Scientific Research on Maharishi Ayurveda

cardiovascular > cardiovascular study 5

Cardiovascular Research Study #5

Title
Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK-5) Prevents Human Platelet Aggregation

Publication
Clinica and Terapia Cardiovascolare, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 227-230, 1989.

Authors
H.M. Sharma,* Y. Feng,** and R.V. Panganamala.**

Conducted at
*Department of Pathology and **Department of Physiological Chemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Summary
MAK-5 belongs to a group of substances which are known as "rasayanas." The purpose of rasayanas is two-fold: prevention of disease and retardation or reversal of the aging process, which results from optimization of physiological balance (homeostasis). This investigation was conducted to study the effect of MAK-5 on human platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation can be induced by free radicals, catecholamines, and vascular linings injured by oxidized lipids. This in vitro experiment showed that MAK-5 reduces platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma obtained from normal, healthy subjects. This prevention of aggregation was seen with the following inducers of platelet aggregation: catecholamines, which are released during stress; collagen, which is exposed when vascular endothelium is injured; arachidonic acid, which is released from injured cell membranes; and ADP, which is released from injured red blood cells and platelets. Since platelet aggregation is considered an important aspect of the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, the ability of MAK-5 to reduce platelet aggregation may help in the prevention of atherosclerosis.