Immunity Boosting Drugs in Ayurveda – A Review

Abstract

The concept of Immunity is mentioned as ‘Vyadhikshamatwa’ in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda numbers of medicinal herbs are described under immunity enhancing drugs category. The concept of immunity enhancer is explained under the category of Rasayan chikitsa in Ayurveda. These herbs are used in various diseases, especially by modulating the immune system. These herbs are called as Rasayan Dravyas. Ayurveda medical science comprises the herbs which are Rasayana and also which are non-Rasayana in nature. In Samhitas entirely enriched with enormous data of Rasayana medicinal herbs acting as immune modulators. The data of available Samhitas and researches show that these Rasayana herbs have immense potential as immune modulators. Advanced researches have proven that drugs like Guduchi, Haritaki, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Jyotishmati act as a good immune enhancer. Theses herbs are mentioned in Ayurveda as Rasayana drugs. Experimental studies also have proven the role of Rasayana drugs as antioxidant, adoptogenic and having anti-stress activities. These Rasayana drugs as having immunity enhancer protect the health of a healthy person and protects them from any type of diseased condition. Charakacharya had mentioned Rasayanchikitsa adhyay as the first addhya of their chikitsasthan considering his aim as ‘Swasthasya Swasthya Rakshanam’. This means to protect the health of a healthy person as in priority by using immunity enhancer drugs as Rasayanas. This review article empowers such reviewed data on Rasayan medicinal herbs as a promising future target for immunotherapy.