In a very fascinating turn of events in pre-modern ayurvedic treatment of diabetes and metabolic disorders, an advanced science research institute, the Bengaluru-based Prayoga Institute of Education Research will utilise classical chromatographic techniques and advanced instruments such as the triple-quad mass spectra, and CHNS analyser among others to characterise individual components present in known ayurvedic formulations used to treat type 2 diabetes, thereby scientifically validating traditional medicinal knowledge.
This initiative aligns with the World Diabetes Day, which is observed on November 14, highlighting the global commitment to raising awareness, and driving meaningful change for everyone impacted by diabetes.
As per press release, this project will be carried out in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, in the newly established Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, which was unveiled by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi on the 9th National Ayurveda Day. The Ministry of AYUSH has funded the initiative to the tune of Rs. 52.47 crore and will commence work shortly. IISc, Samattvam and Prayoga, as part of a consortium, will make recommendations to the Ministry of AYUSH for research and treatments in medical institutions across India.
IISC’s Centre for Excellence, under the Ayush Ministry’s Ayurswasthya Yojna, is a leap forward in the integration of traditional Ayurveda and modern scientific research. The initiative also aligns with the theme for 2024 National Ayurveda Day: “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health” on how Ayurveda continues to figure increasingly more prominently in the global health framework.
“In the area of scientific research, Prayoga works on transdisciplinary projects centred around sustainability. We will provide scientific validation for the Rasayanas considered for the study. With experienced researchers coupled with the scientific instrumentation that is available at the facility, Prayoga is expected to give out quality research outputs to Ayurvedic approaches. We are excited to be a part of the consortia working on the Ayush-sponsored Ayurveda and Diabetes management project. It reflects our commitment towards scientific research for the nation,” said Dr H S Nagaraja, Founder and Chief Mentor, Prayoga.
Representing Prayoga is Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director of Research at Prayoga as a Co-Principal Investigator in the project. Prayoga’s team of researchers with expertise in the chemical analysis of ayurvedic samples will collaborate with IISC’s Centre of Excellence in Ayurveda for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders which will be led by Principal Investigator Dr. Navakanta Bhat and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Sona Rajakumari from IISc
Dr. K. S. Nagabhushana, Director of Research at Prayoga indicated that “My expertise in natural products chemistry, organic synthesis and organometallic chemistry, will bring to bear on identifying the active chemical molecules/species, which could perhaps enhance the mechanistic understanding of Ayurvedic therapies, possibly paving the way for developing improved interventions”.
This Centre of Excellence is an important step towards a future where traditional and modern medicine are combined to make treatments more effective and improve patient outcomes. In furtherance of its general education and research mandate in healthcare, Prayoga looks forward to joining this transformative journey for Ayurveda and for the millions touched by diabetes and metabolic disorders.