The critical examination of the classical Ayurvedic literature indicates a substantial psychological element in the concept of Medhya Rasayana and Vajikarana Therapy of Ayurveda. The Medhya Rasayana effect appears to consist of general brain tonic effect of which, the anti-anxiety effect appears to be an important aspect. Similarly the Vajikara effect appears to refer more to a state of mood elevation than its aphrodisiac effect in the conventional sense. Hence, it is postulated that the Medhya Rasayan and Vajikarana drugs of Ayurveda should be explored as the potential source for developing anti-anxiety and anti-depressant drugs respectively. The clinical and experimental studies done on the anti-anxiety effect of several Medhya Rasayana drugs and on the antidepressant effect of the Viijikarana drug, Kapikacchu supplement this hypothesis.
Key words: Viijikarana drugs, Kapikacchu, Medhya Rasayana, Anti-anxiety drugs in Ayurveda
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