The strength of Ayurveda lies in its deep understanding of polyherbal formulations and individualized healing. With advances in drug delivery technologies, Ayurveda now has the opportunity to align its classical dosage principles with modern tools, enhancing efficacy, precision, and patient acceptability. The evolution from traditional forms1,2 like Kalka (herbal paste), Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Vati (tablet), and Avaleha to fixed-dose combination (FDC) formats3 such as bilayer tablets, multilayer systems, active film coatings, hot-melt extrusion (HME), and 3D-printed dosage can mark a significant milestone in harmonizing ancient wisdom with current pharmaceutical technologies. These novel systems do not replace ancient wisdom but reinterpret it in terms of modern needs and to combat pharmaceutical limitations of Ayurvedic combinations such as poor palatability, imprecise dosing, short shelf life, and patient noncompliance. As highlighted in the article by Badyal et al., the industry is witnessing a major transformation in Ayurvedic drug delivery from conventional Vati and Churna to effervescent tablets, fast-dissolving films (ODFs), gummies, and capsules.4 However, what remains underexplored is the comparative reinterpretation of traditional Ayurvedic dosage principles through the lens of modern FDC technologies. From Vati to Bilayer Tablets: Enhancing Sequential Action Traditional Vati (tablets) were simple herbal compresses, often used for convenience and portability. However, they lacked control over release profiles or compatibility management. In contrast, bilayer tablets (a form of FDC) allow two distinct layers of herbal actives to be delivered with customized timing (e.g., immediate and sustained release) or physical separation for stability5 ideal for conditions needing staged therapy. For instance, a bilayer formulation of Ashwagandha (for adaptogenic activity) and Shallaki (for anti-inflammatory effects) could replicate Ayurveda’s sequential approach to disease management by first calming the nervous system, then reducing inflammation. Ancient physicians used Yukti (rational planning) to administer drugs in steps; bilayer tablets provide a modern pharmaceutical equivalent. From Bhavana to Multilayer Tablets: Structuring Synergy The classical method of Bhavana (levigation with herbal liquids) was used to potentiate drugs with multiple triturations with herbal liquids. Multilayer tablets offer a novel platform for this philosophy, delivering multiple layers of herbs that dissolve at varying times or in specific gastrointestinal (GI) segments. For example, a three-layered Rasayana tablet might deliver: Layer 1: Digestive stimulants (e.g., Pippali) for initial action Layer 2: Immune modulators (e.g., Guduchi) for systemic support Layer 3: Rejuvenators (e.g., Ashwagandha) for long-term effect. This matches the ancient idea of Samskara (transformative processing), wherein herbal properties were intentionally modified through stages to enhance therapeutic outcomes.6 From Anupana to Active Film Coatings: Site-specific Precision In Ayurveda, Anupana refers to the vehicle (milk, honey, ghee, etc.) used alongside a drug to guide its action. In pharmaceutical terms, this correlates with active film coatings that not only protect the tablet but also deliver targeted ingredients to specific GI locations. An enteric-coated layer containing bitter alkaloid-rich herbs like Vatsanabha or Kutki ensures their release only in the intestines, minimizing gastric irritation. Similarly, orodispersible film coatings can release aromatic herbs like Ela or Lavanga in the mouth for quick action, much like how ancient practitioners used Mukha-suddhi (oral cleansing) herbs before digestion.7 Moreover, active coatings enable microdosing of volatile or potent actives, allowing safer and more efficient delivery. From Avaleha to Hot-Melt Extrusion: Replacing Sugar with Science Avaleha (herbal semisolid preparations like Chyawanprash) are palatable, nutrient-rich formulations traditionally prepared with jaggery or sugar. Despite their therapeutic importance, they have drawbacks like variable consistency, microbial risk, and difficulty in precise dosing. HME provides a modern equivalent. It uses heat and mechanical force to disperse herbal actives into a semisolid polymer matrix, yielding sugar-free, shelf-stable, accurately dosed extrudates in formats like granules, chewables, or sticks. This approach mirrors the Samskara of Agni (heat processing), which Ayurveda used to purify, detoxify, and potentiate herbs like Guggulu. It also allows customization of flavor, texture, and dissolution time, enhancing consumer acceptance without compromising tradition. It also replaces sugar-laden Avaleha, which poses limitations for diabetic or calorie-conscious populations. From Churna to 3D-printed Dosage Forms: Personalized Ayurvedic Prescriptions Churna (fine powders) mentioned in classical Ayurvedic formulations offers flexibility and rapid absorption. However, they suffer from poor palatability, dose variability, and short shelf life. In the domain of personalized and programmable delivery, 3D printing presents a radical opportunity to modernize Ayurveda. Using layer-by-layer deposition, herbal ingredients can be spatially organized within a single tablet, each zone programmed for immediate, delayed, or sustained release. This mirrors the classical practice of individualized prescriptions based on a patient’s Prakriti (constitution) and Vikriti (imbalance), providing multitargeted care in a single administration.8 For instance, a 3D-printed FDC tablet could integrate anti-inflammatory herbs in the outer shell and adaptogens in the core for long-term support. Therefore, with technologies like 3D printing and oral dissolving films, these powders can now be reformulated into attractive, stable formats that improve compliance, especially in pediatric and geriatric groups.9 Similarly, FDC lozenges and gummies now replicate the effects of Mukhya Aushadhis (buccal acting drugs), preserving the taste and active compounds when ensuring accurate dosing. This revolutionary tool essentially revives the practice of tailor-made prescriptions, which was the hallmark of a good Vaidya, only now with machine precision and regulatory reproducibility. Realizing the Promise: Challenges and Action Points Despite their potential, integrating FDC technologies into Ayurveda faces key challenges. These include the absence of clear regulatory frameworks, high costs of advanced equipment like 3D printers and hot-melt extruders, and a lack of validated protocols to preserve herbal energetics such as Veerya and Vipaka during processing. Moreover, small and medium Ayurvedic manufacturers often lack access to R and D infrastructure. Addressing these gaps through regulatory support, funding, and interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for successful modernization of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical practices. To address these barriers, interdisciplinary collaboration is essential. Ayurvedic Vaidyas, formulation scientists, pharmacologists, and regulatory authorities must work together to define standards for FDCs that respect both modern scientific rigor and traditional therapeutic logic. Public–private partnerships and targeted funding from bodies like the Ministry of AYUSH, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research could catalyze this integration. Pilot projects and centralized research hubs can assist in developing standard operating procedures, bioavailability studies, and clinical validations. Conclusion FDC technologies represent a promising frontier for Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. These modern platforms are not replacements but evolutionary extensions of classical dosage forms, preserving their essence when enhancing stability, safety, patient compliance, and therapeutic reach. By leveraging these tools wisely, Ayurveda can maintain its philosophical integrity when achieving pharmaceutical excellence and global competitiveness. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Yadav et al. (Tue,) studied this question.