Ayurvedic functional food as a preventive strategy for mild cognitive impairment in the elderly: A narrative review

Background: The growing global elderly population has intensified the need to address cognitive impairment (CI) and its impacts. Cognitive decline in the elderly, spanning from mild CI (MCI) to severe conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, impacts memory, learning, and concentration, leading to reduced quality of life. Consequently, it places a substantial burden on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Ayurveda addresses cognitive health through concepts like Buddhi (intellect) and highlights that Medha (grasping and retention power) would not develop beyond the fourth decade of life. Smriti (memory) and Buddhi may decline in the future. A new epoch is emerging with intense research on functional food, which provides health benefits, including the preventive and curative role in various chronic diseases like CI. Ayurveda has recognized the therapeutic role of Ahara Dravyas , which is comparable to that of functional foods. Objective: To identify Ayurvedic Ahara Dravyas with potential neurocognitive benefits in MCI. Materials and Methods: Using keywords like Medhya , Buddhi , and Smriti , we searched classics ( Brihatrayee ) for Dravyas used in cognition. Results: We identified “ Yava ( Hordeum vulgare Linn.), Tila ( Sesamum indicum L.), cow-ghee, cow-milk, Erand Tail ( Ricinus communis Linn.), Kushmanda ( Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cong.), Vastuka ( Chenopodium album Linn.), Rasona ( Allium sativum L.), and Mandukaparni ( Centella asiatica (Linn.) urban)” as Buddhi/Medha/Smriti-enhancing. Furthermore, from Nityasevaneeya Ahara Varga (NSAV-wholesome Ahara Dravyas advised for regular use), Amalaki ( Phyllanthus emblica L.), Dadima ( Punica granatum L.), Tanduliyaka ( Amaranthus spinosus L.), Mrudvika ( Vitis vinifera L.), Sunishannak ( Marselea quadrifolia L.), and Saindhava (rock salt) were identified for their cognitive role. We studied the neurocognitive role and probable mode of action of these Dravyas from the available contemporary research data. The experimental and pre-clinical evidence support the neurocognitive role of these food items. Most of these functional foods exhibit neuroprotective effects due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Few address vitamin B12 deficiency, improve axonal and dendritic growth, and delay the brain aging processes. Acetylcholine esterase inhibition, anti-amyloidogenic activity, inhibition of Tau aggregation, and neuroprotection are the activity pathways. Conclusion: Current evidence supporting the neurocognitive role of wholesome Ahara Dravyas in attenuating MCI provides a foundation for future clinical research.