As a consequence of modern lifestyle demands, chronic stress has emerged as a significant contributor to psychological and psychosomatic disorders with disturbances in neuroendocrine regulation, immune function, oxidative balance and emotional well-being. In Ayurveda, the chronic effects of stress may be correlated with the concept of Dushi Visha, which is a latent toxin that impairs the physiological and psychological homeostasis. Dushivishari Agad, a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated for Dushi Visha, is a poly-herbal formulation with documented neuroprotective and adaptogenic properties. This review evaluated the available preclinical evidence on the constituent drugs of Dushivishari Agad to explore their potential role in stress modulation. The reviewed studies revealed that the formulation possesses a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, adaptogenic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, nootropic, and gastroprotective effects. The reviewed studies demonstrated that the phytoconstituents of Dushivishari Agad, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, saponins, and essential oils, modulate multiple pathways implicated in chronic stress. The available preclinical evidence supports the potential role of Dushivishari Agad as a multitarget stress-modulatory formulation. Further standardization, mechanistic studies, and clinical trials are warranted to validate its efficacy and facilitate its integration into evidence-based stress management strategies.
Dr. Rashi Negi1, Dr. Bhawana Mittal2*, Dr. Ramesh Chandra Tiwari3 (Fri,) studied this question.