1. Type of article: Original [D1]
Title of the article:
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach
Contributors / Corresponding Author: [D2]
Name: Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad,
Department(s) and institution(s): Kayachikitsa (PG), DGM Ayurveda Memorial
College, Gadag,
Address: Prof.,H.O.D PG (KC), DGM Ayurveda Memorial College, SV Savadi
Road, Gadag,
Phone numbers: +91-9448746450 (Karnataka), 09290566566 (AP)
E-mail address: doctorksrprasad@gmail.com
Total number of pages: 6 pages
Total number of photographs: Nil
Abstract [D3]
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach - By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad
Aging is a natural process of being called as Vruddha, Vardhakya, Jara, etc., denotes of
physical or psychological maturity. Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by
progressive impairment of brain function. Attributing and isolating of the psychological
ageing is in terms of Neuro (Brain) ageing. Finding factors / medicaments for retarding /
regulating the Neuro-ageing is necessary. Ayurveda prefers Frailty concepts to Jaati,
Desha, Prakruti & Ahara. The seven step ageing includes - intellect, Vision, Sukra and
wisdom, are of Brain / psycho-neuro connected. The Vata, Pitta and factors retarding
Dhatupaka, understood as factors of ageing. Telomere length checkpoint, Nutritional
Interventions Based on Mitochondrial Aging, Free Radicals and Caloric Restriction
studies opens new dimensions in the field of long living. Sphere models of Biological,
Psychological and Social factors are included in Rasayana study for better society
building through extending standard living. The study may be framed at two tire/ states of
study, viz. 1) Physical (Structural) 2) Psycho-Neuro (Functional) based Rasayana study.
Key words
Vruddha, Jara, Neuro ageing, Dhatupaka, Telomere, Rasayana, Medhya, Sphere models
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad Page 1

2. Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach
By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad
M.D (KC) (OSM), C.O.P. (German), M.A. Ph.D (Jyo)
Introduction/ Background
Aging is a natural process of being and ultimately the being is subjected for death.
The Ayurveda used the words such as Vruddha, Vardhakya, Jara, etc., to denote the
senescence i.e. ageing defines as “The organic process of growing older and showing the
effects of increasing age under the influence of fourth dimension - Time”. The ageing is
of physical (Body) or psychological (Mental) maturity. On the other hand the death is –
The cessation of life i.e. cessation of integrated tissue and organ functions or loss of
heartbeat, absence of breathing and cerebral death.
“A fire-mist and a planet, A crystal and a cell, A jellyfish and a saurian, A cave
where the cave men dwell; Then a sense of law and order, A face upturned from the clod;
Some call it Evolution, And others call it God.” — The New England Journal.
Centenarians, though rare at a prevalence of approximately one per 10,000 in
industrialized countries, are among the fastest growing segment of our population.
Familial studies indicate that exceptional longevity runs strongly in families, but as of
yet, few genetic variations have been found to account for this survival advantage. It is
likely that the prevalence of centenarians is increasing because achieving exceptional old
age is multi factorial. To be clear no where any importance is drawn to clarify or attribute
disease origin with reference to age or age related condition descriptions are noted in
Ayurvedic literature. Thus terms, concepts and issues of ageing in Ayurveda require
elaboration and standardization.
Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive impairment of brain
function as a consequence of ongoing neuronal cell death. Apoptotic mechanisms have
been implicated in this process, but the immature brain differs from the adult brain in its
sensitivity. Several observational studies have shown that elderly men experience a
steeper decline in cognitive function and have lower cognitive performance than women.
In a study of 150 elderly men and women without dementia, positive associations were
found between endogenous estradiol (Sukra) levels and performance on verbal memory
tasks in women but not in men.
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad Page 2

3. Objectives regarding thought/concept
• To understand and postulate whether ageing is physical or psychological
• Attributing and isolating of the psychological ageing in terms of Neuro (Brain)
ageing
• Finding factors / medicaments for retarding / regulating the Neuro-ageing
Main body of thought expression
Frailty, The state of being weak in health or body - especially from old age is a
common phenomenon. The process of biological aging is a complex phenomenon,
depending on a manifold of different parameters, including nature of the organism,
lifestyle, diet, and so forth. In order to compare different aging phenotypes, a global
qualitative and quantitative proteomic analysis of different species is necessary.
Many more researches are undertaken to observe the aging and its related
pathology to study from contemporary medical field and boosted the Geriatrics as a
specialized branch. But in Ayurveda this branch neither has any significance nor
importance, because the fundamental concept of Ayurveda defines bio-availability and
sustenance of toxic free tissue building and maintenance by Bio-fire, through out the life
span and ultimately a voluntary termination of biological needs. Thus any where in the
Ayurveda death is not defined, but casually designated it as inevitability transpires of
Life. Moreover the atheistic Ayurveda believes the re-birth and Karma Vipaka, thus the
care for death and old age is not focused as we never care for Sunset as we are conformed
of next day sunrise.
Common understanding to ageing is wrinkling of skin, loss of vision, teeth, etc.
and in case of females we observe even the dropping of Breast. Bhavamishra, describing
Mahamarichadi Taila in Kusta compliments that, “if Mahamarichadi Taila Nasya is done
at the “Pradhame Vayasi” (puberty) of lady – even after attain the old age the breast
never drops”. This statement is complimentary but not shown any specificity /
significance towards the Vardhakya janya Vyadhi or Jara Vyadhi. On the other hand
Vagbhata while directing for regular body unction, relays the message of importance of
fatty substances for long healthy skin as Purusha is Sneha saara (AHSu 2/8).
A number of factors important to longevity are becoming more prevalent with
modern public health measures and interventions. Such a multiple trait model would
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad Page 3

4. predict that the more extreme the phenotype, the more likely discernible environmental
and genetic characteristics are to be discovered that are important to achieving very old
age, much of it disability-free. Ayurveda prefers in it’s concepts of ageing to Jaati (Race/
genetical), Desha (Geographical / environmental), Prakruti (constitution) and Ahara
(Food). Sharngdhara (ShPurKhan 6/20), explains the ageing in decade intervals and
important note is the development of the individual is completed by the 2nd decade. The
other signs of ageing in sequence are – loss of Prabha (luster), Medha (Intellect), Twak
(Wrinkling skin), Drusti (vision), Sukra (estrogens), Vikrama (strength) and Buddhi
(wisdom). The seven step ageing includes - intellect, Vision, Sukra and wisdom, are of
Brain / psycho-neuro connected. Thus studies of families highly clustered for longevity
or studies of super-centenarains, people age 110 and older, hold promise of facilitating
such discoveries.
The Vata out of Tridosha is prime factor for ageing that develops Kapha inversely
proportional. This Vata controls the mind which has a referral / functional seat as Brain.
Rather than becoming old aged, Ayurveda describe the ageing as “Vruddha” i.e. growing
further, as a state of development. This is reflected and observed as Vruddha / Jara avasta
is of Vata dominant and expressed as Kampa, Vepadhu, Chanchalya, etc,. Even the
examination factors / functions of the Manas viz. Chintayam, Vicharyam, etc,. also have
a bifacial effect is validating the neuro ageing.
The second Dosha in the process of ageing is Pitta, relates with Jara and Jarana.
The word “Jara”, personified as daughter of Death, is often used for digestion than to old
age in Ayurveda. “Geri” of contemporary geriatrics developed from Jara denotes
Dilapidation or Decrepitude i.e. state of deterioration due to long use or usage of body
tissues or old age. The Jara understood as “Paka” i.e. conversional process. The
Dhatupaka, probably identified as technical term with reference to tissue ageing in
Ayurveda is suitable. Where the tissues are growing older and transformed from active
building state to the morbid state. Of course the morbid growth is disease and the morbid
melancholic state is death. Ayurvedic literature specifies the usage of medicaments for
long living or retarding Dhatupaka, understood as retardation of ageing or slowing the
Dhatupaka, termed as Rasayana. Evaluating the physical body components (Dhatu) with
their respective qualities and measures makes one’s to understand the effect of Rasayana.
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5. The development and application of high-throughput methods to study aspects of
aging-related biology are among the key forces driving the field. New hypotheses are
being developed, and new questions are being asked on a genome-wide scale. High-
throughput technologies offer many advantages over traditional methods, but they also
present new pitfalls for the unwary.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine’s Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
(OMIM) catalogs human genes and disorders. Although it doesn’t focus on aging-related
conditions, it contains information about many diseases that disproportionately affect the
elderly. For example, searching for ‘‘Parkinson’s Disease’’ produces a list of several
dozen genes.
Telomeres are the physical ends of linear eukaryotic chromosomes. In many
organisms, including humans and yeasts, telomeres are composed of short repeated DNA
sequences and their associated proteins. Many human somatic cells do not express
sufficient telomerase activity to prevent telomere repeat loss, resulting in cell senescence
or death when telomeres shorten to a critical length. This telomere length checkpoint for
aging and cell growth is also seen in yeast whose genes for telomerase components have
been deleted, allowing yeast to serve as a model for telomere linked senescence and
aging in human cells.
Traditionally, the onset and progression of menopause in humans has been
attributed to ovarian follicular decline. Because the follicles are the primary source of
circulating estrogens, these age-related changes lead to a number of symptoms such as
hot flashes, mood swings, irritability, and depression, as well as increased risk of
osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and age-associated diseases. Recent research
indicates that along with the ovarian changes at menopause, the hypothalamic and
pituitary levels of the reproductive axis also undergo significant changes during
reproductive aging. Nutritional Interventions Based on Mitochondrial Aging, Free
Radicals and Caloric Restriction studies opens new dimensions in the field of long living.
Evolution by natural selection works through differential reproductive success.
Individuals with higher reproductive rates and better survival of themselves and their
offspring pass more genes to future generations. By managing the flow, distribution, and
rate of consumption of finite supplies of glucose (Rasa) and fat (Sneha) among
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6. competing physiological needs, hormones implement trade-offs between investment in
growth, reproduction, and survival. Increased circulating glucose benefits the basic
metabolic function of important tissues such as the brain, which is entirely dependent on
glucose. Otherwise Rasayana understood as - Retardation of Necrobiosis (the normal
degeneration and death of living cells [as in various epithelial cells]), Retardation of
Cytokinesis (Organic process consisting of the division of the cytoplasm of a cell
following karyokinesis bringing about the separation into two daughter cells and Bio
availability (Retardation of Bio-division by supply of abundant requisite nutrients for
long term cell maintenance).
Thus the Ayurveda defined Rasayana and Vajikarana together are necessitate for
long living under the influence of Vata (genetically and neurologically) and Pitta
(Hormonal and enzymatic). Many questions arise in the process of understanding these
branches of Ayurveda. While Ayurvedic fraternity is dreaming about their past glory, the
contemporary medical branches are leading towards success.
It is very much necessary for the Ayurveda to define, demarcate, declare,
discriminate, distinguish and demonstrate the Rasayana as “Jara Chikitsa”. The study
may be framed at Two tire/ states of study, viz. 1) Physical (Structural) based Rasayana
study include tissues /Organs i.e. muscle, bone; brain, heart, etc. 2) Psycho-Neuro
(Functional) based Rasayana study include Brain ageing, fitness, memory, sense activity,
etc. The third method of study is Problem oriented study where the weight loss, obesity,
dehydration, anorexia, insomnia, etc. conditions commonly observed with old age or a
direct study of Disease oriented study in old age such as Hypertension, Parkinsonism,
Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, constipation, etc. are considered.
The other way three tire studies includes 1) Biological Sphere factors –
Personality, Endocrinal, Immune system, Neurotransmitters, 2) Psychological Sphere
factors – Genetic, Emotions, Motivation and 3) Social Sphere factors - Social support,
Stressful life events social norms. Of course a detailed discussion is necessary. Ayurveda
just now wakeup; long walk is ahead.
Applications of the proposed thought
It is wisely said that “Brain is Hardware and the Mind is Software. The man who
is young by mind is said always young. The neuro ageing is modulated and measured and
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad Page 6

7. modeled for the benefit of future generations. The Medhya dravyas are mostly sedatives
and Madhura Snigdha. Thus various herbs that are said as Brumhana /Santarpana or
Vatahara Rasayanas are applied in the said psycho-neuro models of tissue restoratives
that prevent Necrobiosis, Cytokinesis and karyokinesis. Even the Hormone regulative
toxic herbs such as Gunja, Vishatinduka, etc, also have to evaluated to look forward such
benefits.
Summing up/ conclusion
Aging is a natural process of being called as Vruddha, Vardhakya, Jara, etc.,
denotes of physical or psychological maturity. Neurodegenerative diseases are
characterized by progressive impairment of brain function. Attributing and isolating of
the psychological ageing is in terms of Neuro (Brain) ageing. Finding factors /
medicaments for retarding / regulating the Neuro-ageing is necessary. Ayurveda prefers
Frailty concepts to Jaati, Desha, Prakruti & Ahara. The seven step ageing includes -
intellect, Vision, Sukra and wisdom, are of Brain / psycho-neuro connected. The Vata,
Pitta and factors retarding Dhatupaka, understood as factors of ageing. Telomere length
checkpoint, Nutritional Interventions Based on Mitochondrial Aging, Free Radicals and
Caloric Restriction studies opens new dimensions in the field of long living. The study
may be framed at two tire/ states of study, viz. 1) Physical (Structural) 2) Psycho-Neuro
(Functional) based Rasayana study.
References
• P. Michael Conn, Handbook of Models for Human Aging, 2006, Elsevier Academic Press, 30 Corporate Drive,
Suite 400, Burlington, MA 01803, USA
• John E. Morley & David R. Thomas, GERIATRIC NUTRITION, 2007 by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
• Stephen C. Stearns and Jacob C. Koella, Evolution in Health and Disease, Second Edition, 2008, Oxford
University Press Inc., New York
• N A T A L I E L . R A S G O N , The Effects of Estrogen on Brain Function, 2006, The Johns Hopkins University
Press, Baltimore
• Sharangadhara Samhita Poorva Khanda 6/20, 6th ed, R.K. Srikanthamurthy, Choukhambha
Orientalia, Varanasi,2006
• Sushruta Samhita, Ambikadutta Shastri, 1st ed:Reprint, Chowkhamba Sanskrit sansthan, Varanasi,
2007
• Charaka Samhita (Chakrapani), Jadavji Trikamji Acharya , 1st ed Reprint, choukambha Sanshkrita
Sansthana, , 2004
• Ashtangahrudaya (Arunadatta, Hari Sadashiva Shastri Paradakara, 1st ed Chaukhambha Surbharati
Prakashan, 1997,
Acknowledgements
• To one and all those who seek better long living
Issues of Neuro ageing –Specific Ayurvedic Approach By Prof Dr. K. Shiva Rama Prasad Page 7