Need of modifications in current trends in clinical researches in Ayurveda
Journal Title: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine - Year 2016, Vol 2, Issue 5
Abstract
Research and Innovations are the two necessary parts of any growing science. In innovations we make efforts to create something new whereas in researches we try to explore anything more from existing knowledge or information. Ayurveda is an independent science; principles and findings mentioned in this are well proved and experience based. Although there experiments were lacking but their approach and attitude about any concept was quite authentic and logical. It can be observed well if we consider the concept of indications of drugs; either in single form or as compound preparation. Especially the concept of “Rogadhikar” indicates the specific indication of any particular drug in any specific disease condition. Therefore while treating patients or planning research we can consider these drugs or preparations as standard drugs for particular condition. To make them more authentic or just to prove efficacy of those drugs, first we should plan researches and studies to validate them. If they found suitable and effective then we should consider or use them as standard or control drugs for conducting researches or clinical trials in ayurvedic medicine. To perform any kind of research we need some parameters, criteria or certain guidelines. Currently in all Ayurvedic researches the diagnostic methods or assessment criteria used are mostly developed by modern medical system or institutions. They have framed them according to modern medical science backgrounds. Although, modern and Ayurvedic systems of medicine have the similar motto to provide good health to mankind. But their basic fundamentals are little bit different; therefore the drugs, their mode of action, presentation of symptoms and response are also different. In this situation we can consider the symptomatology and findings mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Because most of time we try to correlate the symptoms given in Ayurvedic texts with modern medicine. But there are few symptoms given in ayurveda which are not exactly comparable with any sign or symptom according to modern medicine. Practically they appears in diseases and gives trouble to patients therefore we have to consider them for treatment as well as research purpose. Beside this there are certain findings and features mentioned in ayurveda are according to vata, pitta and kapha doshas. These are very authentic, logical and easily observable. We can consider them subjective as well as objective parameters as and when required. It will be very easy and significant to assess the results of clinical trials on the basis of doshik presentations. These are very specific and convenient to observe. Pharmacological actions or therapeutic effects of most of Ayurvedic drugs are also described in the terms of their effects on different doshas. Therefore validity of their effects will be more significant. Duration of clinical trials should also be decided with keeping in mind the possible pharmacodynamics of Ayurvedic drugs. Unlike modern medicine they show their optimum response in longer duration. So their follow ups and total duration of studies should be little longer. Through which Ayurvedic drugs will have enough time to show their optimum results. While choosing cases we should exclude emergency conditions because very few Ayurvedic drugs are supposed to work in such conditions and these conditions require the medications that can show their effects in seconds or few minutes that we can claim rarely. Therefore there is no need to take chance with life of any person. We are living in modern age where so many systems of medicine available. A good researcher should have basic or minimum level of knowledge about all systems. We should specify or limit the fields of our system’s research, based on reliable descriptions regarding disease management given in texts. Not necessary that every system of medicine can be authentically prove beneficial in each and every ailment. We have to be liberal while selecting appropriate disorders for research in Ayurvedic system of medicine. No need to tackle with conditions where acute emergency medication or advanced surgical intervention is required. In that cases we should not feel embarrassed in referring patients to other suitable system of medicine.
Authors and Affiliations
Rajendra Prasad
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP597679
- DOI -
- Views 62
- Downloads 0
In vitro antioxidant activity and polyphenol estimation of methanolic fruit extract of Carissa spinarum L.
Antioxidant property of methanolic fruit extract of the medicinal tree species, Carissa spinarum was evaluated by studying the contents of total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity using 1...
Nonconventional approach in diagnosing digestive disorders
As we all know, the gastrointestinal tract extends from buccal cavity to anus. Beside main parts of G.I.T. its associated glands and other body organs has equal importance in causing, diagnosing and treating ailments. So...
Indian Ayurveda vis-a-vis Global Herbal Research
Ayurvedic practice and medicine have been on the upswing since early fifties in India often going parallel with allopathic treatment and healthcare due to promotional policies of the Government. There also is the signifi...
Potential Medicinal Plants used in Ayurvedic System of Medicine and their diversity in Southern Western Ghats of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India
The origin of Ayurveda or the Indian science of life is linked with the origin of Universe and developed from out of the various Vedic hymns describing fundamentals, philosophies about the world and life, diseases and me...
Medicinal importance of Darbha- A review
Darbha is an important medicinal plant which has been used in Indian system of medicine since antiquity for the treatment of various ailments. There is enormous controversy between Kusha and Darbha in Ayurveda literature...