Background:A rational and well-developed pharmacological basis forms the foundation of therapeutics in Ayurveda. The principles and theories of Ayurveda need to be validated in the scientific context in order to harness the millennia old knowledge. Rasa (taste) of the substance is the foremost tool in Ayurveda to assess and determine the pharmacological properties and actions of the substance. Similarity in rasa is said to signify similar structure and consequently similar pharmacological behavior. Depending on skills developed over the course of long-term clinical experience one, can register the minute variations in rasa of substances and accordingly the possible variations in pharmacological actions. Thus, rasa can be used as a scientific tool in the drug discovery process to limit and focus the target areas.Aim:To sensitize scientific community to the utility of rasa as a tool in the process of drug discovery.Materials and Methods:All relevant ancient and contemporary literature was reviewed critically to form a scientific basis of the Ayurvedic concept of rasa as a tool to identify the pharmacological behavior of a substance.Conclusion:The review finds that rasa (taste) can be used as a guide to identify potential targets in drug discovery.

Shweta Musali (Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB)) is a traditionally used herb for its benefits in male sexual and general health. In the recent past, the herb has attained much commercial significance, both in domestic and international markets. However, limited clinical data is available to establish its traditional claims. The present study was aimed at evaluating the effect of the water soluble extract of CB root tubers on semen and testosterone in healthy adult males. The research was designed as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, trial upon the volunteers registered from the outpatient department (OPD) with age ranging from 20 to 40 years. Water extracts of CB and placebo was administered in the patients of groups A and B, for 12 weeks, in two divided doses of 500 mg. Assessment was done based upon Semen (Volume, Liquefaction Time, Sperm Count, Sperm motility) and Serum Testosterone levels parameters. Highly significant improvement was noted in the above parameters after administration of CB extract in comparison to Placebo. Hence it was concluded that the trial drug was effective in improving male sexual health.

Nomenclature of the disease on the basis of vitiation of the body humors is stressed in ayurveda. Sannipatika, i.e., ‘conglomeration of vitiated tridosa’ is the final stage of process of manifestation of disease. In this specific state of pathogenesis, the disease becomes more advance and mostly irreversible. A detailed scientific study of Sannipatika-avastha has been documented in classics. Comprehensive analysis of sannipata-state and its ways of presentation is the main theme of the current article.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenia is a disorder that leads to easy or excessive bleeding results from unusually low levels of platelets. Treatment modalities for Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) are available in modern science, namely corticosteroids, etc., have a lot of side effects, and include risky surgical procedures such as splenectomy. However, Ayurveda approach gives an understanding of its causes, pathogenesis, and treatment planning. Here, a case of chronic ITP diagnosed as per western medicine is being presented, which was treated with Ayurveda modalities. The patient was diagnosed with Raktapitta (~bleeding/hemorrhagic disorder) and was treated with oral medicines mentioned in Raktapitta chikitsa along with medicated food for two months. The patient's condition was assessed based on the symptoms of Raktapitta like Atyartava (~excessive menstrual bleeding), along with standard objective parameters such as platelets count, WHO bleeding scale, and ultrasonography. Significant improvement was noted in this case in both classical signs and symptoms (Atyartava and Bhrama) as well as in objective parameters. This case gives a focus on the prognosis and treatment approach of ITP through Ayurveda point of view.

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