Conceptual Foundations of Ayurveda:
Rasaśāstra
Dr. Karunanidhi Sharma
M.D.(Ay.), Ph.D. (Ay.)
Specialization: Rasashastra & Bhaishajyakalpana
Know Your Editor
Dr. Karunanidhi Sharma is an Ayurveda physician, academician, researcher, and technical consultant with specialized expertise in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics and evidence-based research. He holds a BAMS, MD, and Ph.D. from the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur. His MD specialization was in Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, with a dissertation focused on the antidiabetic evaluation of Bhasma and extract-based Ayurvedic formulations.
His doctoral research, titled “Reverse Engineering of Trividha Sneha Paka through Different Analytical Techniques with Special Reference to Bhringamalaki Taila,” investigated the compositional transformations of classical lipid-based formulations across different stages of Sneha Paka using advanced analytical methodologies, including GC-MS/MS, HPTLC, FTIR, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, and zeta potential studies. His work contributes to bridging classical Ayurvedic pharmaceutics with modern analytical science. He has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed research publications in national and international journals. He has also authored two books on research methodology specifically designed to guide Ayurvedic scholars in conducting systematic, scientifically robust research while preserving classical authenticity.
In addition to his academic contributions, he has served as a consultant in Ayurvedic product development and regulatory strategy, contributing to formulation design, standardization, stability evaluation, and international market preparedness for Ayurveda-based products. He has also completed a research fellowship project under the Ministry of Ayush (FITM), examining the scope, gaps, and strategic pathways for enhancing the global export potential of Ayurvedic medicines in the USA, Europe, and Canada.
As an editor, Dr. Sharma brings a scholarly, methodical, and evidence-oriented approach, ensuring academic rigor, textual precision, conceptual clarity, and practical relevance. His work reflects a sustained commitment to advancing Ayurveda through scientific validation while preserving its foundational principles.
About the book
Conceptual Foundations of Āyurveda: Rasaśāstra presents a comprehensive academic exploration of classical Ayurvedic alchemy and herbo-mineral pharmaceutics. The volume systematically examines Pārada, metals and minerals, Sudhā and Loha Varga Dravyas, along with detailed discussions on Śodhana, Māraṇa, Amṛtīkaraṇa, Parpaṭī Kalpanā, Poṭṭalī Kalpanā, Kupipākva Rasāyana, and Bhasma preparation. Emphasis is laid on pharmaceutical processing, safety, quality control, regulatory perspectives, and contemporary scientific validation, including nano-characterization and translational research. Clinical applications of Rasa Auṣadhis in metabolic disorders and chronic diseases are discussed with evidence-based insights. By bridging classical metallurgical wisdom with modern analytical and regulatory frameworks, this book provides a strong conceptual and applied foundation for students, researchers, academicians, and industry professionals in Rasaśāstra.
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