Chyawanprash

Abstract: Chyawanprash is a household remedy in northern India, popular for its nutritional value. In Ayurveda, Chyawanprash is classified under the category of Rasayana, which aims at maintaining physique, vigour and vitality, while delaying the ageing process. It is believed that Chyawanprash helps not only in maintaining homeostasis but also increases resistance of the body. Chyawanprash is prepared by incorporating around 50 herbs including Amla, the richest source of vitamin C. Herbs used in the preparation of formulation are boiled in water, then dried extract is combined with honey followed by addition of aromatic (like cardamom, cinnamon, and clove) herb powders. The finished product, which has consistency of a fruit jam, is sour and spicy in taste. Chyawanprash deserves a scientific exploration so as to document its therapeutic utility.

Abstract: Objective: Chyawanprash is an Ayurvedic formulation which is used traditionally to increase vitality, vigor and for delaying the aging process. The present study sought to explore the beneficial effects of chyawanprash on cognitive function of aged mice.Method: In the present study, chyawanprash (CHY) was administered orally in two concentrations (1 and 2% w/w of the diet) for 15 successive days to 17 different groups of young (8 groups) and aged (9 groups) mice. After 15 days of chyawanprash administration, the memory of the animals was assessed using Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. The brain acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE), the levels of brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated.Results: The administration of chyawanprash (1 and 2% w/w) for 15 consecutive days significantly improved the memory of aged mice when compared to young mice. This Ayurvedic formulation decreased the acetylcholinesterase activity in aged mice, conseque...

Abstract: The paper discusses the many forms and representations of cyavanaprāsh, Ayurveda's best-selling medicine, already mentioned in Caraka's Compendium (c. 200 CE). The medicine's compositions, applications, and meanings, change over time and from locality to locality. Cyavanaprāsh is, for example, a patriotic formula, a booster of the immune system, a modern geriatric drug, and one of the elements in canonical Ayurvedic treatments. In the beginning of the 19th century cyavanaprāsh was a patriotic formula for fortifying Indian bodies and the nascent Indian nation. Nowadays the medicine is a Fast Moving Consumer Good (FMCG) and a money maker for Dabur India Ltd., the world largest Ayurvedic manufacturer. Instead of vitalising the nation its consumption now promises to make urban middle class consumers effectively modern. Branding and modern science must make Dabur Chyawanprash attractive in the eyes of these consumers. Ayurveda and cyavanaprāsh are also part of a global counter culture marked by neo-Orientalism and Ayurvedic medicines as facilitators of spirituality. The marketing of cyavanaprāsh by India's largest Ayurvedic manufacturer is used as a case study for discussing the proliferation of Ayurvedic brands and its critics. The imaging of Ayurvedic brands such as Dabur Chyawanprash threatens to obscure the fact that Ayurveda represents a unique way of looking upon health, disease and the human body. The proliferation of brands also makes Ayurvedic medicines more expensive and puts pressure on the natural environment as the main supplier of Ayurvedic ingredients.

Abstract: Ayurveda, the oldest Indian system of medicine, recommends the administration of a specified group of for - mulations known as Rasayana for preventing occurrence of diseases. Ayurvedic scholars like Caraka (500 BC) have mentioned that, the use of Rasayana would impart a long, healthy and a disease free life while promoting intelligence, memory and lustre. Chyawanprash (CP) is a well-known Ayurvedic Rasayana formulation and studies have indicated that they act as immunomodulators. In review part - 1, experimental studies (in vivo and in vitro), conducted by Dabur Research and Development Centre in evaluating the immunity benefits of Dabur Chyawanprash were reviewed. In the present review, Clinical Studies on Dabur Chyawanprash in establishing its beneficial effects on immunity have been reviewed. The criteria of assessment in the clinical studies was based on clinical symptoms, IgE, IgG, C3, C4, respiratory performance test, plasma cortisol levels and haematological parameters.