Indian Journal of Ancient Medicine and Yoga

This research examines the biological underpinnings of Chitta-Vrittis—mental modifications as articulated in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras by synthesising Yogic psychology with modern neuroscience. Traditionally, Chitta denotes the mental realm comprising cognition, emotion, and volition, whereas Vrittis represent its fluctuating changes. Patanjali delineates five fundamental categories: Pramana (valid cognition), Viparyaya (false cognition), Vikalpa (imagination), Nidra (sleep), and Smriti (memory). This restricted typology fails to encompass the complete spectrum of cognitive processes recognised in contemporary psychological and neurological studies. To bridge this gap, this work introduces an enhanced theme taxonomy of fifty vrittis, which is classified into epistemic, emotional, conative, pathological, and spiritual dimensions. This encompasses both constructive states, such as Shraddha (faith) and Viveka (discernment), and negative states, including Raga (attachment), Krodha (rage), and Moha (delusion). Each vritti is further analysed through neurobiological frameworks, emphasising their correlation with particular brain regions, including the limbic system, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and default mode network. The research highlights the dual capacity of Chitta-Vrittis to either obscure or illuminate consciousness and illustrates how Yogic techniques designed to regulate these vrittis correspond with neuro-plastic alterations. Integrating ancient Yogic principles with contemporary biological models offers a comprehensive framework for comprehending mental health, indicating practical uses in psychotherapy, education, and contemplative neuroscience. This integrative approach reinforces Yoga as a spiritual discipline and a scientifically validated emotional and cognitive management method.

Yoga is the art and science of living, and is concerned with the evolution of mind and body. Therefore, yoga incorporates a system of disciplines for furthering an integrated development of all aspects of the individual. When we start the disciplines of yoga we usually begin with the outermost element of the physical personality, the physical body. Yoga is an ancient and complex practice that has its roots in Indian philosophy. Although it started out as a spiritual practice, it has gained popularity as a means of fostering both physical and mental wellbeing. Although there are other components to classical yoga, shatkarma, Asanas, mudra, pranayama, lifestyle, dietary approach and Dhyana are typically the main focuses of yoga as it is practiced from ancient times to modern times. Yoga can be practiced in a variety of ways, from relaxing poses to strenuous ones. The outcomes of studies may be impacted by variations in the types of yoga utilized in those studies. This makes it difficult to assess research on yoga's health benefits. Still researches are conducting and hence found by the researchers that yoga can be a part of rehabilitation in treatment of injuries.

Hypothyroidism is a prevalent endocrine disorder managed primarily with levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy. While this treatment effectively restores serum thyroid hormone levels in most patients, approximately 10–20% continue to experience persistent symptoms, such as cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and metabolic abnormalities, despite normalized TSH levels. This review explores recent advances in hypothyroidism management, including combination therapy with LT4 and liothyronine (LT3), development of slow-release T3 formulations, and personalized treatment approaches based on genetic polymorphisms such as DIO2 Thr92Ala. Additionally, novel strategies including thyroid organoid transplantation, tissue-specific T3 delivery systems, and thyromimetic agents targeting THRβ in hepatic tissue are discussed. These innovations aim to improve therapeutic efficacy, address residual symptoms, and advance individualized care in hypothyroidism. The article highlights both the scientific rationale and the clinical evidence behind these emerging therapies, signaling a paradigm shift from hormone normalization toward restoring thyroid hormone action at the tissue level.

This review explores the multifaceted role of Cannabis Sativa within the realm of Ayurvedic traditional herbal medicine. Ayurveda, an ancient medical system originating in India, has a long-standing history of incorporating various herbs for therapeutic purposes. Cannabis Sativa, known for its psychoactive and medicinal properties, has been a subject of interest and controversy in both historical and modern contexts. This paper delves into the historical use of Cannabis in Ayurvedic practices, drawing on ancient texts and traditional knowledge. It examines the pharmacological aspects of Cannabis, focusing on its active compounds such as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), and discusses their alignment with Ayurvedic principles. The therapeutic applications of Cannabis in Ayurveda are explored, including its use in treating various ailments and the methods of its preparation and administration according to traditional practices. The review also addresses the safety and ethical considerations, highlighting the potential side effects and the legal and ethical implications of Cannabis use in traditional medicine. A comparative analysis is presented, juxtaposing the use of Cannabis in Ayurveda with its application in other traditional medicinal systems and insights from modern scientific research. The paper concludes with an overview of the challenges faced in integrating Cannabis from Ayurveda into modern healthcare and suggests potential areas for future research. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the place of Cannabis Sativa in Ayurvedic medicine, offering insights into its potential benefits and challenges in the broader context of healthcare.

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the most frequent gynaecological complaints, accounting for nearly 30% of outpatient consultations. In Ayurveda, this condition is conceptualised as Asrigdara, primarily attributed to pitta and rakta vitiation, with vata facilitating excessive expulsion. Charaka has recommended Shonitasthapana Mahakashaya, a group of ten agents, for managing bleeding disorders. Methodology: This review critically evaluated Shonitasthapana Mahakashaya through classical Ayurvedic texts and modern biomedical literature. Each drug was assessed for Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics (rasa, guna, veerya, vipaka) and correlated with reported pharmacological actions relevant to haemostasis, antiinflammatory activity, and uterine regulation. Review Results: The ten agents, Madhu, Madhuka, Rudhira, Mocharasa, Mrutkapala, Lodhra, Gairika, Priyangu, Sharkara, and Laja, demonstrated significant stambhana (haemostatic) and pitta-shamaka activity. Contemporary research substantiates their bioactive effects: tannin-rich herbs (Lodhra, Mocharasa, Priyangu) showed antihaemorrhagic and vascular-stabilising properties; saffron (Rudhira) and liquorice (Madhuka) exerted antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, and uterine-modulatory effects; mineral Gairika demonstrated styptic and hematinic activity. Collectively, these align with the Ayurvedic rationale of pacifying pitta-rakta imbalance and restoring haemostatic balance. Evidence supports the integration of Shonitasthapana Mahakashaya as adjuvant therapy in AUB management. While pharmacological studies affirm their mechanistic potential, robust clinical trials remain scarce. Conclusion: Shonitasthapana Mahakashaya demonstrate promising therapeutic relevance for Asrigdara. Rigorous clinical validation could position them as integrative strategies in gynaecological care.

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