Ayurveda in the light of scientific scrutiny

The most plausible and credible aspect specific to Ayurveda is that it considers the constitution of every patient different from other. This, indeed, is the most appealing facet of Ayurveda practices. Although it is really tough to establish scientific validation of Ayurveda, there have been few studies conducted to test the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment. There might not be statistically significant validations of the effectiveness of its products and practices, yet it has been achieved to get the desired effect.

Take for example the ancient Indian medical system included geriatrics as one of eight medical divisions. Well-documented evidence exists for treating aging and age-related disorders including dementia. Geriatrics was termed 'Rasayanasastra'. Cognitive function was well recognized and Sanskrit terms existed such as Buddhinasa (Buddhi, intelligence or cognition; nasa, loss of) for dementia. In order to validate claims made in Ayurveda on the efficacy of dementia drugs, the validations were made using the transgenic animal model of Alzheimer's disease applying state of the art technology.

In India, research in Ayurveda is largely undertaken by a statutory body of the Central Government, the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS), through a national network of research institutes. As traditional medicine many Ayurveda products have not been tested in rigorous scientific studies and clinical trials.
A review of Ayurveda and cardiovascular disease concluded that while the herbal evidence is not yet convincing, the spices are appropriate, some herbs are promising, and yoga is also a promising complementary treatment.

Some evidences that indicate scientific corroboration of Ayurveda are:

    Terminalia arjuna: It is useful in alleviating the pain of angina pectoris and in treating heart failure and coronary artery disease.
 
    Turmeric and its derivative curcumin appear to have beneficial properties.

    For intellect rejuvenation, two varieties of Salvia have been tested in small trials suggest improved word recall in young adults.

    Salvia officinalis (Common sage) may improve symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.

    Many plants used as rasayana (rejuvenation) medications are potent antioxidants.

    Neem appears to have beneficial pharmacological properties.

    Azadirachta indica is believed to have immuno potential abilities and used often as an anti-infective.

    Black pepper and long pepper are combined with ginger to form the traditional trikatu mixture in Ayurveda.

    Cardamom and cinnamon are believed to stimulate digestive enzymes that break down polymeric macromolecules in the human body.

    Terminalia arjuna is useful in treating hypercholesterolemia.

It is beyond question that both the medical and scientific communities remain overwhelmingly sceptical about scientific corroborations of Ayurveda. The theory of Ayurveda is far too complex to be alienated from science. It may not show laboratory results but its core principle is based on scientific balance and interactions.

The theory as well as the practice of Ayurvedic Medicine is profoundly pseudo-scientific. Despite it being one of the world's oldest medical systems, it is the primary health care system in India.

Although limited and controlled scientific studies have been carried out on Ayurvedic practices, Indian government began systematic research on Ayurveda in 1969. The core focus of these researches is to put the spotlight on the safety of Ayurvedic medicine.

For true introspection, Ayurvedic medicines should not be studied as individual drugs. They should be looked in a synergistic way. The ingredients of Ayurveda are safeguarded by means of many compounds that are part of medicines. One reason for Ayurveda coming to the fore is failure of Allopathic medicine in treating chronic diseases.

In a nutshell, Ayurveda opposes the concept of modern and western medicine. It edifies the perception of unity of mind and body. Ayurveda is based on contextual knowledge that is context bound and resistant to any generalized conventions.