The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda, has been practiced for thousands of years. It operates on the principle of a holistic approach to health by using herbs, dietetics, and formulations to create balance in the body. Enhancing immunity is one of the significant areas discussed in Ayurveda. As individuals are becoming more inclined towards natural remedies, they are turning to Ayurvedic immunity boosters to prepare their body to combat infections. With the rising importance of hospitals, diagnostic centers, and medical supply stores in supporting health, it’s essential to understand how these natural remedies align with modern healthcare practices. But how effective are these traditional remedies? Here in this blog, we discuss the scientific basis of some commonly used Ayurvedic immunity boosters and look at their potential.
Key Ayurvedic Immunity Boosters
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha, the “Indian ginseng,” is a well-established herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also widely recognized for its adaptogenic property, i.e., it can resist stress. However, its effect on immunity is also not to be ignored. Experiments have also proved that Ashwagandha can increase immunity by having higher white blood cell counts. According to studies by Heather Zwickey, Ph.D., it was found that Ashwagandha milk supplementation activated lymphocytes, particularly that of Natural Killer (NK) cells. NK cells are crucial in fighting infection and tumors. This is proof of Ashwagandha as an immunity enhancer.
2. Chyawanprash
Chyawanprash is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation with a mixture of herbs in which amla (Indian gooseberry) is a prominent component. Amla is traditionally renowned for its extremely high vitamin C content and antioxidant activity. Chyawanprash has been shown to possess immuneenhancing and antiinflammatory activity in research. Research on the zebrafish model showed that Chyawanprash is able to suppress inflammation, pointing to its activity as an immune system modulator. Its synergistic action also enhances the bioavailability and efficacy of its active principles, making it a preferred choice in Ayurvedic treatments as well.
3. Kadha (Herbal Decoctions)
Herbal decoctions or Kadha was a very popular modality that was used during the COVID19 pandemic. It was discovered through a survey that 76% of individuals used Kadha as an immunity booster. Ginger (Shunthi), holy basil (Tulsi), black pepper (Kali mirch), clove (Laung), and cinnamon (Dalchini) are household spices and all are renowned for immune-enhancing activities. The herbs synergistically exert overall health, reduction in inflammation, and immune system stimulation. Kadha use is still a continuing practice, especially in regions where Ayurvedic medicine is well established in the lifestyle.
4. Rasayana Herbs
Rasayana herbs like Guduchi, Haritaki, Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Jyotishmati have been described as immune modulators in Ayurvedic literature. The herbs are mentioned to possess antioxidant, adaptogenic, and antistress activities that culminate in the overall stimulation of the immune system. Recent studies vouch for such ancient claims, putting the fact that such herbs are immunemodulating by enhanced immune cell activity, inhibition of inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infection in the body. Their adaptogenic action also increases the body’s resistance to stress, an addition to immune protection.
Scientific Evaluations and Emerging Findings
Although such Ayurvedic medicines have been in use for centuries, recent scientific evaluations have unfolded the efficacy thereof. Systematic review of 20 randomized controlled trials of Ayurvedic preparations indicated that a number of preparations like Ashwagandha and Chyawanprash could enhance natural killer (NK) cell and Thelper cell activity, both crucial for immune defense. The review also indicated the need for more rigorous studies due to the very high risks of bias in some trials.
Another important trial during the COVID19 pandemic was the evaluation of Ayurvedic medicine NAOQ19 in combination with standard care in patients with mild to moderate COVID19. Although the results were not yet published, the trial indicates growing interest in the application of Ayurvedic therapies in modern clinical practice within the framework of health emergencies.
Recent Clinical and Mechanistic Insights
1. Adaptive Immune Modulation by Ashwagandha
There has also been evidence from recent clinical trials contributing to Ashwagandha’s involvement in immunological function. A randomized trial demonstrated that Ashwagandha extracts significantly increased serum immunoglobulin levels (most importantly IgA) and reduced inflammatory markers such as Creactive protein (CRP) and interleukin6 (IL6). This shows that Ashwagandha possesses the ability to stimulate the adaptive immune response, which renders the body more resistant to infection.
2. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) and NFκB Pathway Inhibition
Guduchi, a potent Ayurvedic herb, has also demonstrated potential in preclinical studies. Bioactive constituents of Guduchi are strong free radical scavengers and NFκB signaling pathway inhibitors—a central modulator of inflammation. NFκB inhibition could augment innate immunity by regulating cytokine production and macrophage activation, consistent with its traditional immunomodulatory indication.
3. Synergistic Effects in Polyherbal Formulations
Some Ayurvedic preparations, such as Chyawanprash and Kadha, are polyherbal preparations in which many herbs synergistically act together to produce a collective action. It has been established through research that these preparations do show synergistic activity enhancing the absorption as well as the effectiveness of the constituent parts. For example, ginger and black pepper, in simultaneous administration, enhance the bioavailability of bioactive molecules and provide a synergistic overall immunestimulating effect. Aside from enhancing immunity through synergy, physiological homeostasis in the body is likewise attained through sustained gut microbiome health and inflammation reduction.
RealWorld Efficacy and Integrative Strategies
1. RealWorld Observational Evidence
Observational trial at Jaipur involved Ayurveda Immunity Booster Kit (AIBK) that comprised Chyawanprash, Vyadhi Kshamatva Kwatha, and capsules. Very good compliance (over 97%) and safety were observed with no case of COVID19 developed in a 2week follow-up.These field observations suggest that Ayurvedic interventions may be useful adjuncts to the conventional standard preventive therapy in infectious epidemics.
2. Gut Microbiome and Systemic Immunity
Recent studies also unraveled the connection between immunity and the gut microbiome. Ayurvedic herbs have also been proven to beneficially modulate gut flora, which plays a pivotal role in immune response. Ayurvedic herbs have been proven to proliferate beneficial bacteria, reduce systemic inflammation, and promote metabolic processes. As the majority of the immune system resides in the gut, such alterations would lead to a stronger and balanced immune response.
Safe Use Considerations
Though large-scale scientific evidence exists in support of Ayurvedic immunity boosters, utmost care must be practiced when these are used. Heterogeneity of preparation, coexisting underlying medical diseases, and interaction with other medications must be remembered. It is always best to use Ayurvedic treatment in consultation with a health practitioner so that no ill effects or treatment failure occurs.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic immunostimulants, i.e., Ashwagandha, Chyawanprash, Kadha, and Rasayana plants, have promising potential for immune function enhancement. The scientific basis of their efficacy is growing increasingly, with emerging research focusing on their ability to modulate immune cell function, inhibit inflammation, and promote general wellbeing. As with any health remedy, however, it is important to use such remedies responsibly and integrate them into a wellbalanced, evidencebased healthcare practice.