Ayurvedic lipid based rasayans - A perspective on the preparation and pharmacological significance of lipids on the bioavailability of phytoconstituents

Abstract

For thousands of years, lipid based Ayurvedic formulations have been made in India, and the craft has survived down the millennia up to the present time. Some of these deliciously potent phytonutrient preparations are very popular and have sustained the test of time pertaining to their efficacy. Recent researches on the role of phytonutrients in promoting cardio-pulmonary, brain and immune health substantially buttress the philosophy underlying the use of lipids in preparing these emulsions, since a large number of these bioactives are lipophilic. Being lipoidic, they are absorbed through the lacteals in the small intestine, and are then transported through the thoracic duct directly to the heart, bypassing the liver. The formulations utilizing ghee (clarified butter) or sesame oil as the carrier lipid, either while frying the myrobalams or as Anupana (adjuvant), have special significance in modulating bodily immunity, since the immune system is housed in lymphatics which are lipid rich. Amla and lipid based Ayurvedic rasayans (rejuvenating formulations) are a popular and highly palatable group of phytonutraceutical preparations. This group of polyherbal adaptogenic formulations is classified separately from other formulations in Ayurvedic therapeutics. Several of these health-promoting rasayans are suitable to be consumed by all age-groups in the recommended season and dose. Current research on endothelial and immune cell receptor mediated uptake of lipoidic molecules, together with the knowledge of lipid absorption pathways, lends credence to the usefulness of rasayans in targeting the cardio-pulmonary and immune systems. An attempt has been made in this paper to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning the complex interplay between lipid delivered hydrophobic phyto-molecules, systemic lymphatics and the Immune system.

Standardization and preliminary characterization of an ayurvedic stress-relieving head massage oil of Nardostachys jatamansi DC

“…Ayurvedic medicated lipids can be considered as an effective Lipid-Based Drug Delivery System wherein fat and water-soluble phytoconstituents get evenly distributed and absorbed [ 27 ]. They are administered by oral, nasal, dermal, rectal, per vaginal, and external routes like head massage [ 28 ]. Bi-molecular lipid matrix-made cell membranes determine membrane permeability for specific molecules, hence lipid-based formulations can be readily absorbed through the cell membrane via passive diffusion [ 29 ] even for poorly water-soluble drugs.…”

Pumpkin Halwa Pudding: Not Just Dessert, A Bioactive Powerhouse to Boot as Well

“…Under the action of prolonged heat, the hydrophobic (lipophilic) phytoconstituents contained inside the thick-walled cells get released, and are then able to get bound to the lipid molecules of milk cream. Similar solubilization and bonding can take place between the hydrophobic phytochemicals and ghee molecules, creating a lipid based delivery system for the phyto-constituents [67]. This vesicular lipoidic system is stable, can protect against acid attack in the stomach, and can increase bioavailability of the phytochemicals in the intestines when acted upon by lipolytic processes [65,68].…”

Health benefits of ghee: Review of Ayurveda and modern science perspectives

“…These formulations, particularly those utilizing ghee or sesame oil as carriers, have a special significance in modulating immunity due to their absorption through the lymphatics, which are lipid-rich. Recent research on lipid absorption pathways and immune cell receptors supports the use of these lipid-based formulations in targeting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and immune systems [ 54 ]. Swarna Bindu Prashana , a ghee-based gold nanoparticle complex show immunity enhancing effects in children [ 55 ].…”