Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Mental health challenges, including cognitive fatigue, stress, and emotional instability, are increasing globally, necessitating integrative approaches that target both neurobiological and psychological dimensions of well-being. Ayurveda offers two complementary therapeutic modalities—Medhya Rasayana (nootropic rejuvenation) and Sattvavajaya Chikitsa (Ayurvedic psychotherapy)—which collectively address mental health through biochemical rejuvenation and cognitive regulation.
Aim: This study aimed to analyze the synergistic effects of Medhya Rasayana and Sattvavajaya Chikitsa on cognitive and emotional parameters to establish a holistic framework for mental well-being.
Materials and Methods: Ninety healthy adults aged 25-50 years were randomly divided into three groups: Group A received Medhya Rasayana, Group B received Sattvavajaya Chikitsa, and Group C received both therapies concurrently for 45 days. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were performed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ). Biochemical evaluation included serum total antioxidant capacity. Statistical analysis used paired and unpaired t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc comparison.
Results: All three groups demonstrated significant intra-group improvements (p < 0.05) in cognitive and emotional measures, while inter-group analysis revealed that the combined therapy group (Group C) achieved the greatest improvement in MMSE (+3.2), DASS-21 (−12.5), and CERQ (+7.1) scores. Biochemical assays confirmed enhanced antioxidant potential, with the highest gain observed in the combined therapy group, indicating both psychophysiological and neuroprotective benefits.
Discussion: The outcomes validate the Ayurvedic hypothesis that Medhya Rasayana strengthens Dhi, Dhriti, and Smriti (intellect, restraint, memory), while Sattvavajaya enhances Satva Guna (mental clarity) by stabilizing Rajas and Tamas influences. Their concurrent use harmonizes mind-body functioning, yielding synergistic benefits through dual biochemical and psychospiritual pathways.
Conclusion: The integration of Rasayana and Sattvavajaya offers a comprehensive and sustainable model for mental health promotion by simultaneously enhancing cognition, emotional stability, and antioxidant defense. This dual-therapy approach represents a scientifically grounded, culturally compatible, and preventive strategy for modern mental well-being, bridging ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with contemporary psychological practice.