Cardioprotective potential of Maharishi Amrit Kalash: a scoping review of evidence from experimental and clinical studies

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK) is a standardized Ayurvedic formulation developed within the framework of Brahma Rasayana and has been investigated in experimental and clinical studies for its potential cardiovascular benefits. However, the scope and nature of the available evidence supporting its role in cardiovascular disease have not been systematically mapped. This scoping review aims to summarize the existing research on the role of MAK in cardiovascular disease and to identify current evidence gaps, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Methods This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR framework. A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed (n = 25), AYUSH Research Portal (n = 7), Google Scholar (n = 208), DHARA (n = 3), EBSCO (n = 3), and the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI; n = 5). Preclinical and clinical studies evaluating MAK in relation to atherosclerosis, angina, ischemic heart disease, plaque formation, and other relevant cardiovascular outcomes were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results Out of 82 identified records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. In vitro studies consistently demonstrated inhibition of Cu 2+ -induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, suppression of enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation, and modulation of platelet aggregation induced by various agonists. In vivo studies reported reduced atheromatous plaque formation, increased myocardial glutathione levels, and attenuation of oxidative stress markers in cardiac tissue. Clinical studies indicated reductions in the frequency and severity of angina, improvements in exercise tolerance, and increases in left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ischemic heart disease. Across study types, antioxidant and anti-atherogenic mechanisms were the most frequently investigated outcomes. Discussion This scoping review provides a structured overview of the available experimental and clinical evidence on MAK in cardiovascular disease, highlighting recurring mechanistic pathways and clinical endpoints. While the findings support the biological plausibility of antioxidant and anti-atherogenic actions, substantial heterogeneity and methodological limitations are evident across the included studies. These findings underscore the need for well-designed randomized controlled trials to establish the clinical efficacy and therapeutic relevance of MAK in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.