EKA KALA AUSHADHA PRAYOGA, AUSHADHA KALPA, RASAYANA IN MANASA ROGA

EKA KALA AUSHADHA PRAYOGA, AUSHADHA KALPA, RASAYANA IN MANASA ROGA

EKA KALA AUSHADHA PRAYOGA

• Definition: Eka Kala Aushadha Prayoga refers to the administration of medicine once daily at a specific time.

• Relevance in Manasa Roga: Useful in chronic mental disorders where compliance is an issue; helps establish routine and reduces forgetfulness.

• Importance:

  • Minimizes side effects.

  • Improves patient compliance.

  • Maintains consistent drug levels in the body.

• Time of Administration:

  • Morning Dose (Pratahkaala): For kapha-related symptoms – depression, lethargy.

  • Evening Dose (Sayamkaala): For vata-pitta related symptoms – anxiety, insomnia.

• Reference:
  चरक संहिता सूत्रस्थान 25/40
  "दिने दिने यथाकालं युक्त्या चोपचरन् रोगं।
  न शोभनतरं किंचित् साधनं समवाप्नुयात्॥"
  (Regular, time-bound administration is best for disease management)

• Modern Correlation:

  • In pharmacology, once-daily dosing is preferred in long half-life drugs like SSRIs (Fluoxetine) or benzodiazepines (Clonazepam).

  • Sustained-release formulations are designed for Eka Kala dosing.

  • Improves medication adherence in psychiatric illnesses.

AUSHADHA KALPA

• Definition: The preparation or formulation of medicine suitable for administration based on disease, dosha, and patient condition.

• Types of Kalpa Useful in Manasa Roga:

  • Kashayam (Decoction) – fast acting, useful in acute phases.

  • Ghrita (Medicated ghee) – nourishes brain, balances vata-pitta.

  • Leha (Electuaries) – palatable for long-term use.

  • Churna (Powder) – easy to prepare and administer.

  • Vati / Gutika (Tablets / Pills) – for convenient and long-term usage.

• Specific Aushadha Kalpas in Manasa Roga:

  • Saraswata Churna – improves memory and intellect.

  • Brahmi Ghrita – anxiolytic, improves concentration.

  • Manasamitra Vatakam – antipsychotic and neuroprotective.

  • Ashwagandhadi Churna – useful in anxiety, depression, insomnia.

• Reference:
  अष्टाङ्गहृदयम् – सूत्रस्थान 15/1
  "भिषग्भिः कल्पितं युक्त्या काले योग्यं प्रशस्यते।"
  (Properly prepared medicine, used at the correct time, is praiseworthy)

• Modern Correlation:

  • Like dosage forms (syrups, tablets, sustained-release tablets) in modern psychiatry.

  • Importance of bioavailability and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics considered during Kalpa formulation.

RASAYANA IN MANASA ROGA

• Definition: Rasayana is a specialized therapeutic approach in Ayurveda to rejuvenate the body and mind, improve memory, intellect, immunity, and mental stability.

• Classification:

  • Medhya Rasayana – directly improves mental faculties.

    • Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)

    • Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

    • Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

    • Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

  • Naimittika Rasayana – used for specific conditions like schizophrenia, depression.

    • Ashwagandha – anti-stress, adaptogenic.

    • Brahmi – improves memory and cognitive functions.

• Benefits in Manasa Roga:

  • Improves Dhi (intellect), Dhriti (retention power), Smriti (memory).

  • Enhances Ojas – the essence responsible for mental strength.

  • Reduces recurrence and chronicity of psychiatric conditions.

• Rasayana Methods:

  • Ajasrika Rasayana – daily usage of Rasayana dravyas through diet (milk, ghee, honey).

  • Kamya Rasayana – for achieving specific desires like intellect and mental strength.

• Reference:
  चरक संहिता – चिकित्सास्थान 1/1/7
  "बलं स्वर्णप्रभावं च मेधां चापि विवर्धयेत्।"
  (Rasayana improves strength, complexion, and intellect)

• Modern Correlation:

  • Rasayana drugs are akin to modern-day nootropics and neuroprotective agents.

  • Ashwagandha – shown to reduce cortisol and anxiety (clinical studies).

  • Brahmi – enhances memory and learning capacity (modern research).

MODERN PERSPECTIVE ON MANASA ROGA MANAGEMENT

• Pharmacological Management:

  • Antidepressants – SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Sertraline)

  • Anxiolytics – Benzodiazepines (Clonazepam, Lorazepam)

  • Antipsychotics – Risperidone, Olanzapine

  • Mood stabilizers – Lithium, Valproate

  • Adherence to dosing schedules, such as once-daily long-acting preparations, aligns with Eka Kala concept.

• Psychological Interventions:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Psychodynamic therapy

  • Supportive counseling

• Neurobiological Basis:

  • Neurotransmitter imbalance (dopamine, serotonin, GABA).

  • Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to psychiatric illness – targets for Rasayana therapy.

• Integrative Approach:

  • Rasayana = Nootropics + Antioxidants

  • Aushadha Kalpa = Customized formulations

  • Eka Kala Prayoga = Long-acting drugs/schedules