Clinical Evaluation of Medhya Rasayana drugs in the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) w.s.r. Vataja Unmada

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder in children, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which affects learning behavior and social interaction. While modern diagnostic criteria like DSM V help identify the condition Ayurveda does not directly mention ADHD but associates its symptoms with Vataja Unmada, a mental disorder caused by aggravated Vata dosha, showing signs like mental confusion, memory loss, abnormal behavior, and instability of mind. Conventional treatments for ADHD often involve stimulant medications that may lead to serious side effects such as cardiovascular issues. In contrast, Ayurveda recommends Medhya Rasayana—herbs like Mandukparni, Yashtimadhu, Shankhapushpi, Guduchi, and Jatamamsi—for improving concentration, cognition, and mental balance by correcting imbalances in Rajas and Tamas gunas. These herbs are believed to enhance brain function safely and holistically. Given the increasing prevalence of ADHD and limitations of current treatments, this study aims to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of Medhya Rasayana drugs in managing ADHD symptoms through Ayurvedic principles.anger) and instantaneously distorts intellect and memory. Because of all this, the following sign and symptoms are observed: laughing, singing, dancing, smiling, moving limbs of body, speaking, and weeping in inappropriate place. Along with this general Unmada symptoms like dhristiadhirta (unsteadiness of vision), dhee vibhram (intellectual confusion), satva pariplava (the fickleness of mind), paryakula (impatience may also be seen).The Charak Samhita also refers the

following: vitiation of Dhee (rational thinking), Dhriti (intellect/ retaining power of the mind), Smriti(memory). This causes “Asatmyindriyarthsanyoga” abnormal conduct leading to “improper contact of the senses with objectives.” This results in inattention, over activity, and impulsivity, characteristic of ADHD. According to Acharya Kashyap, a child with Unmada shows the symptoms like Vaichityam (instability of mind), Pralapam (incoherent speech) and Arati (inatention). Medhya Rasayana is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for improving the brain function which are used as Shaman chikitsa for ADHD type of disorder, because Medhya drugs improve concentration, cognition and coordination capacity of brain. Medhya Rasayana is a group of medicinal plants (mentioned by Acharya Charak) that can be used singly or in combinations. They are Mandukparni (Centella asiatica Linn.) Yashtimadhu (Glycirrhiza glabra Linn.), Guduci(Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Miers ) and Shankhapushpi (Convolvus pleuricaulis Chois), specially mentioned with a wide range of applications on different systems. Other beneficial drug used with similar aim is Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi). The Medhya effect of drugs can be considered as Prabhava janya (unthinkable and unimaginable). Medhya drugs also act on Manasika bhavas (faculties of mind) by relieving anxiety, stress etc.