AIIA, IIT-D explore therapeutic benefits of herbal formulations

Both the institutions aim to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment of diseases

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) and All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, have come together to work on seven collaborative projects involving faculty members and support from both sides. The projects emanate from the MoU signed earlier between the two institutions for interdisciplinary research in Ayurveda and applying engineering science principles.

The seven collaborative projects focusing on various Ayurvedic formulations and practices include – Effects of the six Ayurvedic rasas (tastes) on gastrointestinal secretions; Developing herbal formulations that would reduce the harmful effects of reusing cooking oil; Developing a biodegradable, herbal wound dressing; Studying the effects of the ‘Brahmari pranayama’ on the nervous system; Analysing the impacts of bhasmas (ashes) on proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases; Developing a ‘dhoopan-yantra’ – a fumigation device for aiding wound healing, and Early cancer detection and assessment of breast cancer response to Ayurvedic drugs is the focus of another project.

The projects are tenable for two years, at the end of which a better understanding is likely to emerge in the above areas.

Prof V. Ramgopal Rao, Director, IIT Delhi, while speaking of the collaborative projects, said, “The amalgamation of traditional knowledge with technology is expected to benefit the society at large by offering better health care options. Validation of the traditional knowledge systems is the key, in order to make these forms of medicine more widely acceptable worldwide. IIT Delhi researchers will be focussing on the validation aspects by working closely with the AIIA faculty.”

Prof Tanuja Nesari, Director, AIIA, New Delhi, said, “Both the institutions aim to develop a deeper understanding of the fundamental principles of Ayurvedic diagnosis and treatment of diseases, to develop innovative diagnostic tools and equipment for various Ayurvedic procedures.”