Ancient wisdom on digital platforms: A qualitative appraisal of scientific integrity in Ayurveda mobile applications

ABSTRACT: Rapid expansion of digital health technologies has transformed healthcare worldwide, with mobile health (mHealth) applications becoming vital for personalized care and public health. In India, integration of Ayurveda into digital platforms reflects shifts under the Digital India and Ayush Grid initiatives. This narrative review aimed to systematically identify, evaluate, and categorize Ayurveda-based mobile applications available on major application distribution platforms, focusing on their authenticity, scientific credibility, and functional diversity. A systematic search was conducted on Google Play Store and Apple App Store between 24-30 th September 2025, following the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Applications were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible apps were classified into five categories: educational, clinical, consultation-based, commercial, and institutional. Out of 637 screened applications, 211 met the inclusion criteria. Significant heterogeneity was observed in content reliability and scientific validation. Only a small subset of applications were endorsed by government agencies or recognized Ayurveda experts. Educational apps often displayed Sanskrit textual formats with minimal interactivity, whereas clinical and wellness-oriented apps frequently lacked expert oversight and safety standards. Traditional disciplines such as Shalya-tantra and Shalakya-tantra were notably underrepresented in the digital domain. The review identifies critical gaps and opportunities in the current landscape of Ayurveda-based mHealth applications. Significant potential exists for developing evidence-based, multilingual, syllabus-aligned Ayurvedic mobile tools. A standardized Ayush digital accreditation framework is urgently required to ensure authenticity, scientific validity, and user safety. The findings offer direction for policymakers, developers, and educators in advancing Ayurveda’s digital transformation.