Kottakkal Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine And Research

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) restricts the entry of large and hydrophilic molecules, thereby limiting effective drug delivery to the brain. Contemporary approaches to overcome this challenge include selective transport strategies, nanoparticle-based systems, and non-invasive routes such as intranasal administration. Classical Ayurveda presents conceptual parallels through the doctrines of Doṣhas, Srotas, and Nyāyas, including Kedāra-Kuḷya Nyāya and Khale-Kapota Nyāya, which describe the distribution of nutrients and tissue-specific targeting. Lipid-based formulations such as Ghṛta and Medhya Rasāyanas correspond with the lipid-rich architecture of neural tissue, suggesting a rational basis for their neurological applications. However, the precise mechanisms by which these formulations influence BBB dynamics remain inadequately explored. This review integrates classical Ayurvedic principles with contemporary insights into BBB biology to elucidate potential correlations in structure and transport mechanisms. Primary sources included the Bṛhattrayī, authoritative commentaries, and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, while relevant peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was analyzed to bridge traditional constructs with modern evidence. Conceptual parallels were identified between Srotas and microvascular networks, Paramāṇu and molecular dimensions, and Nyāyas and passive or active transport phenomena. Descriptions of Sūkṣma and Sthūla Srotas reflect size-dependent permeability and endothelial regulation. Functional analogies were observed between Vyāna Vāyu and neural perfusion, Tarpaka Kapha and cerebral nourishment, and Prāṇa Vāyu and respiratory exchange. Additionally, Nasya demonstrates correspondence with intranasal delivery pathways that partially bypass the BBB. These convergences suggest that Ayurvedic microstructural theory may provide a complementary interpretative framework for understanding BBB physiology and targeted brain drug delivery.

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective component of the neurovascular unit that regulates the movement of substances between the systemic circulation and the central nervous system. Contemporary strategies for brain delivery include passive diffusion, carrier-mediated transport, receptor-mediated transcytosis, nanoparticle-based approaches, and intranasal delivery. Ayurveda describes nourishment, distribution, and movement within the body through concepts such as Doshas, Srotas, Agni, and Nyayas including Kedara-Kulya and Khale-Kapota. This narrative, integrative review examines these classical concepts alongside contemporary understanding of BBB structure and transport mechanisms, with the aim of developing a cautious interdisciplinary interpretative framework. Classical Ayurvedic sources and selected scientific literature were examined to identify conceptual correspondences, evidence gaps, and potential areas for future research. The review distinguishes classical descriptions from modern interpretations and hypothesis-generating analogies. Srotas may be considered a functional concept related to movement and distribution, while comparisons with specific vascular structures, cellular components, molecular dimensions, or membrane transport mechanisms remain interpretative rather than established equivalences. Similarly, the lipid-rich nature of Ghrita and the absorption of lipid-associated phytoconstituents may influence formulation-dependent solubilization, systemic absorption, and pharmacokinetics; however, these properties alone do not demonstrate BBB penetration or central nervous system exposure. Nasya may be interpreted in relation to contemporary intranasal drug-delivery pathways, whereas proposed mechanisms of Sirodhara involving central neurophysiological effects require further investigation. Thus, this framework identifies testable points of correspondence without claiming direct equivalence between Ayurvedic concepts and modern BBB mechanisms.

Background: Ayurveda prioritises individualised healthcare through Prakriti (constitutional phenotype) assessment and rejuvenation through Rasayana therapy. The emerging discipline of Ayurgenomics aims to correlate these traditional concepts with molecular and genomic frameworks. Despite this, there is a scarcity of experimentally tractable models for validating these principles. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become prominent in translational research because of their genetic similarity to humans, optical transparency, rapid development, and compatibility with high-throughput and multi-omics methodologies. Materials and Methods: The scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Electronic searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were conducted for literature published up to December 2025 using terms related to zebrafish/Danio rerio, Ayurveda, Rasayana, Ayurgenomics, and traditional herbal medicines. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts using predefined eligibility criteria. Of 1,245 records identified, 150 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The evidence indicates that zebrafish effectively model developmental toxicity, organ-specific and molecular responses, modulation of oxidative stress, neurobehavioral alterations, metabolic regulation, and tissue regeneration. High-throughput embryo assays and disease-specific models facilitate mechanistic validation of herbal interventions. Nevertheless, the integration of Prakriti-based stratification and constitution-specific frameworks is limited, as most studies focus on isolated compounds rather than polyherbal or personalised approaches. Conclusion: Zebrafish constitute a robust yet underutilised translational platform for advancing evidence-based Rasayana research and Ayurgenomics. The integration of multi-omics tools, standardised protocols, and constitution-oriented experimental designs has the potential to enhance precision-based Ayurvedic therapeutics and facilitate the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary biomedical science.