The global rise in psychological stress has significantly affected cognitive and emotional health across all age groups, particularly among children. The increasing prevalence of anxiety, behavioral disturbances, learning disabilities, and attention disorders highlights the need for safe, preventive, and holistic approaches to mental health care. Ayurveda offers a unique concept known as Medhya Rasayana, which refers to intellect-promoting rejuvenative therapies that enhance cognitive functions and support mental stability. Among the classical Ayurvedic texts, Kashyapa Samhita gives special importance to Kashyapokt Medhya Rasayana, a group of herbal preparations designed to nourish the brain and nervous system and promote healthy mental development in children. The principal Medhya Dravyas described include Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis). These herbs are traditionally believed to enhance Dhi (intellect), Dhriti (retention), and Smriti (memory) while strengthening Majja Dhatu and promoting Ojas, the vital essence responsible for immunity and vitality. The Rasayana principles underlying these therapies emphasize longevity, clarity of mind, and the balancing of Vata and Pitta Doshas, which are considered key factors in mental well-being. This review study was conducted by analyzing classical Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and Kashyapa Samhita, along with relevant modern scientific literature sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and cross-referenced articles. Findings from both traditional descriptions and contemporary research indicate that these Medhya herbs possess adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties that may help improve cognitive performance and enhance resilience to stress.

Introduction:

Stress has become an inevitable component of modern life. Academic competition, digital overexposure, sedentary habits, nuclear family structures, and psychosocial instability have significantly affected mental health, particularly among children. The World Health Organization reports increasing trends of anxiety disorders, attention deficit, and behavioral disturbances in paediatric populations.

The prevalence of mental health issues in children is significant worldwide, and recent data highlights both the scale and the challenges in addressing it:

Global (WHO, 2025 report): Over 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, and children make up a substantial portion of this figure. Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability globally.[1]

United States (CDC, 2022–2023): About 9.8% of children aged 3–17 years were diagnosed with anxiety. A round 4.5% had depression. Approximately 9.8% had ADHD. Nearly 1 in 5 children (20%) experience some form of mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder, though many do not receive adequate treatment.[1]  Social determinants (family stress, poverty, school pressures) play a major role in prevalence. Ayurveda conceptualizes mental health through the equilibrium of Manas, Indriya, Atma, and Sharira [2]. Disturbance of mental faculties due to excessive Chinta (worry), Shoka (grief), Bhaya (fear), and Krodha (anger) results in Manas Roga [3].

In this context, Medhya Rasayana emerges as a unique therapeutic category aimed at enhancing intellect, memory, and psychological resilience.

Concept of Medhya Rasayana in Classical Texts

The term Medhya refers to substances that enhance Medha (intellect and retention capacity). In Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana chapter 1 section 3 Karaprachitiya Rasayana pada in, specifically in verses 30-31 four principal Medhya Rasayana are described:

“Mandukaparni, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi and Shankhapushpi are Medhya Rasayana” [³].

These drugs improve:

            •Dhi (acquisition power)

            •Dhriti (retention and control)

            •Smriti (memory recall)

Ayurveda explains that mental faculties depend upon:

            •Sattva Guna

            •Proper functioning of Prana Vayu

            •Balanced Sadhaka Pitta

            •Nourished Tarpaka Kapha

The enhancement of these factors promotes clarity of mind and emotional stability.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Stress Pathogenesis

Ayurveda correlates stress with disturbance in Rajas and Tamas gunas. According to Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 1:

“Rajas and Tamas are responsible for mental disorders” [⁴].

Excessive psychological strain disturbs:

• Prana Vayu → anxiety, restlessness
• Sadhaka Pitta → irritability, anger
• Tarpaka Kapha → poor memory, dullness

This leads to Dhi-Dhriti-Smruti Vibhramsha (impairment of cognitive functions).

Medhyarasayanas mentioned by Acharya Charak - Mandukparni, Yashtimadhu, Guduchi, Shankhpushpi improves memory, concentration, grasping capacity.[5]

Primary Medhya Rasayana Drugs

1. Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica)

• Enhances memory, improves neuronal regeneration, Acts as anxiolytic, Promotes Sattva Guna.[10]

Researches on Medhya Dravyas Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.) [11,12,13]

1. Major constituents of it are saponins, medacoside, asiaticoside, medacassoside and asiatic acid, a new triterpenic acid.

2. They act on behaviour besides being neuro- protectives and brain growth promoters. Dendritic arborization is supposed to be the neuronal basis for improved learning and memory.

 3. Anti-seizure activity may result from direct or indirect modulation of ATPase activity. Centella asiatica Linn. inhibits the memory impairment induced by scopolamine through the inhibition of AChE.

4. Methanol extract of Centella asiatica Linn. showed highest free radical scavenging activity that can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids as this fraction contains maximum amount of these secondary metabolites (0.07 mg/ml). These two namely poly phenols and flavonoids are responsible for potent anti-oxidant activity and terminate free radicals.

 5. Centella asiatica Linn. extract selectively decreases amyloid beta levels in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease animal model.

6. Centella asiatica Linn. accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro.

2. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

            •           Neuroprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Enhances voice and intellect.[14]

Researches on Medhya Dravyas Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.)

1. The roots and rhizomes of G. glabra have been studied with respect to spatial learning and passive avoidance, preliminary free radical scavenging, cerebral ischemia and antioxidant capacity towards LDL oxidation.

2. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. aqueous extract markedly improves anti-hypoxic effects induced by sodium nitrite in rats and this effect may be mediated by its antioxidant properties.

 3. The roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. is an efficient brain tonic; it increases the circulation into the CNS system and balances the sugar levels in the blood.

 4. Liquorice has significant action on memory enhancing activity in dementia. It significantly improved learning and memory on scopolamine induced dementia.

3. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

• Immunomodulator, Adaptogenic, Improves stress tolerance

Researches on Medhya Dravyas Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers.)

1. Its root is known for its anti-stress, anti-leprotic and anti-malarial activities.

2. Chemical constituents’ classes are alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesqui- terpenoids, phenolics, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides.

3. Neuro-protective and ameliorative properties are due to their antioxidant and trace element contents.

4. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers. is known to be a rich source of trace elements (Zinc and Copper) which act as antioxidants and protects cells from the damaging effects of oxygen radicals generated during immune activation.

5. It increases the blood profile and has led scavenging activity.

6. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers. has been claimed to possess learning and memory enhancing and antioxidant activities

7. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers. enhanced the cognition in normal and cognition deficit animals in behavioural test Hebb William maze and the passive avoidance task. Mechanism of cognitive enhancement is by immune-stimulation and increasing the synthesis of acetylcholine, this supplementation of choline enhances the cognition.

 8. Myriad actions of Guduchi may be attributed to its antioxidant and immune-modulatory properties.

4. Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

• Anti-anxiety, Cognitive enhancer, Improves sleep quality.

Researches on Medhya Dravyas Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pleuricaulis Chois.)

1. Important chemical principles are microphyllic acid, shankhapushpin, kaempferol-kaempferol-3 glucoside, 3, 4 dihydroxycinnamic acid andsitosterols. Neuro- protective and intellect promoting activity is implicated to the free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties.

2. BR-16A (Mentat) a poly-herbal combination containing Shankhapushpi significantly reversed the social isolation stress-induced prolongation of onset and decrease in pento-barbitone-induced sleep, increased total motor activity and stress-induced anti- nociception in experimental model.

3. Ayushman-8 (containing Shankhpushpi, Brahmi and Vacha) reported to be effective on Manasa- mandata (mental retardation).

4. Shankhapushpi compound containing Shankhapushpi, Sarpagandha, and Gokshura in equal quantities are studied to be effective in Chittodvega (anxiety disorders)

5. Shankhapushpi is effective in relieving signs and symptoms of Chittodvega (anxiety disorders)

6. Herbalists believe that Shankhpushpi calms the nerves by regulating the body's production of the stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol

 7. Few investigations report that Shankhpushpi has potent depressive action in mice.

8. Convolvulus pleuricaulis Chois. whole plant extract, shows the highest inhibitory activity against Helicobacter muridarum.

9. Convolvulus pleuricaulis Chois. aqueous extract possesses neuro-protective potential, thus validating its use in alleviating toxic effects of scopolamine.

Table. 1. Medhya Rasayana Dravya

Visual Reference of Major Medhya Herbs

Modern Scientific Correlation

Recent pharmacological studies demonstrate:

• Adaptogenic action: Reduction of cortisol levels
• Antioxidant properties: Prevention of neuronal oxidative damage
• Neurotransmitter modulation: GABA and serotonin balancing
• Neuroplasticity enhancement

Centella asiatica has shown improvement in working memory and attention. Guduchi exhibits anti-stress activity via hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis modulation. Yashtimadhu possesses glycyrrhizin compounds with neuroprotective effects. Shankhapushpi demonstrates anxiolytic activity comparable to mild tranquilizers.

Medhya Rasayana in Paediatric Mental Health (Kaumarbhrutya Perspective)

Childhood represents a critical phase for brain development. Ayurveda emphasizes mental nourishment from foetal stage.

Garbhini Paricharya

Maternal diet and mental state directly influence foetal cognition.

In Ashtanga Hridaya, Sharira Sthana, Chapter 1 (Garbhaavakranti Sharira), Vagbhata explains how the mother’s diet, lifestyle, and mental state directly influence the foetus’s development, including cognition and temperament.[6]

The specific verse is:

“Yadannam yadrasam chaiva yadbhāvam ya cha sevate
Tadgarbho’nuvrajatyāśu yathā strī pumānapi”

Translation:
Whatever food (anna), taste (rasa), and mental state (bhāva) the mother indulges in during pregnancy, the foetus quickly adopts those qualities — whether male or female.

Kashyapa’s View

Kashyapa Samhita describes Balya and Medhya preparations for enhancing intellect in children.[7]

Clinical Indications in Children

            •           Learning difficulties

            •           Attention deficit

            •           Hyperactivity

            •           Speech delay

            •           Exam anxiety

            •           Emotional instability

Suvarnaprashana

According to Kashyap [6.a]  and In Sushrut Samhita Acharya Sushrut explain four formulations of Suvarna which enhances intellectual power and overall growth of baby. These are

• Kustha, Vacha, Brahmi, honey and Ghrita

 • Paste of Bhrami and Shankhapushpi

• Arkapushpa, Vacha with Ghrita and honey.

 • Kaidarya and Shwet Durva with Ghrita

Promotes immunity and intellect[⁷].

Rajat bhasma-Ras Vagbhatt in his book Ras ratnasamucchyamentioned the properties of Rajat Bhasma as Medhya, Balya, vata har, Rasayan, Sarva rog har.[8]

Medhya Rasayana strengthens:

            •Majja Dhatu

            •Ojas

            •Emotional resilience

Formulations and Clinical Usage

Common preparations:

1. Brahmi Ghrita
2. Saraswata Churna
3. Medhya Ghrita
4. Guduchi Satva
5. Ayushman- 8 :- A combination formulation containing Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Vacha (Acorus calamus), is documented in Ayurvedic literature to be effective in managing Manasa-mandata (intellectual disability/mental retardation)

Paediatric Dosage Considerations

            •           Age-appropriate dosage

            •           Use of Ghrita base for better brain penetration

            •           Long-term administration under supervision

Time of administration

Early morning before food, is the ideal time for the administration of Medhya Rasayana. In Yoga Ratnakar, ‘Prabhata’ is the word used for the time of administration of four Medhya formulations.[16]

Therapies Used

Shirodhara Tridoshas, Trigunas and Manovahastrotas are consequently effective in improving memory with other Cognitive processes. Shirodhara had shown efficacy in all areas like working memory, processing memory, visualization, and visual motor skills.[17]

Nasya The drug given through the nose as Nasya enters the brain and removes only the morbid Doshas responsible for creating the disease. An article on the effectiveness of Brimhana Nasya in psychosomatic disorders showed that Nasya is a drug delivery port to the brain and intranasal delivery of medicine bypasses the blood brain barrier to target the central nervous system, which reduces drug systemic exposure thus reducing side effects. Stress and the brain are closely related to each other, separating stress from the root can prevent psychosomatic disorders and provide nourishment to the brain.[18]

Basti According to the aetiology of Jadyata, Vata is mainly responsible for such mental ailments and as per Acharya Charak, there is no medicine other than Basti to subside the Kupita Vata.[19]

Preventive Role in Today’s Stressful Era

Medhya Rasayana serves:

✔ Preventive cognitive tonic

✔ Adjunct in anxiety and ADHD

✔ Neurodevelopmental support

✔ Psycho-neuro-immunological modulator.[20]

Integration with:

            •Achara Rasayana

            •Yoga

            •Pranayama

            •Sattvic diet

Discussion:

The classical description of Medhya Rasayana aligns with modern concepts of neuroprotection and stress resilience. Ayurveda views mental health as a multidimensional construct involving  doshic balance, guna equilibrium, and dhatu nourishment.

Medhya drugs are mainly Madhura and Sheeta Dravyas, but there are many Medhya drugs which do not possess these qualities. It is observed that main Medhya Rasayanas (Mandukaparni, Yasthimadhu, Guduchi and Shankhapushpi) are Madhura Vipaki Dravyas.

Role of Virya and Vipaka in Medha and Dhruti [15]

Unlike symptomatic psychiatric interventions, Medhya Rasayana addresses:

            •           Root cause correction

            •           Long-term neuronal nourishment

            •           Immune and endocrine stability

Particularly in children, early Rasayana intervention may prevent progression of cognitive and behavioral disorders.

Conclusion:

Medhya Rasayana is highly relevant in today’s psychologically demanding era. Classical Ayurvedic texts provide a detailed framework for enhancing intellect and emotional stability through herbal rejuvenatives. Modern research substantiates their neuroprotective and adaptogenic potential. With special reference to paediatric mental health, Medhya Rasayana offers a safe, preventive, and integrative approach for cognitive enhancement and stress management.

Further clinical trials are recommended to validate standardized paediatric protocols.

Conflict of Interest

None declared.

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