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| EDITORIAL |
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| Year : 2021 | Volume
: 6
| Issue : 1 | Page : 1-2 |
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Ayurveda: The knowledge source for systems medicine
Narayanam Srikanth
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| Date of Submission | 02-Aug-2021 |
| Date of Acceptance | 11-Aug-2021 |
| Date of Web Publication | 14-Dec-2021 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Narayanam Srikanth
Director General (Additional Charge), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, Janakpuri, New Delhi.
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None
DOI: 10.4103/jdras.jdras_39_21
How to cite this article:
Srikanth N. Ayurveda: The knowledge source for systems medicine. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2021;6:1-2 |
योगमासां तु यो विद्याद्देशकालोपपादितम् |
पुरुषं पुरुषं वीक्ष्य स ज्ञेयो भिषगुत्तमः||
(Ch. Su-1/123)|
Systems medicine is an emerging biomedical field relying on multidisciplinary systems biology approach and technologies for paving the way toward personalized medicine. It provides an assurance to facilitate a better understanding of disease mechanisms, improvement in the efficacy of treatments, and reduction in healthcare expenditure.[1],[2],[3],[4] Although the concept of systems medicine is new to modern medicine, it is a well-established model in Ayurveda. Ayurveda suggests that different human beings respond to diet and drug as per their specific genetic constituents, metabolic variation, variation in the gut microbiome, and environmental exposure. Transdisciplinary approach for integration of knowledge systems of Ayurveda along with recent research trends related to diagnostic advances such as gut micro biome, digestion physiology, and systems biology and individual health assessment tools suggests the existing evidence toward systems medicine.[5],[6]
Ayurveda offers a basis to precision medicine by providing possibilities for personalized strategies for tailored health care. It suggests a harmonious continuum of complex interdependent relationships between the universe and individuals living in the universe––"Yat pinde tat bramhaande" (Whatever existing in the microcosm i.e. human body is also existing in the macrocosm i.e. cosmic body). The holistic approach of Ayurveda considers health of an individual as the dynamic integration of body, mind, and spirit. The epistemology of Ayurveda is based on five basic elements (Mahabhoota), three basic biological humors (Dosha), seven types of body tissues (Dhatus), three core principles (Trisutra [Hetu: etiology; Linga:diagnosis; Oushada: comprehensive management]), assorted tools for health assessment diagnosis, and prognosis of disease and individual patient (concept of Kriyakala, Panchalakshana Nidana). Concept of Tantra (understanding of knowledge systems), Mantra (consistent updating), Yantra (pragmatic mission mode approach), and novel concept of genetics and molecular medicine (Beeja and Beejabhaga). For achieving the core objectives of Ayurveda, it offers potential tools for generation of reproducible and tangible evidence (Pramaana) and many such unique integrated concepts to exemplify the unique personalized, defined, and systematic approach in public health.[7]
Systems approach of Ayurveda can be better understood by introduction of transdisciplinary knowledge systems such as Ayurchemistry, Ayurphysics, Ayurgenomics, and Ayuromics. Revival of ancient practices of clinical examination and diagnostic methodology and plugging of gaps in knowledge systems and generating evidence regarding effectiveness are the core rudiments to revive the systems approach of Ayurveda. A comprehensive health policy is essential to promote integrative healthcare in the country making provision for expanding the scope of integration in medical education, research and development, clinical practice, and public health. The framework in which Ayurveda and systems medicine operates may become an integral part of the medical curriculum. The new ecosystem for research needs to be focused on Fundamental Research such as development of tools to validate the core fundamental tenets of Ayurveda: Ayurveda-based diagnostic approaches, principles of drug action, and drug development. There is strong need to frame out new research methodologies to fit the novel ancient epistemologies toward systems medicine approach.
Several initiatives have been taken in recent time by CCRAS and Ministry of Ayush such as validated Prakriti Assessment tool, validated Ayurveda diagnostic tools, Health assessment tools, and Network pharmacology, which may definitely bring out the Systems medicine approach of traditional Ayurveda through the frame of integrative loom.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
| References | |  |
| 1. | Federoff HJ, Gostin LO. Evolving from reductionism to holism: Is there a future for systems medicine? JAMA 2009;302:994-6.  |
| 2. | Apweiler R, Beissbarth T, Berthold MR, Blüthgen N, Burmeister Y, Dammann O, et al. Whither systems medicine? Exp Mol Med 2018;50:e453. |
| 3. | Xie L, Draizen EJ, Bourne PE. Harnessing big data for systems pharmacology. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2017;57:245-62. |
| 4. | Zhao S, Iyengar R. Systems pharmacology: Network analysis to identify multiscale mechanisms of drug action. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2012;52:505-21. |
| 5. | Patwardhan B. Ayurveda and systems biology. Annals Ayurvedic Med 2014;3:5-7. |
| 6. | Patwardhan B. Bridging ayurveda with evidence-based scientific approaches in medicine. Epma J 2014;5:19. |
| 7. | Sharma RK, Dash B, editors. Agnivesa’s CharakaSamhita. Text with English Translation & Critical Exposition Based on Cakrapani Datta’s Ayurveda Dipika. 2nd ed. Varanasi: Chowkhamba Sanaskrit Series Office; 2001. |
[Figure 1], [Figure 2]
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