ayurveda and are still in popular use. Recent attempts of investigations on the scientific validity of Rasayana Agents have shown encouraging results.

46. May we see for Hundred years
May we live for hundred years

47. Thank You