FROM COSMIC PRINCIPLES TO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: VALIDATING ASTROLOGY IN AYURVEDA

Loka–Purusha Samya Vada emphasizes the interrelationship between Kaala, Rtu, Nakshatra and biological processes. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe specific periods for medicinal plant collection, including Pushya Nakshatra, indicating that the timing of collection may influence drug quality. The present study aims to explore the scientific relevance of Kaala and Nakshatra in drug collection by comparing medicinal plants collected during Pushya and other selected Nakshatras. The study evaluates the association of Pushya Nakshatra-based collection with variations in the phytochemical composition of selected medicinal plants in comparison with collection during other Nakshatras. It was observed that Vata, Pipal, Jambu and Arka collected during Pushya Nakshatra demonstrated measurable variations in phytochemical constituents compared with samples collected during other Nakshatras. Phenolic, flavonoid and alkaloid contents varied among the plants, with species-specific patterns. Results showed Pushya-collected samples generally exhibited higher phenolic and flavonoid contents. Alkaloid content was higher in Pushya samples of Vata, Pipal and Jambu, whereas Arka showed higher alkaloid content in the Other Nakshatra group. Overall, the findings suggest an association between collection period and phytochemical composition, while seasonal and environmental factors should also be considered.