Anti-aging ‘Rasaayana’
Introduction “Jaraa-wyaadhi-winaashanam rasaayanam” (that which arrests aging and cures diseases) is the definition of the term “Rasaayana” in Ayurveda. Aachaarya Charaka defined the term “Rasaayana” as….. “Laabho-paayo hi shastaanam rasaadeenam rasaayanam” (Methods to achieve healthy, harmonic body-tissues is rasaayana) Charaka Samhita , Chikitsa Sthaana 1/1/7-8 The key properties of Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia ) described in Ayurveda are: Wayhsthaapak and wyaadhiwinaashaka. This is why Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia ) is classified as one of “one of the Rasaayana drawyas” All actions of Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia ) are in fact pharmacological actions of berberine. It is berberine that makes Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia ) a “Rasaayana” par excellence. Hence in this article I discuss the pharmacology of berberine. I have described ethnopharmacology or phytopharmacology of Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia ) separately. Pharmacolog...