Review · Volume 6, Issue 12 · pp. 147–153

Nootropic herbs (Medhya Rasayana) in Ayurveda: An update

Reena Kulkarni¹, Girish K. J², Abhimanyu Kumar³

¹Department of Post Graduate Studies in Kaumarabhritya, SDM College of Ayurveda, Thanniruhalla, Hassan – 573 201, Karnataka, INDIA.
²Department of Kayachikitsa, SDM College of Ayurveda, Hassan, Karnataka, INDIA.
³Department of Kaumarabhritya, National Institute of Ayurveda, Amer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan, INDIA.

Abstract

Cognitive defi cits that present with many of neuropsychiatric conditions and/or alone as developmental defi cit demand use of nootropics to boost cognitive abilities. Recently there is a tremendous urge to explore medicinal plants globally for improving cognitive function owing to their less adverse effects. Ayurveda provides a list of herbs known for nootropic activity as well as their multi-dimensional utility in various conditions. Present paper is a review to update knowledge on pharmacological properties, major chemical constituents, therapeutic actions, preclinical studies, safety and possible mode of action of the selected herbs from ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Concurrently, it opens up for further research and standardization on nootropic herbs

Keywords: Ayurveda; memory enhancer; Medhya Rasayana; nootropic

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