Efficacy of traditional Indian diet (Ayush ahara) on muscle strength and Sarcopenia: A scoping review

TL;DR

This scoping review explores how a traditional Indian diet (Ayush ahara) may improve muscle strength and manage sarcopenia, a condition marked by muscle loss in older adults.

Contribution

The study is the first to systematically evaluate Ayush ahara's potential in managing sarcopenia through a scoping review of clinical trials.

Findings

Ayush ahara components like green gram and turmeric improved muscle strength and physical performance.

The diet was associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced bone mineral density.

Preliminary evidence suggests Ayush ahara could be a complementary approach to sarcopenia management.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a degenerative musculoskeletal condition that affects older persons with the hallmark of loss of muscle mass and function. Modern management is limited to nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle modifications, with no approved drugs. Ayurveda recognizes a similar condition called Mamsa kshaya due to vitiation of Vata dosha, which reflects the clinical picture of sarcopenia, and offers Ayush Ahara, a therapeutic dietary approach.

To assess the clinical evidence for the role of traditional Indian diet (∼Ayush ahara) in improving muscle strength and managing sarcopenia.

A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR. Literature published from 2015 to 2025 was searched across various databases. Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials involving human subjects assessing the effect of traditional Indian diet on muscle strength-related outcomes. Non-English, non-full-text, in vitro/in vivo studies, and reviews were excluded.

The nine studies were included. Ayush ahara, such as green gram, dried grapes, turmeric, cow milk, finger millet, spinach, and almonds, was associated with improved muscle strength, physical performance, reduced inflammation, and enhanced bone mineral density.

Ayush ahara shows potential for improving muscle strength and managing sarcopenia. The reviewed RCTs showed statistical improvements in muscle strength measures, indicating the need for targeted clinical trials to validate these preliminary findings. Support further exploration of Ayurveda-based nutritional strategies as a complementary approach to musculoskeletal aging.

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