Edited by: Dilip Ghosh, Tanuja Manoj Nesari, Dennis Chang, Manoj Nesari, Rajagopala Shrikrishna Edition : First Year of publication : 2026 eBook published : November 12, 2025 Publisher : CRC Press, Boca Raton FL DOI :https://doi.org/10.1201/b22854 Number of pages : 466 ISBN : 978-1-032-25854-6; 978-1-003-28531-1 (eBook) Subjects : Bioscience, Food Science and Technology, Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Allied Health, Physical Sciences One of the main gaps in the Ayurveda academic sector is the paucity of subject-specific, authoritative books and monographs. They serve as a single source of authoritative information, providing comprehensive coverage of different aspects of the chosen topic or subject. The present multiauthor book with contributions from eminent persons with domain expertise fulfils one of the unmet requirements in the field of neurocognition from traditional systems’ perspective. This would be helpful for researchers and teachers in the field, providing a specialized, synthesized information which otherwise may be spread over different sources. Books of such kind are essential for academic and professional progress. The book contains 27 chapters covering different aspects from diverse fields of expertise. CHAPTER 1 This first chapter deals with herbs used for neurocognition in Ayurveda. Brief information on twelve such plants has been provided with broad categorization into four major categories based on their therapeutic application. This information is supplemented with a brief description of clinical evidence and pharmacodynamics with references. The information provided can be used as a ready reference for further detailed search. However, “Rasapanchaka-” based information would have been quite useful, especially for those interested to undertake studies from an Ayurveda perspective. CHAPTER 2 In this chapter, the author has made attempts to provide comprehensive information essential to understand different aspects, mainly pathogenesis related to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Disease pathogenesis based on Dosha dushti and the role of Agni, Ama, and Srotorodham have been explained and compared with the current concepts in conventional medicine. Information is also provided on the management of these disorders with a focus on the current research trends in the field of Ayurveda for these two neurodegenerative disorders, which pose tremendous therapeutic management difficulty. The author has also suggested a future approach to treat these disorders – focusing on multimodal management employing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including lifestyle-related regimens such as Dinacharya, Ritucharya, use of Rasayanas, Satvajaya, and Daivavyapasraya-like interventions. The author has also emphasized the need to identify a biomarker for monitoring the course of the disease and the influence of intervention on it. This can be considered as a good reference material for those undertaking clinical studies on neurological disorders employing the Ayurveda approach. CHAPTER 3 In this chapter, core concepts related to Medhya Rasayana have been explained, beginning with the etymology and synonyms of Medha. Further, its relation to Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala, the pharmacodynamics of Medhya Rasayana based on Ayurveda concepts of Rasapanchaka has been elaborated. However, the discussion is general. It would have been much more useful if it was done based on the categories of single and compound Medhya rasayana listed by the authors. Nevertheless, the information provided is quite useful to the budding researchers. CHAPTER 4 Authors have discussed the potential and benefits of adopting an integrated approach for the management of cognitive decline and dementia, based on personalized diet, lifestyle modification, and the therapeutic modalities available at Maharishi AyurVeda. Disease causation as per Ayurveda concepts in relation to cognitive decline and dementia, the role of the holistic mind–body framework, and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders has been explained. A major part is devoted to the manner in which these disorders are managed at the aforementioned organization. The conceptual basis for their explanation is mainly drawn from the studies and writings of Tony Nader. The readers can find information about Transcendental Meditation and the neurophysiological changes it brings in its practitioners. The possible role of Vedic sound therapy, personalized diet, Yoga asanas, Pranayama, Panchakarma, Medhya Rasayanas, and sensory therapies in managing cognitive decline is being described. The authors have made an attempt to link the Achara rasayana concept of Acharya Charaka to the emerging field of behavioral epigenetics, with a detailed discussion about the influence of environment (which they categorize as Near and Far environment) on it. The relationship between individual consciousness and collective consciousness has also been discussed. CHAPTER 5 This chapter is devoted to a discussion about the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline from an Ayurveda perspective. A brief description of the origin and history of Ayurveda, basic principles, physical body, subtle body, Tridosha, Triguna, and Trayopastambha has been provided, before discussing how to ensure and maintain cognitive health through diet and appropriate lifestyle. The author discussed the role of Panchakarma and Rasayana therapies in arresting cognitive decline. The noteworthy feature of this write-up is that the author have provided adequate number of research study based references as evidence base for the information provided and the discussion based on it. In conclusion, the author has rightly pointed out that to understand and study Ayurveda with “whole system” approach requires evolvement of new methodology. The author concludes with optimism that there is potential for more scientific research in this field, for adopting the concepts and techniques of this science to address the contemporary health challenges. CHAPTER 6 The sixth chapter is devoted to a discussion of Curcuma and its potential role in neurocognition. The subject coverage is comprehensive, with information on synonyms, cultivation, and production of turmeric. The author has rightly pointed out that Curcuma is much more than Curcumin, which is considered as a golden molecule for its wide range of pharmacological activities. The pharmacodynamic profile based on “Rasapanchaka” concept and its pharmacotherapeutic influence on Dosha, Dhatu, Upadhatu, and Srotas has been explained with reference to important diseases in which it is indicated. Another important feature from the Ayurveda perspective is the explanation related to the functional relationship between humans and plants based on the five elements (Panchamahabutas) and the effect of a substance (Dravya) on humans. The information on therapeutic indications mentioned in Ayurveda classics and other literature would be quite useful to design experimental studies from an Ayurveda perspective. Further, brief information on the safety and potential toxicity of Curcuma when used for a long period and in an inappropriate manner, and the potential of Curcuma and Curcumin for enhancement of neurocognition is also provided. The chapter ends with a discussion of turmeric as a multidimensional molecule, focusing on its use on the basis of natural synergism of its constituents, use in different forms, and in combination with other plants, especially Trikatu. CHAPTER 7 The focus of this chapter is Ayurveda management of neurocognitive disorders of aging. Explaining the Ayurveda concepts of neurocognitive disorders, the authors have mentioned the three phases of age- and age-related decline in the functioning of different body components. They have also explained the importance given to aging-related health issues in Ayurveda and the reasons for the development of the science of Rasayanatantra. Information on neurocognitive disorders of old age, including epidemiology, major neurocognitive disorders, conventional and Ayurveda-based treatment modalities, probable mode of action of Ayurveda therapeutic procedures is being provided. The potential role and importance of Rasayana therapy for the treatment of neurocognitive impairment due to aging, with a focus on single drugs and formulations used for this purpose, has been explained. The other topics covered in brief are the scientific basis for the usage of herbs in neurocognitive disorders, psychological management, and a few research studies related to the use of Ayurveda medicine in neurocognitive disorders. However, the authors could have additionally provided more insights into the mechanistic aspects of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions. CHAPTER 8 This lengthy chapter is devoted to the role of Panchakarma in neurocognition. The important components are explanations related to cognition and neurocognition, introduction to Panchakarma, practice of appropriate seasonal procedures and information on efficacy of proven herbs neurocognitive effects in Ayurveda. The main highlight is the use of illustrations to describe different Panchakarma procedures, such as Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Nasya, Bahiparimarjana kriyas, Shirodhara, and Shiro-Abhyanga for enhancing neurocognition. There is also brief information on the mechanism of action for both conventional and Ayurvedic interventions. The authors have tried to correlate and compare the known role of microbiome in different organs, as per the available literature, with possible influence on physiological entities as per Ayurveda concepts such as Ojas, Agni, Ama, Manas, Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala. They are of the opinion that Panchakarma due to its potential to restore systemic balance, optimize mental clarity, and thereby restore the quality of life, represents a promising complementary approach for neurocognitive health. This can be considered as a good source of information on the possible role of Panchakarma for rectifying and enhancing neurocognition. CHAPTER 9 The concept of Pathya and its application for maintaining neurocognitive health has been focused up on in this section. The presentation is unique in the sense that it introduces a case experience and then explanation along with descriptions is provided on its different aspects. The important component is the discussion related to Panchamahabhuta and Shadrasa; the role of their conglomeration in determining the nature of the human mind, functions, and behavioral traits which are required to be taken into consideration to prescribe appropriate dietary plan. Role of Tridosha, Triguna in the expression of certain traits of mind and their importance for therapeutic and dietary interventions, and the role of Trividha chikitsa (three categories of therapeutic approaches) have been explained. To make the understanding easy, an overview of the process of cognition is also provided. A list of foods indicated for neurocognitive health in classics is provided in tabular form with reference to the source. From the Ayurveda point of view, this article contains important information, especially those related to the rules and etiquettes of dietetics explained by Acharya Charaka. Further, the role of Achara rasayana and actions for interventions with appropriate formulations has been explained. CHAPTER 10 Authors have provided a synoptic view on the Metal and Mineral-based Formulations (MMF) used for treating neurocognitive diseases. The introduction sets a proper background for describing different aspects by providing a definition of neurocognitive disorders, their occurrence, and gaps in the current approach in their diagnosis. This is followed by a brief description on the role of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicines in treating neurocognitive diseases. A brief discussion of the conceptual basis for the pathogenesis of neurocognitive diseases, the line of treatment followed by a list of 11 MMF with their neurocognitive potential as discussed in Ayurveda literature, is provided. Another useful information is the summarized details of 15 experimental studies that have relevance to use of MMFs in neurocognitive diseases. To address safety-related concerns, the authors have provided safety profiles of important formulations based on the results obtained from safety studies on them. However, the utility of the article could have been further enhanced by including information related to highlighting the difference in chemical speciation and biological activity between MMFs used in Ayurveda therapeutics and their inorganic counterparts, as well as the challenges involved in identifying the speciation differences. CHAPTER 11 This chapter focuses on the potential of Ayurveda interventions in enhancing higher brain functions. There is a brief description on which type of functions fall in this category and a detailed discussion on the analytical approaches adopted by Neuroscientists on the functions of different brain parts, especially those related to hemispheric asymmetry, handedness, and cerebral However, descriptions provided for the are based mainly on the basis of information from current studies of conventional medicine. The that is the of medicine as a may find The article information on the of the relation between and and mental the influence of and Manas, Manas, and on the of the relationship between and has been discussed. Authors have also on the relationship between and Agni, of and clinical in a The chapter ends with a brief introduction to Medhya used for cognitive enhancement and the probable mechanism of action integrated intervention They the of undertaking the combination of therapies and interventions with a focus on and CHAPTER in they have unique a of and development of the This an Ayurveda perspective for neurocognition in The role of different such as and the relationship between and the cognitive profiles in has been discussed in The the neurocognitive development in have been which epigenetics, and diet, diseases, and This is followed by information on dietary intervention and for mind–body as in Ayurveda. The authors the point that the approach in Ayurveda is and it the of mind, body, and important is the brief profile of and formulations used in the Ayurveda which have Further, there is information on single drugs and available and the authors pointed out that formulations the formulations mentioned by They also about studies in which as has been mentioned to have the potential to the efficacy of the Medhya rasayana in Another noteworthy feature is the information in tabular form about the role of single herbs and formulations in the cognitive They that of the Ayurveda holistic approach with current conventional interventions has the potential to pharmacological interventions for neurocognitive However, it is that the authors could have provided information about Ayurveda concepts related to and and their influence on neurocognition. CHAPTER This chapter focuses on the explanation of basic concepts of Ayurveda related to neurocognition. The introduction that these concepts are and the components being and a to or on the scientific related to the origin and development of different entities of based on and and of sense organs, and period have been of these concepts is by appropriate and The role of in the five phases of cognition has been explained in manner, understanding by those are well in Ayurveda. Information is provided on components and of and the role of diet, and inappropriate sensory has been This chapter is well and coverage of the of the concepts related to the expertise and of the it would have been useful if they suggested a probable into consideration the made in techniques for the development of a to and the available information CHAPTER This chapter the different aspects related to the changes that in neurocognition by providing information on different aspects of the and the to especially at the The for the as per Ayurveda concepts and management, have been described. The authors have also provided a list of foods to be This is followed by details about plants that can be used in this However, the quite is comprehensive in the sense that there could have been a detailed description of different and treatment The information related to the plants is general. relevance to has been explained. and also provide information about of these plants in other It has been mentioned that of is given in of this chapter it contains information about and and including and influence and they are considered as – this may be an CHAPTER 15 for cognitive impairment – as the the of the article is to cognitive This article is well providing an overview of including the in a brief followed by information on important formulations and single herbs used for treatment in this mind–body and lifestyle approaches, and The highlight of the article is the information provided on the safety and probable mechanism of action based on the information provided by pharmacological However, information related to the influence of the of and influence of the would have further enhanced the quality of the write-up and its to future researchers. CHAPTER The main focus of this chapter is the herbs used in for the prevention and treatment of cognitive and information on an a which is to activity and its probable utility for neurocognition has been provided. the role of the and in neurocognition has been discussed. There is of coverage in to the The could have been if information on the mechanism of action of the pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches was described. CHAPTER This chapter the information related to medicine used in the treatment of The authors have mentioned that the main focus of this chapter is the herbs used in research and clinical for the treatment of this single formulations with information on their therapeutic and probable mechanism of action are provided which is useful for the researchers. However, the of mechanistic aspects would have further to the especially for those researchers are interested in the biological basis for the CHAPTER This chapter is devoted to providing information on studies on medicines used for cognitive The treatment of for cognitive impairment focuses mainly on the There is about the basis for the use of an or in a for are the of a required to the and and useful information is provided with to the obtained from conventional pharmacological it would have been helpful if the authors the used for studies and their relevance to the concept related to for the CHAPTER This chapter the information on the role of role of and in neurocognitive and neurodegenerative diseases, in an integrated A brief introduction to neurocognition and neurodegenerative disorders is provided, followed by an explanation to are and and the role of in neurodegenerative disorders. Role of in neurocognition, and neurodegenerative diseases – from and clinical studies has been provided based on the However, information related to and material of the traditional of medicine is studies have that Ayurvedic and may to their therapeutic such as and have been to the of human CHAPTER In this chapter, the role of in with a focus on neurocognition has been discussed. The influence of on and the process is discussed. aspects related to and are discussed in Information related to role of and in this and role of has been provided with references. The authors describe the role of due to activity on the dietary on mechanism by the activity This may influence brain including neurocognition. There is description about which influence health through the of by Information on the role of on brain and influence of on is provided. Role of diet and on has been discussed. of on of and role of in and influence of different of diet on have been discussed. Another useful information is about the role of different categories of diet such as diet, diet, diet, and diet on health and this is quite an article covering of the important aspects related to role of in the Information about explained in Ayurveda, influence of therapeutic and effects of especially in the would have been quite CHAPTER This chapter is devoted to discussion on lifestyle medicine and mental health. The authors in brief the importance of appropriate role of physical activity and and dietary and However, information on Pathya and for mental disorders, as indicated in Ayurveda, is CHAPTER This chapter in different aspects of and for mental highlighting the importance of possible of these with other It is being mentioned that this field is in to CHAPTER This chapter is mainly devoted to the discussion related to an from and its potential for use in cognitive In this chapter, the authors provide brief introduction to cognitive This is followed by natural for cognitive with main focus on Information on the possible role of of this especially in and activity especially in and brief information about the used for has been provided in which would be useful for future research in this The and their are quite to human in the sense that these have certain unique which are in other The other highlight is the about the effect of on these including the such as behavioral and in different a discussion and of the results obtained with in of and of cognitive has been provided. are especially in studies related to Ayurveda formulations and from them. is unique to human the mentioned are considered as to the influence of interventions on of the behavioral traits in to and also the traits in In and information related to influence on and are being provided. The information provided would be quite useful for studies related to disorders with Ayurveda CHAPTER This chapter is related to the role of in neurocognition. In this chapter, brief discussion on cognitive decline in brain aging, cognitive decline in aging, age-related cognitive and with potential can be The author is of the opinion that there is the of therapeutic in this field of age-related decline in and natural a unique to the therapeutic CHAPTER This chapter is about traditional medicine for The authors provide brief introduction to is dementia, its and in There is a brief description on the therapeutic for such as use of and medicines used as single treatment and therapy have been mentioned and as those for and Alzheimer’s Information on used in and clinical studies out on dementia, and their has been provided. CHAPTER In this chapter, the use of for neurocognitive disorders has been discussed with the of published The information provided is important from an Ayurveda perspective has a unique mechanism of and it through the with the role in maintaining especially The presentation of the categories of neurocognitive disorders is useful as a ready reference for further important information provided is the role of in neurocognitive disorders. The authors have provided information about the main components of and their the pharmacological mechanism of action to neurocognitive disorders, and therapeutic of This summarized information would be useful for those to undertake research in this field and also for therapeutic utility in diseases other than neurocognitive disorders. Information on therapeutic potential of for and on the and is quite information related to the use of in with dementia, neurocognitive disorders, brain neurocognitive disorders, neurological and of disease is provided. these studies provide important the authors rightly highlight the that there is the of clinical on these in the mentioned The information related to the effect is it may find application for other for Information on other plants or their with effects on different components of would have been such as are the of researchers for their therapeutic information on would have been quite this article can be considered to be and especially for researchers providing an overview related to the therapeutic potential of with a focus on neurocognitive disorders. CHAPTER 27 This chapter is devoted to providing comprehensive information on traditional medicines used for the management of neurodegenerative disorders in There is coverage other on neurodegenerative diseases, and there is an overview of aspects of neurodegenerative it is done on the current would an Ayurveda component in this type of which is Information provided on dementia, the treatment for and disease is in the information provided is available in other sources. A comprehensive in to the Ayurveda-based concepts and approaches information on used in these is also provided. The part of the write-up is devoted to providing information on traditional of medicine in with different and for at different The author has also discussed the utility of natural role of Ayurveda for neurological health and the role of Rasayana therapy in Ayurveda. A detailed description on different aspects of herbs used for the management of neurodegenerative disorders in is also The information provided in this lengthy chapter is useful, as mentioned would have further to its To the book represents a in the academic literature on traditional, complementary, and integrative approaches to neurocognition, could have The of the chapters covered in the book could have been enhanced by: the into and and and and Nevertheless, the publication as an important to integrative neurocognitive research and serve as a reference for and
B Ravishankar (Thu,) studied this question.