RUDRAKSHA (ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS) IN AYURVEDIC CLASSICS: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL WITH CONTEMPORARY SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS

Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) is an evergreen tree traditionally revered in Shaiva traditions and described in Ayurvedic Nighantus for its therapeutic properties. Although not elaborately mentioned in the Brihattrayi, classical lexicons attribute to it Vata-Kapha shamaka action and indications in conditions such as Daha, Jwara, Unmada, Shirashoola, and related psychosomatic disorders. The present narrative-cum-critical review aims to compile and analyze classical Ayurvedic references and correlate them with contemporary scientific findings. Literary sources from major Nighantus were examined, and electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and AYUSH Research Portal were searched for relevant experimental and review studies. Phytochemical investigations reveal that Elaeocarpus ganitrus contains diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, catechin), phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid), tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, and terpenoids. Experimental studies demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and anxiolytic activities, supporting several traditional claims. Acute toxicity studies indicate a relatively favorable safety profile in animal models. Despite promising preclinical evidence, robust human clinical trials and standardization protocols remain limited. Further systematic research is necessary to validate its efficacy and ensure its rational integration into evidence-based integrative healthcare.