Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW ON ROLE OF LIPID-BASED AYURVEDIC FORMULATIONS (GHRITA) IN MENTAL HEALTH

Dr. Amziya Mujawar*, Dr. Aishwarya Patil

Abstract

Objective: To critically review the role of lipid-based Ayurvedic formulations (Ghrita) in promoting mental health and managing mental disorders. Data Sources: Data were collected from classical Ayurvedic texts, including Charaka Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharangadhara Samhita, Bharat Bhaishajya Ratnakara, and Bhaishajya Ratnavali, along with relevant research articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Review Methods: A comprehensive literature review was carried out to identify ghrita formulations used in mental health conditions. Classical literature was reviewed and studied for therapeutic indications and modern scientific researches were conducted for pharmacological and clinical effect assessment. Results: Various ghrita formulations are mentioned in Ayurveda for the management of anxieties, stress, memory problems, epilepsy, insanity and other neurological disorders. Ghrita Kalpana is a special form of dosage which capitalizes on the therapeutic properties of both herbal ingredients and ghrita. As ghrita is rich in lipids, it may assist in delivering the bioactive components across the blood–brain barrier, thereby increasing their therapeutic effects. Recent studies have highlighted the positive effects of several ghrita formulations on cognition, memory, stress tolerance, neuroprotection and global mental well-being. Conclusion: Ghrita formulations are among the major modalities in Ayurveda for sustaining mental health and treating various neuropsychiatric disorders. The scientific appraisal of these formulations, both from classical and modern research, show. their potential use for the treatment and management of mental health. Further research including experimental investigations and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action of these formulations.

Keywords: Ghrita, manas roga, mental health, memory, Ghrita Kalpana, Ayurveda.