ABSTRACT:
Ayurveda, an Indian traditional system of medicine is being successfully used in many countries of the world. Principle of Ayurveda is based on balance between the interrelated relationships within the body and mind. Asava and arista are popularly used in Ayurvedic practice for treatment of various complicated ailments. These preparations occupy important position in the pharmaceutical field. These are also considered as unique dosage forms of Ayurveda due to their self generation of alcohol and indefinite shelf life period. They can be stored for long time without losing their potency instead the potency is increased as these preparations become old. These alcoholic preparations possess several pharmacological properties and are used against many chronic diseases such as rheumatism, heart disease and urinary tract problem. Present study is undertaken to report the various pharmacological activities of various asava and arista preparations such as hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-epileptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, CNS depressant, cardio-protective and antidiabetic.