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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 3 [July to September]
  3. CLASSICAL AUSHADHA SEVANA KALA AND CHRONOPHARMACOLOGY: A REVIEW
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Ms. Priya Bhaware

CLASSICAL AUSHADHA SEVANA KALA AND CHRONOPHARMACOLOGY: A REVIEW

Introduction: The timing of drug administration plays a crucial role in determining therapeutic efficacy and safety. Ayurveda, through the concept of Aushadha Sevana Kala (time of drug intake), provides a highly individualized approach to pharmacotherapy, integrating factors such as dosha, agni, vyadhi avastha, and dinacharya. Modern biomedical sciences have developed the discipline of chronopharmacology, which studies how circadian rhythms influence drug absorption, metabolism, and response. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Ayurvedic classical texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya), PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms included Aushadha Kala, chronotherapy, circadian rhythm, drug timing, Ayurveda and pharmacology. Both classical references and modern experimental or clinical studies were included. Exclusion criteria involved non-peer-reviewed articles and anecdotal reports. Results: Ayurvedic texts describe more than 20 specific Aushadha Kaalas, such as Pratah Kala (morning), Madhyahna (noon), Ratri (night), Annapana Purva (before food), and Annapana Paschat (after food), each chosen according to disease, drug nature, and patient condition. These principles parallel modern findings, for example, antihypertensives being more effective at bedtime or chemotherapy showing improved tolerance when aligned with circadian cycles. Emerging research demonstrates that aligning medication timing with circadian rhythms enhances bioavailability and minimizes side effects. Discussion: Ayurveda’s personalized Aushadha Kala can be interpreted as an early form of chronotherapy. However, gaps remain in experimental validation, standardized clinical protocols, and integration with modern chronobiology. Bridging these systems could lead to improved treatment compliance, efficacy, and reduced adverse effects. Conclusion: The classical wisdom of Aushadha Sevana Kala offers a sustainable, individualized model that complements modern chronopharmacology. Further interdisciplinary research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines.

 

KEYWORDS: Ayurveda, Aushadha Kala, chronopharmacology, circadian rhythm, drug timing