Abstract

CRITICAL REVIEW ON BRAIN TONICS IN AYURVEDA

Dr. Umakant N. Rabb*

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Abstract

The drugs which improve concentration, IQ, memory better cognitive functions, sleep and nerve structure are known as brain tonics. They are Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.), Yastimadhu (Glycirrhiza glabra Linn.), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Miers) and Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pleuricaulis Chois), Aindri/Bramhi (Bacopa monniera), Jyothishmati (Celastrus panniculata), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi). The juice helps to enhances memory, relieves stress, and is beneficial in Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and nourishes nerves. Shankhpushpi is almost similar qualities to Brahmi. Shankhpushpi helps to get a good sleep and it also relaxes the body and mind. Jyotishmati is effective in mental diseases such as schizophrenia. The Vaacha means which corrects the speech so named Vacha. It is very effective in speech disorders. Children whose speech is delayed or in case of blurred speech, Vacha can be advised. Vacha improves memory as well as mental development. Excess consumption leads to vomiting. Jatamansi is helpful to have a good sleep, as well as it nourishes the brain. The present work is an attempt to update on these drugs and the evidences are collected from various researches on animal model or on bioactive components with pre clinical study on human body.

Keywords: Brain tonic, Bramhi, Jatamasni, Shankapushpi, Aindri, Anti oxidant, Memory boosters etc.