ANTIOXIDANT POTENTIAL OF AYURVEDIC HERBS AND FORMULATIONS IN RESPIRATORY HEALTH: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are strongly associated with oxidative stress, which contributes to airway inflammation, tissue damage, and disease progression. Antioxidants play a vital role in counteracting these effects and protecting pulmonary tissues. Ayurveda describes several herbs and formulations with potent antioxidant properties that may help maintain respiratory health. This review compiles evidence from classical Ayurvedic literature and contemporary research to identify and assess Ayurvedic drugs and formulations exhibiting significant antioxidant potential and respiratory benefits. The findings indicate that herbs such as Haridra (Curcuma longa L.), Shunti (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum L.), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L.), Lasuna (Allium sativum L.), Palandu (Allium cepa L.), and Pippali (Piper longum L.), along with classical formulations such as Chyawanprasha, Sitopaladi Churna, Dashamoolarishtam, Shirishavaleha, Talisapatradi Churna, and Agastya Haritaki Rasayana, exhibit marked antioxidant action. Current evidence suggests that these interventions can serve as adjuncts for the prevention and management of oxidative stress-mediated respiratory diseases. However, further well-designed clinical and experimental studies are required to substantiate these findings, establish standardized formulations, and clarify their underlying mechanisms of action.