Ayurveda, the science of life, has evolved into a comprehensive system of healthcare based on high-quality scientific experiments with a sound and reproducible evidence base that has stood the test of time. Several strategies and road maps are being developed to carry forward the merits of this science in order to meet today’s health needs and mainstream its core strengths in India and around the world through research and development. Koushik Yetukuri, Vikash Penki, M.S. Umashankar and Rama Rao Nadendla at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences evaluate the current scenario in the Indian market.
Extract:
‘Clinical Evaluation of Ayurvedic Interventions: Current Scenario in Indian Market’
The clinical research in traditional medicines broadly developed based on the validation of fundamental principles involved in Ayurveda. A critical review of Ayurvedic literature reveals Ayurveda’s robust approach to Research & Development and its reflection of epistemology. Darshanas (Doctrines of Philosophy) methodical approaches form the foundation of research tools for evidence generation and development of classical Ayurvedic texts, such as Samhitas.
They are as follows:
- Aptopadesa (Evidence base on therapeutic leads)
- Pratyaksha (Direct evidence)
- Anumana (Logical inference)
- Upamana (Analogy: Comparative /Control design) 5. Yukti (Reproducible Experimental Evidence)
Clinical trials have their roots in the two-way approach of experimentation and drug trials mentioned in the Samhitas. As a result, Sushruta Samhita narrated the methods and approaches for testing an intervention and interpreting observations in the context of Kriyakala (stages of etiopathogenesis of a disease), which reflect reverse pharmacology, such as feasibility of test intervention (Tatlingatwat), observational design (Dristaphalatwat), and system validation (Agamaatsya). This could be useful as a quick test intervention screening method. Given the foregoing, it is critical to take an interdisciplinary approach to the validation of Ayurvedic drugs and therapies without losing sight of Ayurveda’s core principles. The model that has been suggested is in Figure 1 (shown in the downloadable PDF).
Therapy/Procedure as per AYUSH
Following factors may be considered while designing efficacy studies/validation of the therapy or procedures.
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