Simulating vagus nerve stimulation through Basti therapy: A novel approach to anti-inflammatory treatment in Parkinson's disease model

Basti therapy, a key intervention in Ayurveda, is hypothesized to mimic the anti-inflammatory effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) through modulation of the gut-brain axis. VNS is an established neuro-modulatory technique used in the management of inflammatory disorders. Parkinson's disease is considered a model to explore this hypothesis, given the significant role of vagal dysfunction and neuroinflammation in its pathogenesis. A structured literature search of major biomedical databases (2000-2025) was conducted to identify relevant studies on vagus nerve activity, gut-brain communication, and Basti therapy. The synthesized evidence suggests that Basti may influence gut mucosa, microbiota, and enteric-neural pathways, thereby modulating vagal signalling and inflammatory responses. The Ayurvedic concept of Vata Dosha shows functional parallels with vagus nerve activity, indicating that therapies targeting Vata may exert effects analogous to VNS. Based on this, it is proposed that Basti therapy may alter Vata Dosha status and engage neuroimmune mechanisms comparable to those activated by VNS. This hypothesis warrants further validation through experimental and clinical studies that assess vagal activity and inflammatory biomarkers and may provide a basis for integrative approaches to neurodegenerative disorders.