What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the Ayurvedic understanding and treatment methods for hypertension.

June 20, 2026Open Access

Vyana Vayu Unbound: A Scientific Appraisal of Ayurvedic Antihypertensives

Key Points

To evaluate the Ayurvedic understanding and treatment methods for hypertension.
Synthesis of evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Analysis of Ayurvedic concepts related to hypertension, including Raktagata Vāta and therapies like Pañcakarma.
Ayurveda provides a comprehensive view of hypertension through its pathophysiological framework.
Herbal remedies and lifestyle interventions have shown promise in managing hypertension as per the evidence reviewed.

Abstract

Hypertension remains one of the foremost contributors to global cardiovascular mortality, affecting over 1.28 billion adults worldwide. Despite remarkable advances in allopathic pharmacotherapy, issues of drug adherence, polypharmacy, and residual cardiovascular risk persist. Ayurveda — the ancient Indian system of medicine — offers a holistic paradigm for understanding and managing elevated blood pressure through its concepts of Raktagata Vāta and Pittaja Nānātmaja disorders. This editorial examines the Ayurvedic pathophysiological framework of hypertension, synthesises evidence from randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating herbal and Pañcakarma interventions, and advocates for an integrative model that bridges classical wisdom with evidence-based medicine. Keywords: Hypertension, Ayurveda, Raktagata Vāta, Prakṛti, Nāḍī Parīkṣā, herbal medicine, integrative cardiology, Sarpagandhā, Aśvagandhā, Pañcakarma, lifestyle medicine, Dinacaryā

Bookmark

View Full Paper