Abstract

A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF SWARNA AS RASAYANA IN GERIATRIC CARE AND CURE

Dr. Radhika S.* Dr. V. Shreeshananda Sharma

ABSTRACT

Oxidative stress has been alarmingly implicated as a mechanism of disease in cancer, in arteriosclerosis, aging and in other geriatric disorders like stroke. Hence search for safe and effective antioxidant and free radial scavenger agents, is the need of the hour. Swarna (Gold) is one such antioxidant drug used in Ayurveda for medicinal usage. Swarna Bhasma can prevent all diseases and has been included under Rakshopgana by Sushruta. Gold, widely used in modern medicine for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, is highly valued for various medicinal uses in Indian systems of medicine. Swarna has been used to enhance strength and potency, promote longevity and combat the aging process in humans. It is used as pure metal, Bhasma and other dosages form by ancient to the contemporary sciences for therapeutic purposes. It has been regarded as having Rasayana property in the classical texts like Ayurveda Prakasha, Rasa Tarangini and Rasamrita. Modern scientific observation’s on Rasayana shows that rejuvenating drugs can protect the body against detrimental effects of the atmosphere in which we survive, by augmenting the individual’s capability to fight against disease by stimulating the immune system. According to Ayurveda one can be benefited with prolonged existence, memory, intellect, freedom from diseases, quality in lustre, complexion and voice, optimal improvement of physique and all sense organs through Rasayana. Rasayana drugs act as potent antioxidants and neuroendocrine immunomodulators. Therefore this is an attempt to have an insight on the Rasayana activity of Swaarna in geriatric care through Ayurveda and modern perspective.

Keywords: Swarna, Rasayana, Rejuventing, Immunomodulators, Geriatric.