Abstract

REVIEW ON SPECTRUM OF NOOTROPIC MEDICINES IN AYURVEDA

Ambili Aravind*, Anju P. Ramachandran and Jithesh M.

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Abstract

Aim: This study focuses on the documentation and critical review of the nootropics in Ayurveda. Background: Nootropic drugs were proposed as a class of psychoactive drugs that selectively improve efficiency of higher telencephalic integrative activities. A detailed account of medicinal plants for enhancement of neurocognitive functions, such as medhya rasayanas, smritikara, buddhivivardhaka drugs etc. are available in Ayurveda. Memory boosters, cognitive enhancers, intelligence enhancers and nerve tonics are all terms used to describe Nootropic medications. Review results: Description of the valuable knowledge about plant drugs ascribed with nootropic effect is scattered in ayurvedic medical literatures and numerous researches which is pivotal for further research and drug development. For rational, evidence-based use and development of safe, effective, and acceptable pharmacological dosage forms, it is vital to comprehend the mode of action of these plant drugs based on their traditional use, principles mentioned in Ayurveda texts, and also applying modern pharmacological methods Conclusion: It is an effort to bring together some of the best nootropics in Ayurveda & to bridge the gap connecting effective, affordable traditional medicines to neurological pharmacotherapeutics. The focus of the present review is to assemble and summarize important research finding regarding nootropics in Ayurveda.

Keywords: Nootropics, Neurology, Medhya, Smrithi.