Abstract

*Dr. Mansoor Ahmad, Dr. K. Govindan Namboodri

ABSTRACT

Chittodwega is an important Ayurvedic concept characterized by psychological and somatic manifestations that closely resemble the clinical presentation of anxiety. While anxiety is traditionally assessed using clinical evaluation and psychometric scales, increasing evidence suggests that it is also associated with measurable alterations in neuroendocrine, autonomic, inflammatory, oxidative, and neuroplasticity-related pathways. Biomarkers such as cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress markers, and heart rate variability offer objective insights into these biological changes. This review examines the emerging evidence on biomarkers relevant to anxiety and explores their potential significance in understanding the biological dimensions of Chittodwega. It also discusses the possible relationship between Ayurvedic concepts, including Manas, Dosha, Manovaha Srotas, Rajas, and Vata, and contemporary physiological mechanisms involved in anxiety. Furthermore, the review evaluates the scientific evidence supporting Ayurvedic therapeutic approaches such as Medhya Rasayana, Rasayana, Yoga, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, and selected herbal interventions, with particular emphasis on their potential to modulate anxiety-related biological pathways. By integrating classical Ayurvedic knowledge with modern biomarker research, this review proposes a translational framework for the objective assessment of Chittodwega and identifies future directions for evidence-based Ayurvedic clinical research.