Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders and age-related cognitive decline present a complex global healthcare burden. Because these pathologies involve multi-factorial cascades—including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and protein aggregation—single- target pharmacological interventions often yield limited disease-modifying benefits. In Ayurveda, cognitive preservation and neurological revitalization are systematically addressed through Medhya Rasayana, a specialized class of rejuvenative botanical remedies indicated to enhance memory, intellect, and neurological resilience.This review bridges traditional Dravyaguna Vigyan (Ayurvedic pharmacology) with contemporary neuropharmacology. Through the classical Rasa Panchaka framework—encompassing Rasa (taste), Guna (physicochemical attributes), Veerya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), and Prabhava (specific dynamic action)—Medhya Dravyas are understood to alleviate Vata dysregulation, balance Sadhaka Pitta, and nourish Majja Dhatu (nervous tissue).Modern empirical studies corroborate these classical principles, demonstrating that key phytoconstituents—such as bacosides (Bacopa monnieri), withanolides (Withania somnifera), asiaticosides (Centella asiatica), and glycyrrhizin (Glycyrrhiza glabra)—readily cross the blood-brain barrier. These bioactives exert multi-target neuroprotection by upregulating Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), modulating cholinergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, suppressing NF-$\kappa$B-mediated neuroinflammation, activating Nrf2 antioxidant defense pathways, and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.By mapping traditional Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics onto modern cellular pathways, this review highlights the therapeutic potential of Medhya Rasayanas as integrative, multi-target neuroprotective agents for age-related cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.