The journey of Ayurvedic medicines to nutraceuticals

Abstract

This review examines the historical evolution of the ancient Indian medical system, Ayurveda, through its precolonial, colonial, and postcolonial eras, along with its transformation into the modern framework of nutraceuticals. The article explores how Prakriti and the Tridosha Theory connect to genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, highlighting how doshic imbalances correlate with key molecular pathways involved in inflammation, metabolism, and stress regulation. Integrating traditional Ayurvedic perspectives with biomedical research supports Ayurveda as a promising foundation for advancing personalized healthcare and preventive medicine. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant global shift toward natural, accessible health solutions. This led to substantial growth in the nutraceutical market. Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds derived from foods and herbs that provide health benefits by acting as preventive or therapeutic agents in managing chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, and cancer. For example, nutraceuticals such as curcumin, resveratrol, and ashwagandha have been shown to modulate gene expression, influence cellular signaling pathways, and reduce oxidative stress, allowing them to enhance an individual’s disease resilience. Ultimately, this review highlights the continued relevance of Ayurveda in the form of nutraceuticals, advancing holistic and integrative global health. Keywords: Ayurveda, Tridosha, Prakriti, nutraceuticals, epigenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, preventative healthcare, metabolism, colonialism, stress, holistic medicine

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