Anmol Mahajan,
Kalpana Raje,
Syamlal S.,
Dharmendra Mishra,
Nikita Bankoti,
- Scholar, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
- Professor & HOD, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
- Lecturer, Department of Rachana Sharir, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
- Assistant Professor, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (INI), Jamnagar, Gujarat, India
- Assistant Professor, Department of Rachana Sharir, Gangasheel Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Introduction: Intranasal administration (Nasya), a time-honoured Ayurvedic procedure, offers a unique advantage in treating pathology of neurological and systemic diseases due to its targeted and non-invasive nature. Pakshaghata, a neurological disorder characterized by hemiplegia in ancient Ayurvedic literature, where it is classified as a Vatavyadhi. Methods: By going through all the available literatures and information, this review study explores the concept of Nasya in the context of Pakshaghata management, investigating the macro and micro channels involved in its potential mechanism of action and the interfacial linkage between the nasal cavity and the brain is elucidated. Results: The intranasal administration of indicated medicine ingredients permeate the channels up to the cavernous sinus, disseminating throughout the cranial cavity and brain. This targeted approach allows for the exertion of systemic effects, acting upon key centres governing neurological, endocrine, and circulatory functions. Discussion: Nasya therapy offers a potential adjuvant and main therapeutic modality for Pakshaghata. The avoidance of first-pass metabolism and the blood-brain barrier enables higher bioavailability of drugs administered through Nasya. Conclusion: The medicine used in Nasya reaches to the targeted structure through two ways, one is the nasal mucosa containing enormous blood vessels and the other is through fine pores in cribriform plate, the absorbed medication can rapidly reach the brain, influencing various neurological, endocrine, and circulatory functions. The brain’s intricate network of neurons and blood vessels allows the absorbed Nasya dravya to act on specific centres and highlight its mechanism and advantages.
Keywords: Anatomical pathway, Hemiplegia, Intranasal administration, Nasya, Pakshaghata
[This article belongs to Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy ]
Anmol Mahajan, Kalpana Raje, Syamlal S., Dharmendra Mishra, Nikita Bankoti. Role of Nasya in Pakshaghata: An Evidence-Based Review Study on Its Anatomical Pathway and Therapeutic Action. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2025; 14(02):1-8.
Anmol Mahajan, Kalpana Raje, Syamlal S., Dharmendra Mishra, Nikita Bankoti. Role of Nasya in Pakshaghata: An Evidence-Based Review Study on Its Anatomical Pathway and Therapeutic Action. Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2025; 14(02):1-8. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/joayush/article=2025/view=217168
Browse Figures
References
- Ashtangahridayam, Nirmala Hindi commentary by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi. Sutrasthana, chapter-20, verse-1. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2019. p. 244.
- Caraka Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinash Shastri. Sutrasthana, chapter-17, verse-12. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti Publisher; 2000. Vol. 1, p. 289.
- Ashtangahridayam, Vidyotini Hindi Commentary by Kaviraja Atrideva Gupta. Uttarasthana, chapter-24, verse-58. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Prakashan; 2010. p. 734.
- Caraka Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinash Shastri. Siddhisthana, chapter-9, verse-89. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti Publisher; 2000. Vol. 2, p. 981.
- Caraka Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinash Shastri. Chikitsasthana, chapter-28, verse-53. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti Publisher; 2000. Vol. 2, p. 717.
- Ashtangahridayam, Nirmala Hindi commentary by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi. Sutrasthana, chapter-1, verse-20. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2019. p. 16.
- Caraka Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinash Shastri. Siddhisthana, chapter-2, verse-22. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti Publisher; 2000. Vol. 2, p. 906.
- Caraka Samhita, Ayurveda Dipika. Siddhisthana, Panchakarma Siddhidhyaya, verse 2/22. Available from: https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecaraka/. Accessed April 21, 2025.
- Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri. Chikitsasthana, verse 40/40. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2009. p. 227.
- Astang Sangraha, Sutrasthana, Nasyavidhi, verse 29/3. Available from: https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/esangraha/?mod=read. Accessed April 21, 2025.
- Ashtangahridayam, Nirmala Hindi commentary by Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi. Sutrasthana, chapter-20, verse-1. Delhi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratishthan; 2019. p. 244.
- Strazielle N, Ghersi-Egea JF. Potential pathways for CNS drug delivery across the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier. Curr Pharm Des. 2016;22(35):5463–76. doi:10.2174/1381612822666160726112115.
- Pifferi F, Laurent B, Plourde M. Lipid transport and metabolism at the blood-brain interface: implications in health and disease. Front Physiol. 2021 Mar 30;12:645646. doi:10.3389/fphys.2021.645646.
- Ghersi-Egea JF, Strazielle N. Brain drug delivery, drug metabolism, and multidrug resistance at the choroid plexus. Microsc Res Tech. 2001;52(1):83–8. doi:10.1002/1097-0029(20010101)52:13.0.CO;2-N.
- Banks WA. From blood-brain barrier to blood-brain interface: new opportunities for CNS drug delivery. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2016;15:275–92. doi:10.1038/nrd.2015.21.
- Caraka Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinash Shastri. Sutrasthana, chapter-11, verse-49. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti Publisher; 2000. Vol. 1, p. 207.
- Caraka Samhita, Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pt. Kashinash Shastri. Chikitsasthana, chapter-28, verse-53. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Bharti Publisher; 2000. Vol. 2, p. 717.
- Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri. Nidanasthana, chapter-1, verses 60–61. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2018. p. 302.
- Sushruta Samhita, Nibandhasangraha commentary by Sri Dalhanacharya. Chikitsasthana, chapter-5, verse-19. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2023. p. 428.
- Sushruta Samhita, Nibandhasangraha commentary by Sri Dalhanacharya. Chikitsasthana, chapter-5, verse-18. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Surbharati Prakashan; 2023. p. 427.
- Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda Tattva Sandipika Hindi commentary by Kaviraja Ambikadutta Shastri. Sutrasthana, chapter-39, verse-7. Varanasi: Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan; 2007. p. 148.
- Shankarnarayan R, Krishnappa S, Sukh D. Studies in sesquiterpenes-L11: Isohimachalone, a compound of essential oil from wood of Cedrus deodara. Tetrahedron. 1997;33:885–6.
- Sharma A, Prashar B, Arora P. Cedrus deodara: A medicinal herb. Int J Curr Res. 2018;10:65758–62.
- Shinde UA, Phadke AS, Nair AM, et al. Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud. wood oil. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;65:21–7. doi:10.1016/s0378-8741(98)00150-0.
- Winter CA, Risley EA, Nuss GW. Carrageenin-induced edema in hind paw of the rat as an assay for anti-inflammatory drugs. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1962;111:544–7. doi:10.3181/00379727-111-27849.
- Gupta S, Walia A, Malan R. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Cedrus deodara: An overview. I J Pharm Sci Res. 2011;2:2010.
- Kar K, Puri VN, Patnaik GK, et al. Spasmolytic constituents of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Loud: pharmacological evaluation of himachalol. J Pharm Sci. 1975;64:258–62. doi:10.1002/jps.2600640213.
- Yu YM, Chang WC, Chang CT, et al. Effects of young barley leaf extract and antioxidative vitamins on LDL oxidation and free radical scavenging activities in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metab. 2002;28:107–14.
- Yu YM, Wu CH, Tseng YH, et al. Antioxidative and hypolipidemic effects of barley leaf essence in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. Jpn J Pharmacol. 2002;89:142–8.
- Sati AD, Mona S, El-kutry H, Hoda SI. Inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts of barley and fenugreek on ulcer induction in rats. World Appl Sci J. 2008;5:332–3.
- Rahul Raj, Rafeeya Shams, Vinay Kumar Pandey, et al. Barley phytochemicals and health promoting benefits: A comprehensive review. J Agric Food Res. 2023;14:100677.
- Binfaré RW, Rosa AO, Lobato KR, et al. Ascorbic acid administration produces an antidepressant-like effect: Evidence for the involvement of monoaminergic neurotransmission. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2009;33:530–40.
- Sharma PC, Yelne MB, Dennis TJ. Database on Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda, Vol. 5. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, Department of ISM & H, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Journal of AYUSH: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue | 02 |
| Received | 24/04/2025 |
| Accepted | 09/05/2025 |
| Published | 15/05/2025 |
| Publication Time | 21 Days |
Login
PlumX Metrics