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Keywords

Reverse pharmacology, Dravyaguna, Ayurveda, Evidence-based traditional medicine, Herbal drug discovery

Abstract

Reverse pharmacology (RP) represents a novel “experiential-to-experimental” research approach that begins with clinical experiences and traditional usage, progressing systematically to preclinical investigations and mechanistic validation. In the context of Ayurvedic Dravyaguna Vigyana (pharmacology), RP offers a pragmatic model to integrate classical knowledge of medicinal plants with contemporary scientific methods for drug discovery and validation. This paradigm emphasizes safety, efficacy, and translational relevance, while preserving the essence of historical therapeutic practices. The present review explores the scope of RP in Ayurveda and illustrates its application through key success stories, including Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Nimba), Curcuma longa L. (Haridra), and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Ashwagandha). Traditional indications such as Haridra for inflammation and Ashwagandha as a rejuvenator (Rasayana) have been substantiated through experimental models and clinical trials. Additional examples, including the polyherbal formulation AYUSH-64 and the neuroprotective agent Mucuna pruriens, further demonstrate the wide-ranging utility of RP in bridging traditional and modern healthcare systems. Overall, reverse pharmacology holds promise as a sustainable and evidence-driven approach to novel drug development rooted in Ayurvedic wisdom.

Pages

256

Last Page

263

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