Status and Prospects of Valorisation of Ayurvedic Spent Materials: Focus on Dashamoola By-products for food applications

Abstract

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, emphasises natural remedies for holistically maintaining health. The growing global demand for Ayurvedic products has resulted in significant waste generation, including spent plant residues, liquid effluents, and packaging waste, posing environmental challenges. Current waste disposal practices, such as open dumping and burning, are exacerbating environmental degradation, highlighting the need for innovative strategies. This section of the literature review explores the valorisation of Ayurvedic spent materials as a sustainable approach to waste management, with a focus on creating value-added products such as nutraceuticals and biopolymers. Particular emphasis is placed on the composition and therapeutic applications of Dashamoola, a polyherbal formulation, and the valorisation potential of Dashamoola Spent Material (DSM), a by-product of its processing in Ayurvedic formulations. The application of advances in nanotechnology and biopolymer science enables the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into high-performance materials, biodegradable packaging, and nutrient delivery systems. This review highlights the environmental, economic, and societal benefits of valorisation, including reduced pollution, new revenue streams, and healthy products. It also addresses challenges such as variability in raw materials, high technological costs, and regulatory limitations, while identifying knowledge gaps in the characterisation of waste streams and the scalability of recovery technologies. By examining the intersection of traditional Ayurvedic practices and modern sustainability goals, this review provides a framework for advancing waste management practices, fostering environmental conservation, and supporting the circular economy.