Garbh Sanskar (GS) is an Indian holistic reproductive programme that claims roots in ancient Ayurvedic and yogic traditions while drawing upon contemporary wellness practices and international health policy. GS centres offer breathwork, guided meditation, and counselling to expectant and hopeful couples. This article draws upon interviews with GS practitioners across nine Indian cities to examine how these practitioners use wellness discourses to articulate strategies of individual and national improvement. I argue that GS practitioners seek to interweave soteriological and wellness logics to produce enriched reproductive subjects for a therapeutic vision of nation-building. This project uses wellness to assuage the anxieties of modernity, suggest civilisational exceptionalism, and articulate aspirations for the nation. Together, GS illustrates the emergence of a bio-spiritual therapeutic politics where wellness is part of reproductive governance.

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that severely impairs memory and activities of daily living. In an aging society like Japan, the physical, mental, and economic burdens associated with caregiving and medical expenses are substantial, making it an increasingly serious social issue. This review focuses on Centella asiatica, used in Ayurveda for its memory-enhancing effects, and introduces examples of plant-derived components from traditional medicine applied in drug discovery and preventive medicine. We have fractionated Centella asiatica extracts and identified the active component araliadiol. We have also demonstrated that Centella asiatica extracts and araliadiol exhibit potent cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, araliadiol improved drug-induced cognitive impairment. This review summarizes the preventive effects of Centella asiatica extracts and araliadiol against dementia, based on our previous research findings.

Anxiety problems, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, are a significant source of concern for people worldwide. Current medicines frequently have side effects or are ineffective. Sphaeranthus indicus Linn, often known as Mundi, is an Ayurvedic medication that has demonstrated promising results to aid with anxiety. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its function is not known. In this study we used computational tools to understand how Sphaeranthus indicus Linn might assist persons with anxiety disorders. A library of 57 phytochemicals was compiled from databases and literature sources and was tested for BBB permeability, ADMET and toxicity. Subsequently a network was built to link the compounds with their targets and anxiety related diseases. Upon investigation of the network, it was discovered that eight phytochemicals including Eugenol, β-sitosterol, Estragole, and Camphor interacted with several targets, while four targets seemed to be most important, the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE) and the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2). Docking of the eight phytochemicals was performed with all four targets, which revealed that β-sitosterol docked best to all targets, while several phytochemicals exhibited favourable binding. Further, 100 ns atomistic simulations were performed for β-sitosterol with all four targets, which indicated stable binding. Thus, we conclude that these phytochemicals probably work as serotonin reuptake inhibitors by blocking the serotonin transporter, probably modulate dopamine signalling as well by interacting with dopamine D2 receptor. We also predict that these phytochemicals interact with the acetylcholinesterase and the glucocorticoid receptor, suggesting their potential to modulate neurotransmission and glucocorticoid signalling that may influence neurotransmission and stress-related signalling. Taken together, the findings from this work, provide the first network pharmacology-based evidence for S. indicus' multitarget anxiolytic processes, support its traditional use in neuropsychiatric diseases, and identify various phytochemicals as promising natural lead candidates for anxiolytic medication development.

Personalized healthcare increasingly requires models that explain individual variation in disease risk, prevention, and treatment response. Ayurvedic Prakriti offers a constitution-based framework for classifying human variability through Vata, Pitta, and Kapha phenotypes, while Ayurgenomics attempts to connect these traditional classifications with molecular biology. Despite growing interest, the biological relationship between Prakriti, epigenomic regulation, and precision healthcare remains insufficiently established, particularly because available evidence is limited by small cohorts, heterogeneous assessment tools, and incomplete biomarker validation. This review examines the molecular relevance of Prakriti by analyzing evidence from genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, pharmacogenomics, and systems biology. Literature was evaluated thematically to identify constitution-specific molecular signatures, disease susceptibility patterns, lifestyle-related epigenetic influences, and translational applications in individualized healthcare. Current findings suggest that Prakriti types may be associated with distinct biological profiles involving metabolism, inflammation, immune regulation, oxidative stress, stress adaptation, and drug response. Epigenomic mechanisms may further explain how diet, lifestyle, environment, aging, and stress modify gene expression within constitution-specific contexts. Integrating Ayurgenomics with multi-omics platforms may support preventive screening, personalized nutrition, lifestyle planning, and precision therapeutics. Stronger validation through standardized tools, longitudinal studies, and clinical trials remains essential.

Chronic arsenic toxicity can present with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, and diagnosis is often difficult without characteristic cutaneous features. This report describes a 55-year-old woman with a three-month history of progressively worsening small bowel-type diarrhea that progressed to frequent episodes of melena. She developed painful stocking-distribution peripheral neuropathy with slipper slippage, followed by progressive lower-limb weakness that ultimately resulted in loss of ambulation. She had a seven-year history of unsupervised use of herbal preparations and Ayurvedic Bhasma. Despite comprehensive evaluation, the diagnosis remained unclear because classical cutaneous signs of chronic arsenicosis were absent. A thorough medication history led to heavy metal screening (urinary arsenic level), which confirmed arsenic toxicity. Discontinuation of the suspected herbal preparations and supportive care, without chelation therapy, resulted in complete resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms and anemia, gradual neurological recovery, and restoration of independent ambulation. This case highlights the need to consider chronic arsenic toxicity in patients with unexplained chronic diarrhea and painful peripheral neuropathy, even when characteristic skin findings are absent. A detailed inquiry into the use of complementary and alternative medicine is crucial, as early identification and removal of the source of exposure can facilitate significant clinical recovery.

Colon cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors globally, characterized by high rates of both incidence and mortality. The prognosis for patients with advanced-stage colon cancer remains grim, and conventional therapeutic modalities are frequently accompanied by significant adverse effects and the emergence of drug resistance. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify and develop novel therapeutic agents and strategies that offer high efficacy and low toxicity. Boswellic Acids (BAs), a class of pentacyclic triterpenoids extracted from the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree, are a cornerstone of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, long celebrated for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. In recent years, a substantial body of evidence has demonstrated that BAs and their derivatives possess remarkable anticancer activities across a spectrum of malignancies, showing particular promise in the context of colon cancer. This review aims to systematically synthesize the latest research advancements concerning the application of BAs and their derivatives in colon cancer therapy. Relevant articles from 2010 to 2026 were collected through Google Scholar. It is designed to conduct an in-depth exploration of their multi-target and multipathway anticancer mechanisms, which encompass the inhibition of tumor cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis and metastasis, modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment, and reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, this review will address the structural optimization of BA derivatives, their pharmacokinetic profiles, and the synergistic potential of combination therapies with existing chemotherapeutic agents.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common inherited hemoglobin disorders worldwide and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Over the past several decades, SCD research has evolved from basic molecular investigations to clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and disease-modifying therapies. Highly cited publications represent the core scientific contributions that have shaped this field. This study aimed to analyze the top 100 most highly cited papers on SCD to identify influential publications, leading contributors, collaboration patterns, and major research hotspots. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database. English-language original articles and review papers published up to 31 December 2025 were retrieved using a predefined search strategy. Of 2,053 records identified, 2,031 relevant publications remained after screening and were ranked according to citation count. The top 100 most cited papers were selected for analysis. Bibliometric indicators including total citations (TC), citations per paper (CPP), relative citation index (RCI), and total link strength (TLS) were assessed. Network visualization and keyword co-occurrence analyses were performed using VOSviewer (version 1.6.20). The top 100 highly cited papers received between 347 and 7,694 citations, accumulating a total of 71,569 citations with a mean CPP of 715.69. Most publications (61%) were published between 1998 and 2023, while original research articles accounted for 83% of the dataset. The United States dominated highly cited SCD research, contributing 86 papers, 64,068 citations, and the highest TLS (71). Among institutions, the Medical College of Georgia and the University of Miami were leading contributors, while Elliott Vichinsky emerged as the most productive author. The New England Journal of Medicine published the largest number of highly cited papers (n = 29), whereas Science recorded the highest CPP (2270.8). Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three major thematic clusters: (i) genetic and pathophysiological mechanisms, (ii) epidemiology and disease burden, and (iii) therapeutic interventions and clinical management. Highly cited SCD research is concentrated within a limited number of countries, institutions, authors, and high-impact journals, with the United States serving as the principal contributor. The intellectual structure of the field has evolved from fundamental molecular discoveries toward epidemiological research, clinical trials, and therapeutic innovations. These findings provide a comprehensive overview of the core literature in SCD and may help inform future research priorities, international collaborations, and evidence-based policy development.

The genus Saussurea (family Asteraceae) comprises more than 400 species that are widely distributed in alpine and temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Many species of this genus have been traditionally used in Tibetan, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In recent years, increasing scientific attention has been directed toward Saussurea species due to their remarkable phytochemical diversity and wide range of medicinal applications. Although several individual research have reported the isolation of bioactive compounds and their biological activities, a comprehensive review summarizing the secondary metabolites of this genus is still lacking. Therefore, the present work provides a consolidated overview of the identified phytochemicals of Saussurea species by compiling and classifying them into their major chemical groups, encompassing sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, lignans, terpenoids, and other phytoconstituents. It correlates chemical structures, compound identities, botanical sources, analytical characterization, and documented therapeutic activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antifungal, antiviral, antihypoxic, anti-lithic, and vasorelaxant activity to establish a unified reference framework for the genus. In addition, the present study summarizes the analytical and quantitative methods employed for the identification of key constituents and critically evaluates the available pharmacological evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and mechanistic studies. Furthermore, it highlights the strengths and limitations of current research, identifies key knowledge gaps covering limited standardization, inadequate in vivo validation, and the scarcity of clinical investigations. Collectively, this article serves as a valuable reference for researchers working on the phytochemistry and therapeutic applications of Saussurea species, while emphasizing the need for further phytochemical and clinical investigations to fully explore their medicinal value.