AYURVEDIC BIOLOGY

Preamble: Ayurveda signifies knowledge of what promotes life as well as that which injures it. By definition, it transcends the practice of medicine, but popularly it is identified with Indias traditional system of medicine which has been in vogue since the Buddhist period and continues to serve 70% of Indias rural population. Research in Ayurveda has been dominated by studies on medicinal plants and the development of herbal drugs, which has a large market growing at 15% per year. However, basic research which employs modern biology, immunology, and chemistry to investigate the concepts, procedures, and products has received little attention. This gap calls out for correction lest the absence of basic studies according to modern scientific protocols should lead to Ayurveda being regarded as a form of herbal therapy as was done by the Walton Committee in the UK. Concepts of body constitution, digestive process of food in the gut and substrates in tissues, rejuvenation, body adaptation to seasons, degradation of habitat by human conduct, and taste as a chemical indicator are examples of the rich collection of cues that Ayurveda provides for the modern investigator. The programme on Ayurvedic Biology was initiated primarily by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Prof. P. Chidambararm. The programme, now reconceived, is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology. Against this background, the Department of Science and Technology constituted a Task Force under the Chairmanship of Dr MS Valiathan, National Research Professor, Manipal University to promote the application of basic sciences in the investigation of Ayurvedic concepts, procedures and products, and nurture the discipline of Ayurvedic Biology.

Specific objectives: i. Development of a basic understanding of the concepts, procedures, and products of Ayurveda in terms of modern sciences such as biology, immunology and chemistry. To develop infrastructure facilities, Centers of excellence, and major research facilities in this area. To promote human resource development in this area by offering fellowships, training opportunities, providing support to scientific meetings and workshops. To promote collaborative research with institutions abroad who are active in pursuing studies on traditional medicine and may have shared interest in Ayurvedic biology.

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Operation of the programme: The programme of Ayurvedic Biology will be steered by a Task Force to promote high quality research which would lead to major contributions to scientific knowledge and which could have implications for improving the standards of health care. The investigative work in this programme will necessarily involve the full participation of scientists and Ayurvedic experts who would be part of established institutions of science, medicine, and Ayurveda in India. Individual or groups of scientists, physicians and Ayurvedic experts are encouraged to submit project proposals on any interesting aspect of Ayurvedic concepts, procedures, or products, which would lend themselves to investigation by modern scientific protocols. The proposed study should involve active participation by scientific and Ayurvedic institutions. All project proposals should conform to the standard DST format for Ayurvedic Biology and would be considered on the basis of peer review.

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The Task Force will be responsible fori. setting priorities, identifying research areas and developing proposals through meetings, brainstorming session etc., or whatever mode it so decides; ensuring smooth implementation of the projects, monitoring of progress and mid term correction and final evaluation of the achievements etc.. suggesting any other means and modalities to fulfill the objectives of the Ayurvedic Biology programme. ensuring the proposals' duration, cost, items of expenditure etc. are specific to the requirements of the proposed research work; and preparing detailed action plan for advancing the development of Ayurvedic Biology.

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Specific Guidelines for Submission of Project Proposals: 1) Proposals could be submitted any time, but would be considered by the Task Force only twice a year. 2) Project proposals should be written with the same rigor as for any research proposal in any branch of modern science but the cues for the proposed study should emanate from the concept, procedures or products of Ayurveda. Modern biology, immunology, and chemistry provide most of the tools for research in Ayurvedic Biology. 3) As a matter of policy, Task Force will not consider project proposals relating to the development, standardization etc., of herbal drugs or reverse pharmacology; ethno pharmacology; or clinical trials of herbal products or Ayurvedic procedures for safety and efficacy. 4) All projects should be the joint effort of scientists and Ayurvedic experts whose respective institutions should be involved in carrying out the study. 5) The current format and guidelines for submission of proposals may be used for Ayurvedic Biology. (ref. www.dst.gov.in )

Address for enquiries: Dr. B P Singh Scientist G and Head ( NCSTC Division ) Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, Technology Bhawan, New Mehraulli Road, New Delhi-110016. Ph.-91-11-26590302 Telefax.-91-11-26521865 e-mail: bpratap@nic.in

Dr. A.B.P. Mishra, Scientist ( NCSTC Division) Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, Technology Bhawan, New Mehraulli Road, New Delhi-110016. Ph.-91-11-26590325 Telefax.-91-11-26866675 e-mail: apmishra@nic.in