Ayurvedic is an ancient form of medicine. Its effectiveness is backed up by scientific studies, a few of which are cited here in support of specific therapies:

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).“Neuroprotective effects of Withania somnifera on 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinsonism in rats” (Hum Exp Toxicol. March 2005), showed that Withania somnifera may be helpful in protecting the neuronal injury in Parkinson’s disease.

In “Neuritic regeneration and synaptic reconstruction induced by withanolide A.” (Br J Pharmacol, April 2005), Withania somnifera was investigated to find out if it could regenerate neurites and reconstruct synapses in severely damaged neurons. Treatment with A beta induced axonal and dendritic atrophy, and pre- and postsynaptic loss in cultured rat cortical neurons. Subsequent treatment with withanolide-A induced significant regeneration of both axons and dendrites, in addition to the reconstruction of pre- and postsynapses in the neurons.

Additional research: “Withaferin A is a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis,” Angiogenesis, 2004; 7(2):115-22.

• Amla (Emblica officinalis). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein is the main factor in atherogenesis, and antioxidants are accepted as effective treatment of atherosclerosis.

In “Antiatherogenic effects of phyllanthus emblica associated with corilagin and its analogue” (Yakugaku Zasshi, July 2005), the researchers showed that tannins of Emblica officinalis are effective in inhibiting the progress of atherosclerosis by inhibiting LDL-oxidation induced in rat vascular smooth muscular cells. They conclude this may be promising mechanisms for treating atherosclerosis.

In“Modulation of haematopoetic system and antioxidant enzymes by Emblica officinalis gaertnand its protective role against gamma-radiation induced damages in mice” (J Radiat Res (Tokyo). December 2004), mice were treated with 2.5g/kg b.wt ofEmblica for 10 consecutive days before irradiation and exposed to a single dose of 700 rads (7Gy) of radiation after the last dose.

One group was given Emblica continuously for another 15 days after irradiation. Emblica officinalis extract significantly reduced the bioeffects of radiation. The authors conclude Emblica extract may be useful in reducing the side effects produced during therapeutic radiation.

Additional research: “Protective effect of a 50% hydroalcoholic fruit extract of Emblica officinalis against anti-tuberculosis drugs induced liver toxicity,” Phytother Res. 2005 Mar;19(3):193-7.

“Screening of antioxidants from medicinal plants for cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin toxicity,” Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol, 2005 Jan;96(1):80-7

“Emblica officinalis causes myocardial adaptation and protects against oxidative stress in ischemic-reperfusion injury in rats,” Phytother Res. 2004 Jan;18(1):54-60.

• Sitawari (Asparagus racemosus). In the study “Immunoadjuvant potential of Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract in experimental system” (J Ethnopharmacol. April 2004), animals were immunized with diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine. Oral administration of Asparagus racemosus at 100 mg/kg per day dose for 15 days resulted in a significant increase in antibody titers to Bordtella pertussis as compared to untreated (control) animals. Reduced mortality accompanied with overall improved health status was observed in treated animals after intra-cerebral challenge of B. pertussis, indicating development of protective immune response.

Additional research: “Experimental excitotoxicity provokes oxidative damage in mice brain and attenuation by extract of Asparagus racemosus,” J Neural Transm. 2004 Jan;111(1):1-12. Epub 2003 Dec 3.

• Trifal (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia Billerica, Emblica officinalis). In “The in vitro cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of Triphala—an Indian herbal drug” (J Ethnopharmacol, February  2005), researchers revealed that acetone extract of triphala showed a significant cytotoxic effect on these cancer cell-lines, and the effect was similar on all cancer cell lines used in this study.

• Shilajit (mineral pitch).The investigation, “Systemic administration of defined extracts from Withania somnifera and Shilajit differentially affects cholinergic but not glutamatergic and GABAergic markers in rat brain” (Neurochem Int. February 1997), was conducted to assess whether the memory-enhancing effects of plant extracts from Withania somnifera and Shilajit are owing to neurochemical alterations of specific transmitter systems.

The data suggest that Shilajit and the extract from Withania somnifera affect preferentially events in the cortical and basal forebrain cholinergic signal transduction cascade.

Virender Sodhi, MD, (Ayurved) ND, CEO of Ayush Herbs, Inc., (www.ayush.com) was the first Ayurvedic and naturopathic physician in the United States. He practices at the Ayurvedic Naturopathic Medical Clinic in Bellevue, Wash. He can be contacted at drsodhi@ayurvedicscience.com.