Introduction: Reproduction and optimum sexual function are of prime importance to maintain the balance in the ecosystem. This is probably why Ayurveda includes vajikarana (aphrodisiac therapy) in the eight major branches of medicine or therapeutics. It is thus necessary to explore the concept of vajikarana, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and review the dietary recipes, herbs and aphrodisiac therapies mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, in a chapter named the Vajikarana Chikitsa Adhyaya. In this article, an attempt is made to collate and analyse the recent research on the different dietary items, recipes and herbs mentioned in the Vajikarana Chikitsa chapter of Charak Samhita pertaining to the male reproductive and sexual health. The qualitative analysis of the evidence, as well as the potential beneficial effects of herbs, dietary items and recipes, is provided with an aim to propose directions for further research. Method: A detailed search focusing on the physiology of shukra dhatu (semen), sexual health, dietary regimes and medications mentioned in the Vajikarana chapter in Charak Samhita was done. Herbs, dietary items and recipes mentioned in the chapter were listed. Comprehensive contemporary literature pertaining to enlisted herbs and dietary items was reviewed and compiled using databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and Web of Science to identify in vitro, in vivo, observation and clinical research on the aphrodisiac herbs and dietary formulations listed in the Vajikarana chapter. Emphasis was on evaluating the mechanisms of action of these herbs through the Ayurveda principles and contemporary research, including impact on antioxidant, immune-modulatory and neuroendocrine pathways. The effect or activity of these modalities on male sexual health, male reproductive health, aphrodisiac potential and sperm quality was assessed. Results: Vajikarana herbs promote sexual health through a multidimensional approach, acting as adaptogens, antioxidants and anti-stress agents. Key mechanisms may include balancing the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, enhancing reproductive function and mitigating oxidative stress. Clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in male fertility parameters, including sperm count and motility, as well as overall sexual performance. Dietary recipes combining herbs and nutrition-based ingredients are central to vajikarana therapy, targeting both sexual and general health. However, the evidence is limited (lacking sufficient randomised controlled clinical and experimental trials) for many dietary components and herbs, providing scope for further research. Conclusions: Vajikarana chapter integrates sexual and reproductive health with a holistic approach involving herbs, diet, recipes and lifestyle. Modern research supports the potential of these therapies, but further studies, particularly randomised controlled trials and multicentric trials, are required to establish their efficacy scientifically. The review emphasises the need for standardised protocols and pharmacological validation of vajikarana therapies to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern medicine.
Joglekar et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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