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Abstract
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their
abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is
a basic human right. In the present era, individuals are overloaded with stress, tension, anxiety, and lack of
sleep, which adversely affect the memory of most individuals. It is very common even in children. Promotion
and prevention efforts aim to improve mental health by addressing individual, social and structural
determinants of mental health. In Ayurveda, the term “Pathya Āhāra”refers to wholesome or suitable diet that
promotes health, aids in the prevention and management of disease, and maintains balance of the doṣas (Vāta,
Pitta, Kapha), agni (digestive fire), and dhātus (tissues).Pathya āhāra is the type of food and diet regimen that is
conducive to health and suitable according to one’s constitution (prakṛti), disease condition, season (ṛtu),
digestive capacity (agni), and dosha state. Ayurveda plays a role in mental health by taking a holistic approach
that balances the mind, body, and spirit through a combination of therapies like diet, yoga, meditation, and
herbal treatments. It focuses on restoring balance to the doshas. The present article aimed to focus on the role
of Yava , Krishna tila and chanchu as pathya Ahara to improve mental health by highlighting it’s medical as
well as neutraceutical properties and to develop interest of researches regarding it’s various therapeutic aspects
. More than 1 billion people worldwide are currently living with one or more mental health disorders.
Anxiety and depressive disorders are the most common globally. Mental health disorders are the second
leading cause of long‐ term disability (in terms of loss of healthy life years) globally. Pathya Āhāra is essential
for mental health because it nourishes the mind through the body. It enhances Sattva, maintains Agni, supports
Ojas, and keeps Rajas and Tamas in check — thereby ensuring emotional balance, clarity, and mental well-
being, hence the study was done .In the study it was observed that Yava, Krishna tila , chanchu, has the
potential to improve the mind, stabilize emotions, sharpen intellect, and restore psychological balance .
Keywords – Yava, Krishna tila , chanchu, mental health.
P
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH
Corresponding author: Dr. Ashwini Makadi
Article Info: Published on : 15/10/2025
Impact Factor : 1.013
The Role Of Yava, Krishna Tila And Chanchu ( African Jute) As Pathya Ahaar
To Improve Mental Health w.s.r To Bhavprakasha Nighantu
Dr.Ashwini Makadi
1
,
Dr. Pankaj Barapatre
2
1
Assistant Professor , Dravyaguna Department, Sardar Patel Ayurvedic College and medical hospital ,
Dongariya, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India
2
Assistant Professor , Shalya Tantra Department, Sardar Patel Ayurvedic College and medical hospital,
Dongariya, Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, India
Cite this article as: - Dr. Ashwini Makadi (2025) ; The Role Of Yava, Krishna Tila And Chanchu ( African Jute) As Pathya Ahaar
To Improve Mental Health w.s.r To Bhavprakasha Nighantu;Inter .J. Dignostics and Research 3 (1) 164-169 ,
DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 7 3 72092
:
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Introduction :
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that
enables people to cope with the stresses of life,
realize their abilities, learn and work well, and
contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and
instrumental value and is a basic human right.
Globally, nearly 1 in 7 people (1.1 billion) lived
with a mental disorder in 2021, with anxiety and
depression being the most common. In the United
States, about 1 in 5 adults experiences a mental
illness in a given year, and 1 in 5 young people also
have a mental health disorder.
[1]
Mental health
conditions include mental disorders and
psychosocial disabilities as well as other mental
states associated with significant distress,
impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm.
Many mental health conditions can be effectively
treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems
remain significantly under-resourced and treatment
gaps are wide all over the world.
Ayurveda treats
mental disorders holistically by focusing on
restoring the balance of the mind, body, and spirit.
Its methods address the root causes of imbalances
rather than just the symptoms through personalized
diet, herbs, lifestyle adjustments, and therapeutic
treatments. The Ayurvedic approach, known
as Manas Roga Chikitsa, can be used to manage
conditions such as anxiety, stress, and
depression. Ayurvedic perspective on mental
disorders.
[2]
Ayurveda is based on the concept that
health is a state of equilibrium of the three vital
forces or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Mental
health is also defined by the balance of three mental
qualities or gunas: Sattva represents clarity,
balance, and purity. An abundance of Sattva is
linked to positive mental health. Rajas represents
activity and restlessness. An imbalance can lead to
agitation, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts.
Tamas represents inertia and lethargy. An excess
can cause depression, dullness, and a lack of
motivation. Mental disorders, or Manasika Vikaras,
are believed to result from an imbalance in these
doshas and gunas, often triggered by stress,
unhealthy lifestyle choices, and unresolved
emotions. A balanced diet is crucial for providing
the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain
proper physical and mental function. Adoption the
Pathya Ahara and Vihara is important in
maintenaning the mental health Ayurveda is of
the view that the mind and body as interconnected.
Diet, along with other lifestyle factors, is seen as a
key determinant of both physical andmental health.
In Bhavprakash Nighantu various drugs are
mentioned under the heading Medhya dravya acts
by balancing the mansik trigunas. This article
highlight the role of yava, Krishna tila and chinchu
as pathya ahara to improve the Mental health.
[3]
Material & Methods :
The literary method of research is adopted in
present study. All the Ayurvedic literature
pertaining to the research topic is explored. The
References from Bhavprakash Nighantu , other
Nighantus, Laghutrayi , Bruhatrayi and research
articles on web were searched for the study.
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Classification
[4, 5, 6]
-
sr.
no
Dravya
Latin
name
Family
Varga
1
Yava
Hordeum
vulgar
Gramineae
Dhanya
2
Krishna
tila
Sesamum
Indicum
Gramineae
Dhanya
3
Chinchu
Corchorus
fasicularis
Malvaceae
Shaka
Morphology
[7,8]
:
1) Yava (Barley) :
Yava, or Hordeum vulgare (barley), is an annual
plant with erect stems 50-100 cm tall, linear leaves,
and a long spike inflorescence. Key morphological
features include its flattened, 2-ranked spike,
whichhas a brittle axis and awns, and its grains are
the caryopsis type. The spike consists of sessile,
perfect, and awned central spikelets and sessile,
sterile lateral spikelets.
2) Krishana tila (Black Sesame) :
Krishna tila, or black sesame seed, has a flattened
ovate shape, is typically black, and measures
approximately (2.5) mm in length and (1.5) mm in
width. Macroscopically, the seed has a smooth or
reticulate surface with faint marginal and central
lines, a slightly concave side, and a pleasant, oily
taste. Microscopically, its structure includes a
single-layered testa with palisade-like cells, a three-
layered endosperm of polygonal parenchyma, and
two cotyledons also composed of polygonal
parenchyma cells, all containing fixed oils and
aleurone grains.
3) Chanchu (African Jute) :
African jute morphology includes an erect
herbaceous stem that can be purplish or reddish-
brown, with alternate, serrated leaves. It has yellow
flowers with five petals and sepals, and produces
long, spindle-shaped pods containing numerous
seeds. The plant's morphology is diverse, with
variations in height (up to 4 meters), branching, and
fruit characteristics between species like Corchorus
olitorius and Corchorus aestuans.
Mode Of Action
[9]
:
Yava (Barley) :
It posses Madhura and kashaya rasa, katu vipaka
and sheet veerya. Madhura rasa and sheeta veerya
helps in providing nutrition to Tarpaka kapha and
increase Dhi component of Medha . Kashaya rasa
and katu vipaka helps to removes the kleda from
majja dhatu and improves the dhruti and thus by
reducing stress and anxiety help to improve the
mental health.
Potential benefits for mental health
1) Antidepressant effects: Barley contains
nutrients and bioactive compounds that have
been shown to have an antidepressant-like
effect. Animal studies have observed that barley
can improve symptoms of depression
[10]
.
2) Stress management: Studies on young green
barley leaf extract indicate that it has anti-stress
properties. In mouse models, it prevented a
decrease in hippocampal brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF) caused by stress.
BDNF is a protein that is crucial for brain
health, and reduced levels are associated with
depression.
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3) Mood regulation: The effect of a barley-based
broth known as "Talbinah" on mood has been
studied. Because Talbinah is a good source of
vitamins, minerals (like zinc and magnesium),
and antioxidants, it may have a positive impact
on mood.
4) Gut-brain axis: Barley is a good source of
dietary fiber, which is known to influence the
gut microbiome. The gut-brain axis recognizes
the critical connection between gut health and
mental well-being. By promoting a healthy gut,
barley may help improve mental health
outcomes.
Krishna Tila (Black Sesame) -
It posses Madhura rasa and madhura vipaka which
acts as Balya and bruhana which helps in
stabilizing mind by improving the dhruti and the
Ushna veerya do Majja Agni vardhana which helps
in improving smirti The mental health benefits of
black sesame seeds are supported by their key
nutrients, which can help regulate mood and reduce
stress. Magnesium and calcium: Black sesame
seeds are a concentrated source of these essential
minerals. Magnesium is critical for regulating the
nervous system, and a deficiency has been linked to
increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. By
increasing magnesium levels, these seeds can help
promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These fatty acids are vital for
brain health and have been shown to help lift mood.
Black sesame seeds contain beneficial fats that
support the nervous system and overall brain
function.
Tryptophan: This amino acid, found in sesame
seeds, is a precursor to serotonin,
neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. A
balanced level of serotonin is important for a
positive mental outlook.
Antioxidants and B vitamins: Black sesame seeds
contain potent antioxidants, such as sesamin and
sesamolin, which fight oxidative stress that can
damage brain cells. They are also rich in B vitamins
that are essential for nervous system function and
energy metabolism.
Chanchu (African Jute):
Chanchu helps in stabilizing the brain and support
intellectual functions by nourishing majja dhatu
with the help of it’s Madhura rasa , Madhura
vipaka and sheeta veerya. In traditional African
folk medicine, African jute is used to manage and
treat convulsions.
The anti-seizure activity seen in some animal
studies is attributed to the plant's phytochemical
content, which includes flavonoids, saponins, and
other polyphenolics.
GABAergic pathway:.A study suggests a
potential neurological pathway that could also be
active in African jute, as many medicinal plants act
on similar systems.
Antioxidant effects: African jute is rich in
antioxidants like flavonoids and ascorbic acid
(vitamin C). These antioxidants help reduce
oxidative stress, which can trigger and exacerbate
seizures.
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Discussion :
Mental disorders or mental illnesses are conditions
that affect our thinking, feeling, mood and
behaviour. They may be occasional or long-lasting
(chronic) they can affect our ability to
communicate with others and the proper
functioning of the nervous system. Mental illness
may be due to an imbalance of natural bio-
chemicals in our brain & body. Mental illnesses
associated with changes in neurotransmitters e.g.-
In patients with depression, the level of
neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine is
decreased. Ahara itself is considered a medicine,
with a proper diet being used to manage mental
disorders. Adhering those specific dietary rules can
enhance mental well-being. In this article the
effect of Yava, Krishna tila and chanchu was
studied. These are easily available and very
effective in the treatment of mental disorders due to
their nervine and brain tonic activities. It stimulates
the secretion of neurotransmitters. This dravyas
acts as Medhya Rasayana and act on the
Hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis (HPA axis) &
normalize the secretion of neurotransmitters such as
dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine & they can
improve the mental functioning. Modern
Nutritional science also supports the role of diet in
mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids present in
Krishna tila improve neurotransmitter activity,
brain cell communication, and reduce
inflammation, which can help in reducing the
depression and anxiety. These drugs also promote
intellect (Dhi), retention (Dhruti), memory (Smriti).
Conclusion :
Yava, Krishna tila , chanchu act on the Manovaha
Srotas by promoting the stava guna and
maintaining the balance between all the three
mansik doshas . The chemicals present in these
dravyas like Phenolic acid , vit. B, Cynogenic
Glycosides,Oleic acid ,palmaticacid ,Lignin helps
in reducing stress and anxity and enhances the
mental health . Hence , there is a definite
relationship between the pathya ahar like yava,
krishna, tila, chanchu and mental health. The satvik
diet helps in maintaining the soundness of mind
whereas the rajasik and tamasik diet irritates and
perverts the mind.
Reference :
1. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-09-2025-
over-a-billion-people-living-with-mental-health-
conditions-services-require-urgent-scale-
up?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Korver O. Functional foods: Functional Foods
for Disease Prevention, II, American Chemical
Society; 1998.pg.22-50
Sr
No
Dravya
Rasa
Guna
Virya
Vipak
Action
1
Yava
Madhur,
Kashya
Guru,
Ruksha,
Sara,
Mrudu
Sheeta
Katu
Increase Dhi,
Anti-
Depressant
Property
2
Krishna
Tila
Madhur,
Tikta
Guru,
Vikasi,
Lekhan,Sara
Ushna
Madhur
Increase
Smruti,
Neuroprotecitve
Effect
3
Chanchu
Madhur
Sukshma,Vikasi
,Sara
Madhur
Sheeta
Increase Dhriti
,
Anti-Oxidant ,
Stress Reliving
Property
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Copyright @ : - Dr.Ashwini Makadi Inter. J.Digno. and Research IJDRMSID0087 |ISSN :2584-2757
169
3. Thomas SC. Nutritional and therapeutic values
of vegetables in “Vegetables and Fruits”,
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CRC Press, London 2008. pg. 23-24
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9. Review articleFront. Nutr., 05 April 2023Sec.
Nutrition and Metabolism Volume 10 - 2023 |
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1099880
10. Antidepressant-like effects of young green
barley leaf (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the mouse
forced swimming test , Katsunori Yamaura 1,,
Noriyuki Nakayama 1,, Maki Shimada 1,
Yuanyuan Bi 1, Hideki Fukata 3, Koichi Ueno
1,2
Declaration :
Conflict of Interest : None
ISSN: 2584-2757
DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 7 3 72092
Dr.
Ashwini Makadi
Inter. J.Digno. and Research
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