Power of
Rasayanas as Antioxidants
Rasayana is a very popular term in Ayurveda that is used to define
the properties of many herbs and herbal formulas. Rasayana is
often translated in English as Rejuvenative. The literal meaning
in Ayurveda is Rasa (the first of the seven tissues) + Ayana
(path). It refers to the ability of Rasayana to improve the tissue
nutrition order or cellular nutrition.
Rasayana & Tissue Nutrition: The health of body depends on
proper nourishment of tissues, rather of all cells. This can occur
if three conditions are met. First, the cells or tissues need to
be in healthy condition. Second, the channels that carry nutrients
including oxygen are maintaining the good supply. Third, the
metabolic waste products of tissues are carried away and disposed
off properly.
Rasayanas offer all the three benefits and the result is well
nourished and healthy tissues. This reflects in body and mind as
better feeling of health, energy, lightness in body, radiant and
young skin, improved digestion and metabolism. You can say it as
improved overall health. This also implies anti-aging and
rejuvenative effect of Rasayana as well.
Rasayanas & Antioxidants: Rasayanas differ from adaptogens
that primarily work on improvement of immunity through HPA axis.
They are different from stimulating herbs like Ginseng. They are
different from tonics that are used to gain weight. Rasayanas work
silently and gradually make you feel their effect over a period of
time. Of course, many Rasayanas can also possess adaptogenic or
stimulating property. But that is like an add-on property.
Then,
some people compare Rasayana with Antioxidants. This is a
partially true statement in the backdrop of theory of free
radicals for causing cellular aging and degenerative disorders.
The real truth is that antioxidant theory is like only a part of
the mechanism through which Rasayanas offer their benefits. It
will become clear when we see closely the concept of free radicals
and antioxidants.
Free
radicals are chemicals with unpaired electron and are usually
formed in body when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. These
reactive oxygen species or free radicals are highly reactive and
short living. They react and damage cellular structures like DNA
or cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.
To prevent free radical damage the body has a defense system of
antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules which safely interact with free
radicals and neutralize chain reaction before cells are damaged.
Body has many enzyme systems that scavenge free radicals. This
natural defense is inadequate and it is supported from outside by
micronutrients like Vitamin E, Beta Carotene, and Vitamin C.
Rasayana Herbs with Antioxidant Action: More recent sources of
antioxidants are derived from Ayurvedic medicinal plants, fruits
and vegetables. That is why Bliss Ayurveda came with Ayu
Rasayana – a natural source of Full Spectrum Antioxidants.
Ayurvedic Rasayana herbs like Amla, Asparagus, Grapeseed,
Pomegranate, Kudzu and Chebulic Myrobalan now have emerged as
the leading source of antioxidants.
In
the studies oxygen radical scavenger qualities of Amla
suggest that it is also very effective in lowering the risk of
many chronic disorders. The antioxidant activity of phenol
components Amla extract is associated with the presence of
hydrolyzable tannins having ascorbic acid-like action. 1,2,3
Research shows Grape seed extract possesses a broad
spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic effects such as
Antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, as
well as having cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and
neuroprotective effects.
4,5
Studies on Antioxidant activity of Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
extract support the protective effect for liver by restoring
the normal hepatic architecture. Kudzu and Indian Asparagus also
provide antioxidant defense for many organs. 6,7
Two very important things need to be taken care of before taking
any antioxidant supplement. First, the benefits of antioxidants
are not limited to their researches. Generally the benefits are
elaborate and researches usually focus only on one aspect. Second,
it is always better to have antioxidants from several herbs
together as are present in Ayu Rasayana tablet. Their synergistic
benefit is greater than any single anti-oxidant.
You see how Ayurvedic herbs as in Ayu Rasayana provide a full
spectrum of antioxidants. The Rasayana effect of herbs can easily
accommodate the benefits of antioxidants as a mechanism of their
benefits. Have the power Antioxidants in your life with Ayu Rasayana of Bliss
Ayurveda!
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PMID:
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PMID:
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PMID:
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