THERAPEUTIC UTILITY OF MANJISHTHA AND SARIVA DRAVYAS IN STROKE

*Dr. Shreya Nitin Thukrul, Dr. Prasanna Gawali

ABSTRACT

Stroke prevalence in India is high and rising, with millions affected, making it a leading cause of death and disability. It is now the second leading cause of death and third leading cause of disability in India, with numbers now increasing in younger patients as well.[1] Stroke occurs due to an interruption of blood supply to the brain resulting in neuronal damage and neurological deficits.[2] Being driven by factors like hypertension, diabetes, and lifestyle habits, the number of cases especially in metropolitan cities have been increasing at an alarming rate. Ayurveda being both preventive and curative science has a great potential in not only reducing the cases of stroke by managing risk factors but also reducing the complications of stroke like that of hemiplagia and hemiparesis by facilitating the healing process. The core pathogenesis of ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke can be targeted and reversed. Classical Ayurvedic herbs such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) possess properties like Raktashodhana raktaprasadan, samshaman anti-inflammatory, and circulatory enhancement, which support the management and recovery of stroke. This article reviews the therapeutic potential of these drugs from Ayurvedic and modern perspectives.

Keywords: Stroke, Manjishtha, Sariva.