LAUSR

Abstract Indian Ayurveda holds unique position among traditional medicines due to the possession of polyherbal Fermented Traditional Medicines (FTM) namely Arishta (fermented decoctions) and Asava (fermented infusions) which are self-generated microbial fermentations. There are many ancient scripts-based vernacular books on these medicines possessing scattered information. However, such FTM still remain elusive to the modern scientific curiosity. Hence, by applying the scientific principles, the review was to highlight the process strategies involved in the traditional preparation of Arishta and Asava. It provides a glimpse of research trends and focus on the lacunae for future prospects. Further, it identifies the role of microorganisms involved and the requirements of bioreactor for large scale practices. The traditional literature is analyzed applying modern scientific perception and the process strategies involved are projected. Scientific trends in avenues such as therapeutic validation and bioactivity, phytochemical constituents, fermentation methods, microbiological investigations, role of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers used universally in these fermentations and standardization for quality assurance are presented. In traditional fermented medicines, the significance of microorganisms is not accredited. Hence the putative role of microbial catalysts both in preparation and in therapeutics is revealed. A prototype bioreactor in accordance with traditional practices is designed. The priority of future research to upgrade the existing rudimentary knowledge in various avenues of fermented traditional medicines of Indian Ayurveda is pointed out.