What type of study is this?

This is a Human Clinical Trial study (also classified as: Systematic Review).

What question did this study set out to answer?

This review assesses the potential of Ayurveda and Yoga in enhancing cognitive functions among the elderly.

April 29, 2026Open Access

A systematic review assessing the potential of Ayurveda and Yoga to enhance cognitive functions in the elderly: Recent trends

NHNasreen HanifaNational Institute of Ayurveda SDSatyavati DagarNational Institute of Ayurveda PKPHemantha KumarShri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Ayurveda and Hospital

Key Points

This review assesses the potential of Ayurveda and Yoga in enhancing cognitive functions among the elderly.
Evaluated clinical evidence from prospective clinical trials and randomized controlled trials.
Included studies on Ayurvedic interventions and Yoga for cognitive health in individuals aged ≥60 years.
Searched various electronic databases for relevant studies and assessed risk of bias using Cochrane RoB tool.
Identified six eligible studies on Ayurvedic and Yoga interventions.
Interventions included Ayurvedic herbal preparations such as Amalaki, Aś vagandhā, and Brahmi.
Several studies reported improvements in memory, verbal learning, and cognitive performance.

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Cognitive health is one of the key determinants of brain aging, enabling individuals to think, learn, recall, and retain information. Though aging is a natural process, achieving a healthy form of senescence is often neglected. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors chiefly contribute to cognitive healthcare. Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health and longevity, with numerous classical texts addressing factors that influence healthy aging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review aimed to evaluate clinical evidence on the role of Ayurvedic interventions and Yoga in improving cognitive functions among elderly individuals. Prospective clinical trials and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of Ayurvedic medicines, therapies, or Yoga interventions for cognitive health in individuals aged ≥60 years were included. The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42024576612). Electronic databases, including Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles, Clinical Trial Registry of India, and University Grants Commission Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (UGC CARE)-listed Ayurvedic journals, were searched from inception to Jul 31, 2024. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane RoB tool (RoB-2). RESULTS: A total of six eligible studies were identified. The interventions included Ayurvedic herbal preparations such as Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), A ś vagandhā ( Withania somnifera Linn.), and Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri Pennell.), as well as Yoga-based practices. Despite heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures, several studies reported improvements in memory, verbal learning, and cognitive performance among elderly participants. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that Ayurvedic interventions and Yoga may have a supportive role in promoting cognitive health and healthy aging. However, larger, well-designed clinical trials are required to generate stronger evidence.

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