Many medicinal plants long celebrated in Ayurvedic tradition have now been pharmacologically validated for their restorative effects.
Published Nov 26, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 26, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Rooted in the Sanskrit term meaning “the path of nourishment,” Rasayana goes far beyond herbal tonics or supplements.
Synopsis: Kerala has launched a landmark collaborative research project through a multi-institutional MoU to scientifically validate Ayurvedic Rasayana therapies. Leading institutes will investigate their phytochemical, anti-ageing, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties, bridging traditional rejuvenation science with modern stem cell biology and regenerative medicine to promote cellular regeneration, immunity, and healthy longevity.
As integrative medicine gains global momentum, Kerala has launched an ambitious scientific inquiry that brings together Ayurveda’s rejuvenation therapies and modern regenerative biology.
Through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), it will be examined whether the phytochemical, metabolic, anti-ageing, and immunomodulatory properties of Rasayanas, the ancient formulations, could influence regeneration, immunity enhancement, and metabolic anti-ageing mechanisms.
A landmark MoU has been signed for an ambitious collaborative research project exploring the role of Rasayana, or rejuvenation medicines in Ayurveda, in promoting cellular regeneration and strengthening immunity.
Supported by the Government of Kerala, the initiative brings together the School of Fundamental Research in Ayurveda under the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Advanced Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research in Cutaneous Biology under the Department of Zoology at the University of Kerala, and the Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram.
The MoU was signed by Registrar of the Kerala University of Health Sciences Dr. S. Gopakumar, Registrar of the University of Kerala Dr. K. S. Anil Kumar, Senior Principal Scientist of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Dr. K. V. Radhakrishnan, Principal of Government Ayurveda College Dr. V. K. Sunitha, Professor at the School of Fundamental Research in Ayurveda Dr. Anil Kumar M. V., Associate Professor at Government Ayurveda College Dr. Rajmohan V., and Director of the Advanced Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Dr. Sreejith P.
The signed documents were formally presented to Vice Chancellor of both the Kerala University of Health Sciences and the University of Kerala Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal, Director of the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Dr. Anantharamakrishnan, Registrar of the University of Kerala Dr. K. S. Anil Kumar, and Principal of Government Ayurveda College Dr. V. K. Sunitha, marking the beginning of a multidisciplinary effort to bridge traditional knowledge and modern science.
According to the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of Ayush, India’s health landscape has long leaned toward treating illnesses after they emerge.
But growing awareness is now shifting attention toward prevention, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
It pointed out that one of Ayurveda’s most profound contributions to this preventive approach is the ancient science of Rasayana.
Rooted in the Sanskrit term meaning “the path of nourishment,” Rasayana goes far beyond herbal tonics or supplements.
It represents a holistic philosophy of rejuvenation—a way of living that preserves vitality, supports immunity, sharpens cognition, strengthens tissues, slows ageing, and enhances overall quality of life.
“In classical Ayurveda, Rasayana forms one of the eight fundamental branches (Ashtanga Ayurveda). It focuses on preserving the balance of the body’s seven tissues (Sapta Dhatus) and sustaining Ojas, the subtle essence responsible for immunity, vigour, and mental clarity,” a document from CCRAS pointed out.
The document also highlighted that one of the evolving and increasingly relevant concepts today is organ-specific Rasayana, where particular herbs support targeted organs while maintaining harmony across the system.
It’s said Rasayana helps build immunity naturally—an increasingly vital need in an age marked by viral outbreaks, lifestyle disorders, and rising autoimmune conditions.
“Modern research is now validating what Ayurveda has long observed. Many Rasayana herbs have gained recognition for their adaptogenic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory properties,” said an official working in Kerala’s Department of Indian Systems of Medicine.
The official further added, “Rasayana is not merely a therapy—it is a philosophy of living well. When practiced correctly, it holds the potential to rebuild strength at the cellular level, reinforce immunity, and promote mental clarity. In today’s fast-paced world, Rasayana offers a sustainable way to preserve health rather than chase cures.”
It is being pointed out that a growing body of research on herbs and formulations classified as Rasayana in Ayurveda has revealed a rich spectrum of biological activities — from antioxidant and free-radical scavenging effects to immune-modulating and adaptogenic properties.
Recent scientific studies have expanded this understanding further, documenting anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-Parkinsonian, radioprotective, aphrodisiac, and anti-dementia potentials in several Rasayana therapies.
Drawing from both experimental and clinical evidence, experts note that Rasayana interventions can strengthen innate and cell-mediated immunity, enhance microcirculation, and rejuvenate both body and mind.
By reinforcing physiological resilience, these formulations may help the body resist a wide array of infectious agents.
Many medicinal plants long celebrated in Ayurvedic tradition have now been pharmacologically validated for their restorative effects. Their therapeutic promise spans conditions such as tuberculosis, diabetes, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, psychosomatic disorders, anxiety, and even chemotherapy-induced leukopenia.
In modern scientific terms, Rasayanas display antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hemopoietic, adaptogenic, anti-ageing, neuroprotective, nutritive, and detoxifying actions.
Rooted in the concept of Ras + Ayana — the process of nurturing optimal quality of the seven dhatus while maintaining tridosha balance — Rasayana therapy has traditionally aimed at promoting longevity and slowing tissue degeneration.
It is against this backdrop that the state now wants to systematically examine whether the phytochemical richness and metabolic, anti-ageing, and immunity-enhancing properties of these ancient formulations could influence tissue regeneration, immune resilience, and metabolic pathways linked to healthy ageing.
A senior Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) official said the renewed scientific interest is timely: “Rasayanas represent a sophisticated understanding of biological ageing that predates modern science. If their regenerative and immunomodulatory effects can be validated through contemporary research, Kerala could pioneer a new model of integrative, evidence-based healthy ageing.”
According to the official, “While the biological effects reported in Rasayana studies are intriguing, we need rigorous clinical evidence to understand how these formulations interact with human metabolic and immune pathways.
“If proven effective, they could complement modern medicine in areas like healthy ageing and immune support—but validation must come through robust scientific methods,” the official pointed out.
Dr Roy R Chandran, State Secretary of the Indian Medical Association (Kerala Chapter), said the scientific validation approach is exactly what is needed to unlock the potential of traditional medicine.
“The scientific validation approach is exactly what we need. It’s about examining the active ingredients, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations through rigorous pharmacological research, which is the very foundation of modern pharmacology. This isn’t about validating or invalidating an entire medical system. It’s about identifying bioactive compounds with real therapeutic potential, understanding mechanisms at molecular and cellular levels, establishing safety profiles, toxicity limits and dosage standards, determining which conditions respond best to specific interventions, and enabling meaningful integration with modern medicine. Ultimately, the goal is simple: better care for our patients.”
He pointed to the traditional roots of several modern drugs.
“Aspirin from willow bark, artemisinin for malaria from traditional Chinese medicine, and digoxin from foxglove. The key is methodology. Traditional formulations must be subjected to the same scientific scrutiny as any therapeutic candidate, including phytochemical analysis, in vitro studies and well designed clinical trials. Scientific evidence is what matters,” he added.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
