Approximately 36% of American adults use some form of complementary and alternative therapies. Are the experienced effects truly the herbs at play, individual genetics or is it a placebo-effect, where the mind cures the body out of anticipation of cure?
In ancient cultures, knowledge of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, was passed down for generations either through oral tradition or written texts. Ayurveda studies the human body in its entirety and recommends natural herbs as medicine for a specific ailment. Ayurvedic medicine has been practiced in India for over 5000 years. Ancient texts that describe this medicine date back to 1500 BCE1.
Besides its historical use, traditional medicine is still practiced to this day in some parts of the world, and in recent years has made its way into the doctor’s office. Even though there is skepticism about the use of traditional medicine, it isn’t uncommon for doctors to practice or combine western medicine with Naturopathy, Complementary and Alternative medicine, Holistic medicine, or other types of traditional medicines. Over the years, scientists have been curious to understand the mechanistics behind Ayurveda and how these herbs interact with the body and exhibit a particular effect. But what if, there was some validity for the science behind this ancient knowledge? What if we can unravel the mysteries behind why and how traditional medicine works? With the technology at hand today, we may be closer than we think…
In recent years, scientists have studied herbs like Turmeric and Ashwagandharishta for their medicinal properties suggested in the ancient texts. Ashwagandharishta is primarily known for applications in neurological disorders such as depression, epilepsy, and anxiety2. Bhondave et al. (2014), studied if Ashwagandharishta could help protect rat livers against CCl4 induced toxicity3. With the the StepOne™ real-time qPCR system and the TaqMan™ gene expression assays and master mixes, the team observed upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and downregulation of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Their results show a possible mechanism of how Ashwagandharishta may provide hepatoprotection by preventing oxidative damage.
Turmeric (or Curcumin) has also been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory properties4,5. McCann et al. (2014) highlight the in vitro effects of turmeric extract against two gene variants associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in HEK293 cells4. Their results suggest that Turmeric, may beneficially affect two gene variants linked to IBD severity. Klawitter et al. (2012) studied if Turmeric may have an anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic activity in inflammation related to Discogenic back pain5. Their RT-qPCR data suggest downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Although Turmeric shows anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, further in vivo and clinical studies are required to fully understand and validate the effects of Turmeric as alternative treatment for people suffering from IBD or Discogenic back pain.
Many studies focus on the herbs suggested in Ayurvedic medicine, but Govindaraj et al. (2015) study a different aspect of Ayurveda; Prakriti1. Prakriti is broken up into doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and focuses on the natural makeup of the body, which determines how individuals react to their environment, lifestyle and display susceptibility to different diseases. Govindaraj et al. (2015) study if genetics may play a role in Prakriti1. The team determines Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with a particular Prakriti classification in 262 males. They observe that PGM1, which plays a role in many metabolic pathways, is associated with the characteristics described in the Pitta dosha. They use the Ion PGM™ Sequencer and Ion AmpliSeq™ technology to perform targeted sequencing of the PGM1 genes to identify functional variants in the gene in 78 samples.
We often hear on our evening news of how resveratrol, fish oil, turmeric or the next studied compound may be beneficial for our health. We head off to our local grocery store and buy a bottle of that supposedly natural compound and after months of disappointment, we question the validity of the science behind this research. It is possible that the research conducted was only in vitro or early in vivo models and only showed valuable results upon using enormous quantities of that compound. Such results are preliminary and need further support with more in vivo studies and maybe even clinical trials –popular media may forgo these details. Although uncommon, what’s also possible is that the quality and potency of herbal supplements may be sub par. DNA barcoding was recently used to test the authenticity of herbal products, showed that most of the tested herbal products were of poor quality, had product substitution, contamination, and fillers. Without quality products, we may not experience the desired long-term effects.
To this day, we try to understand the complexities of chemical compounds found in herbs, how they interact with our bodies, and how we, in turn, are genetically predisposed to react to them. What makes us different from one another is our genetics and just as we’ve come to understand that not all western medicine is created equal, we enter the realm of precision or personalized medicine. Interestingly, Ayurveda with its knowledge about herbs and Prakriti may have some valid science backing it up. What’s amazing is that we’ve had this knowledge all along, and now we are just starting to align modern science with ancient traditional medicine.
*For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures
References:
1] Govindaraj P, Nizamuddin S, Sharath A, Jyothi V, Rotti H, Raval R, Nayak J, Bhat BK, Prasanna BV, Shintre P et al: Genome-wide analysis correlates Ayurveda Prakriti. Sci Rep 2015, 5:15786.
2] Tanna IR, Aghera HB, Ashok BK, Chandola HM: Protective role of Ashwagandharishta and flax seed oil against maximal electroshock induced seizures in albino rats. Ayu 2012, 33(1):114-118.
3] Bhondave PD, Devarshi PP, Mahadik KR, Harsulkar AM: ‘Ashvagandharishta’ prepared using yeast consortium from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers exhibit hepatoprotective effect on CCl4 induced liver damage in Wistar rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2014, 151(1):183-190.
4] McCann MJ, Johnston S, Reilly K, Men X, Burgess EJ, Perry NB, Roy NC: The effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract on the functionality of the solute carrier protein 22 A4 (SLC22A4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) variants associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Nutrients 2014, 6(10):4178-4190.
5] Klawitter M, Quero L, Klasen J, Gloess AN, Klopprogge B, Hausmann O, Boos N, Wuertz K: Curcuma DMSO extracts and curcumin exhibit an anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic effect on human intervertebral disc cells, possibly by influencing TLR2 expression and JNK activity. J Inflamm (Lond) 2012, 9(1):29.
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Great post Ayurveda is useful because in ayurveda therapies only uses natural products Thank you for share
Dear Anna,
I am glad you enjoyed reading the blog. The practice of Ayurveda does claim to utilize natural products such as herbs, oils, etc.., which makes it more appealing for some than lab-developed drugs.
We love hearing from you!
Swati Kadam
hello dr mam I want to talk with you because I want more information about Ayurvedic medicine for making a pan India movie so please don’t mind can you send me your contact number otherwise please cantact me director Prashanth
Ayurveda is still a science of belief. When you elaborate belief system with clinical trials validation, and then follow GMP for their natural ingredient formulations, and last but not the least, having well documented diagnostics algorithm followed by specified prescription protocols, … combination of all of above would make Ayurveda as comparable medical discipline – at par with allopathic – which is not subjective. Eventually this may happen, and then it would be complete – both in theory and practice. Then, the belief would be backed by statistical benefits with kaplan meier curves. The above blog do not talk about this, hence we are still far from its real test and fundamental acceptance by common public. I welcome comments on appliedbioscience@gmail.com and eager to know like minded people with whom we can collaborate and bring future, into presence… faster!
Dear Swati,
Thank you so much for publising this article.
At the moment I am attending an ayurvedic course in my free time. Last weekend during a class room meeting I had the oppertunity to share your article with other members of the ayurvedic course. They were very pleased to see how modern science back ups the ancient science.
A plausible and wonderful example how life science are being intergrated with the science of life (AyurVeda).
All the best,
Shalendra Roepan
Shalendra Roepan,
Be careful that you are not reading what you want to vs. what is actually here. Modern science has yet to back up the majority of Ayurveda texts and has in many cases found heavy metals and arsenic in much of the suggested remedies among other issues. This is simply focusing on determining on if turmeric has a singificant impact on reducing inflamation. And then not so simply looking at what genetic and environmental factors may alter response to various disease exposure.
The first item has a concrete scope that should be readily accomplishable. The second item I suspect will be extremely difficult to draw serious conclusions from because establishing decent controls will be, in some cases, nearly impossible. Too many non-isolated variables.
Either way, until well controlled and statistically significant conclusions are made, it supports nothing beyond that these things will be looked into to some extent.
Having said that, I always appreciate people putting in effort to employ solid technique to prove something out vs. the archetypical nutritionist and natural remedy articles that are often poorly supported at best and proof is essentially summed up as “It’s true because I want it to be”.
Anna Aithein
“Natural” and “organic” does not automatically make something good for you. Quite often it simply means “less quality control and consistency of what you actually get”. Arsenic is both natural and organic. So is snake venom. Try to avoid the hype and blow away your money and time. Dig in and find out if there is any officially supported works with studies that had good controls in place. If you read something and their answer as proof is along the lines of “It’s a conspiracy and x faction wants to keep you from having it” run away as fast as you can… unless you like feeding money into bad science and con artists.
Talk to some of your local farmers and ask their opinion on the fees they would have to pay to apply for an “organic” license. Even if they already meet all the qualifications.
Processed does not = “bad”. Unless you are going to take a bite out of a living chicken or through the husk on a cob of corn you will spend a huge amount of time processing it. Understand why something is actually supposed to be bad or not and then determine if the logic actually applies.
Last but not least, always ask who profits from x statement and who funded the work? If a website that has links to sell you something is your source of information on why it is great, doubt everything they say until an independent source confirms it or they have some amazing iron clad studies that were verified by a third party and that the data from the study actually supports the conclusions they are feeding you vs. a leap of logic.
I frequently have to debunk ridiculous claims my friends and family hear about x or y natural cure/remedy/etc. in the guise of someone pretending to try to help you frequently involving some testimony by some made up doctor that doesn’t actually exist.
Snopes and similar trusted sites are you friends if nothing else. Do not randomly search for “scam and x” the people knowingly spreading false information for money have gotten clever and will often setup fake “anti-scam” websites and work the metatags so that they come up first on your search engine in google and bing etc.
I realise this is a long post, and also that there are in fact natural remidies that work at least to some extent for some things. I also realize there are often many approachs to the same task that can accomplish a goal. But I lament the myriad abuse of intentional spread of misinformation to people who despretely want to believe it in order to make money from them.
Cheers,
~Christopher
All well said! Agree 100%.
The Internet has created a completely unregulated market for information – anybody can publish literally anything, and if it captures your attention, they make a bit of money. As a result, there’s a flood of pseudo-information designed to make us go “huh, that sounds interesting” or “yeah! I knew it!” – much of it is unvetted, much of it has nobody standing behind it, and filtering out the garbage is now entirely up to each of us. And I think Americans are woefully unprepared for this.
Dear Dr.Swati,
I am very content with your article. I’ve been waiting for Modern medicine to help us understand the true potentials of Natural Medicines. I believe if they worked in synergy we would come to a better understanding of medicine and their effects on the human body. And little by little we are. Very glad to see that it was a hot topic of interest for the beginning of this year. Plus, I was surprised to see that Thermo Fisher is involved with this type of synergistic collaboration.
Keep it up guys,
Marc J.
Brilliant article! Ayurveda is a great treatment without any side-effects. Ashwagandharishta is literally very helpful in treating neurological disorders. Thanks for sharing the information about Ayurveda and making us aware of it.
I too believe in Ayurveda medicines and natural herbs. After reading this rifle I got to know that Ashwagandharishta can really help in depression and also learned some benefits of turmeric. I’ll make sure to intake them in daily life routine to stay healthy.
Nice article I have interested in Ayurveda.so, I have read all of your topics .so this is really helpful for all of the people.
Wonderful article. Hell yes i agree simple turmeric can work like best antibiotic and does wonders compared to the antibiotics in the market
wonderful article. Simple turmeric can do wonders act like an antibiotic, better than allopathic medicines.
Really great article. Iam really interested in ayureveda. Ayeveda is great and ancient.
How much evr innovations in allopathic medicines, Ayurvedic standalone reliable practices are followed since ages.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful post! I agree with the fact that Ayurveda studies the human body in its entirety and recommends natural herbs as medicine for a specific ailment.
nice tips about Ayurveda!
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Ayurveda gave us the way to stay healthy and fit without chemical intake. Everyone should adopt Ayurveda in their life for living a natural and healthy life. This blog explains very beautifully the science behind Ayurvedic medicines and the reasons you should consider them for healing. Ayurveda will cure you of various diseases and eliminate the root cause of the specific illness.
Aurveda is used as traditional medicine in India from last 100s of years. And still Indian people use it in some way. Since childhood my grand mothers used to give me home made ayurvedic medicine derived from ayurvedic plants around our house for most of the ailments. I feel very happy that modern science is also recognizing the importance of ayurveda. really liked your articles. Thanks for sharing.
This was an useful blog for Agathiyar Siddha Hospital in Tamilnadu, India aims to offer the best Siddha treatment for patients & people to live in a better & healthy way through the conventional Siddha treatment methods in India. Thank you for this blog.
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How Ayurveda can help in fight against COVID-19?
Find Ayurveda Doctors Near you with beingswasth.in and book your appointment with the Ayurveda experts.
Ayurveda Texts speak of epidemics/pandemics in context of Janapadodhvamsa (conditions devastate the human settlements) and infectious diseases termed “Sankramika rogas”. Pollution of air, water, climate and environment is known to be responsible large scale spread of disease, leading to Janapadodhvamsa. Thus, in Ayurveda simply awareness about oneself and uplifting and maintaining individual immunity is highly rated. Further, Ayurveda stresses on PREVENTION FIRST.
Ancient Ayurveda texts recommend preventive care against disease through principles of “Dinacharya” (daily regime).
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(Dinacharya) Tips for Boosting Immunity
Early Morning (4.30am to 8.30am)
Wake up between 4:30 – 5:00 in the morning or 45 minutes before sunrise.
Drink 1-3 glasses of warm water
Gandusha / Kavala (Oil Pulling) 1 tablespoon of sesame or coconut oil for Kavala followed by warm water rinse.
Gargle with warm water added with a pinch of turmeric and salt, Triphala, and Yashtimadhu. ShuddhaTankana (2% aqueous solution), Madhoodaka (5% aqueous solution) also can be used for Kavala graha.
Nasal Health – Pratimarsha Nasya (2 drops of sesame / coconut oil each nostril).
Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes
Take warm water bath
After Noon
Don’t sleep during the daytime
Involve in Work from Home/Indoor recreational activities like Studies, Reading, Painting, Gardening, Playing-listening Music, Social Media etc.
Evening
Meditation / Pranayama – 30 minutes
Indoor Recreational Activities
Dietary Recommendations
Eat only when hungry and neither too less nor more.
Consume food while its fresh & warm.
Eat easily digestible foods.
Eat a night meal 3 hours after sunset or till 8 pm.
Sleep atleast 2-3 hours after dinner.
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Sanitization
Dhupana – (fumigation) of the house every evening with antimicrobials such as Neem leaf, Sarshapa (Brassica campestris L), Loban (gum bezamin/benzoin – StyraxbezoinDryand), Karpura (Cinnamomum camphora (L) J. Presl.), Ghee etc. Also, usage of Aparajita Dhooma Choorna (A.h. Jwara Chikitsa) as per availability can be adopted.
Ayurvedic Dietary Recommendations
Proper nutrition is to be ensured through freshly cooked hot food considering individuals digestive power.
Intake of comfortable warm fluids boiled with medicinal herbs (preferably Shunthi, Dalchini, Trikatu) should be used as a regular drink to maintain hydration.
Freshly prepared Laghu-supachyaahara (easily digestible, light diet).
Preferable vegetables are Shigru (Moringa Oleifera Lam), Karvellaka (Momordica Charantia Linn), Patola (Tricosanthes dioica. Roxb), Mudga (Vignaradiata (L.) R. Wilczek), Patha (Cissampelos parietal Linn.), Vaastuka (Chenopodium album L.), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulate (Retz.) Wight & Arn), Tanduliyak (Amaranthus spinosus L.), Kakamachi (Solanumnigrum Linn), Draksha (Vitis vinifera L.), Kapittha (Feronia limonia (Linn.)), Dadima (Punica granatum Linn), Lashuna (Allium sativum L.) etc. can be taken.
Avoid sweet food items sweets and food which is heavy to digest. (Yoga Ratnakara) Also advise not to use chilled, fried, oily, fermented food items, cold and refrigerated food / beverages.
Immunity Enhancers – Formulations:
CHYAWANPRASH AVALEHA – 10 – 12 gm / 1 Spoon
DRAKSHAVALEHA – 10 – 12 gm / 1 Spoon
INDUKANTAM GRUTHAM – 10 – 12 gm twice daily before food, when hungry
ARAVINDASAVA – 15 – 20 ml with equal quantity of warm water after food
BALACHATURBHADRA CHURNA – 1 – 2 gm with honey
HARIDRA KHANDA – 3 – 5 gm intermittently with honey/ warm water
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