Pathya-Apathya Ahara and Vihara with Vajikarana Effect: A Critical Review of Classical Recommendations and their Probable Mechanism of Action

Abstract

Background: Sexual health is an essential component of overall health and well-being and encompasses physical, psychological, emotional, and reproductive dimensions of human life. Healthy sexual function contributes not only to individual quality of life but also to reproductive success and social well-being. Modern lifestyle factors such as unhealthy dietary habits, psychological stress, sleep disturbances, sedentary behavior, and excessive indulgence have been associated with deterioration in sexual and reproductive health. In Ayurveda, preservation and promotion of sexual and reproductive health are described under Vajikarana Tantra. Vajikarana is concerned with enhancing sexual vigor, reproductive capacity, and the production of healthy progeny, as well as maintaining Shukra dhatu. Various classical texts describe dietary regimens, behavioral conduct, sleep patterns, physical activity, mental discipline, and purification procedures that support reproductive wellness and sexual health. Understanding these recommendations and exploring their mechanisms of action through contemporary scientific perspectives may provide a framework for promoting sexual and reproductive health. Methods: This study is a literature review of classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya), Bhaisajya Ratnavali, and Kaiyadeva-Nighantuh, as well as other texts related to Vajikarana, and electronic databases. Results: It includes a detailed description of the types of vajikarana along with their management. Mainly, three types of vajikarana dravyas are described: Shukrajanaka, Shukrapravartaka, and Shukrajanka-pravartaka, each having a different effect. Shukrajanaka dravya promotes the formation of Shukra and helps with low sperm count, while Shukrapravartaka helps with ejaculation. Shukrajanaka-pravartaka dravyas help in both formation and ejaculation. Other than these three, Adhamalla (commentator of Sarangdhara Samhita) describes Shukrastambhaka dravya (Jatiphala), which helps in premature ejaculation, and Shukra-shosaka (Haritaki), having effect on frequent nightfall/wet dreams. Conclusion: The review highlights the Ayurvedic understanding of vajikarana along with pathya ahara-vihara, with vajikarana effects along with their probable mechanism of action. It provides a thorough foundation with sufficient detail on how vajikarana dravya affects sexual health positively, with details on how phytochemicals present in these vajikarana dravyas affect and promote sexual health.