Safety and efficacy of ayush rasayana A and B in improving functionality of the elderly – A single-arm multicenter study

Background: As per Ayurvedic classics, Rasāyana is a term used for unique therapeutic measures intended to improve cognition, memory, physical strength and delay the degenerative processes. Ayush Rasayana A & B are developed from extracts of herbs pertaining rasayana property. Aims & Objectives: To assess the safety and effectiveness of 'Ayush Rasayana A and B' in improving physical endurance, quality of life and cognition of elderly. Materials and Methods: This is an open label, single arm, multi-centre study among 256 apparently healthy elderly between 60-75 years. Ayush Rasayan A was given for 6 days and Ayush Rayana B for 180 days. The effect of the trial drug was seen on functional capacity, quality of life and cognitive function and, safety of the intervention was assessed through haematological and biochemical tests, clinical examination and incidence of adverse events. Results: Significant improvement in 6 minute walk test and HMSE score was observed at 187th as compared to baseline (p<0.0001). Quality of life of the participants especially in domains of physical health, social relationship and environment also improved at the end of intervention period (p<0.0001). The haematological and bio-chemical parameters showed no significant changes as compared to baseline and no adverse events were observed during the study. Conclusion: Ayush Rasayana A and Ayush Rasayana B, both were well tolerated by all the participants. This ayurvedic intervention can be safely given to apparently healthy elderly to improve their functionality, quality of life and cognition. However, a randomized controlled trial is warranted to substantiate the efficacy of this drug. Trial Registration: CTRI/2015/04/005679 dated 8th April 2015.