By focusing on clinical excellence, comprehensive education and cutting-edge research, the Coimbatore-based Arya Vaidya Pharmaceutical Research Foundation (AVPRF) strives to ensure that Ayurvedic practices are validated, trustworthy and relevant for future generations. This holistic approach not only strengthens the field of Ayurveda but also promises to improve the health outcomes of patients around the world, says Dr Somit Kumar, director and chief scientific officer, AVPRF.
He further added that the Foundation is setting new standards in the validation and documentation of Ayurvedic treatments required today. The AVPRF is making groundbreaking strides in blending traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern scientific research.
Elaborating on their rigorous approach, Dr Kumar explains, “We create a pyramid of evidence for our practice. We first document individual cases and then conduct studies on groups of people. Based on this, we conduct randomized clinical trials to standardise the evidence.”
Highlighting the importance of comparative studies, Kumar said, “We then compared Ayurveda with allopathic medicine to see if they were equivalent or better. We did a meta-analysis where one group was given Ayurveda and the other group was given allopathic medicine. The results showed that both were equivalent. This comparative approach is crucial in establishing the credibility of Ayurveda alongside modern allopathic medicines.”
AVPRF’s dedication to research is evident in its systematic documentation and rigorous testing. Kumar explains, “We conducted a study where one group was given all-symptomatic medications and the other group was given both allopathic and Ayurvedic medications. The group who received both had better results in terms of inflammation, quality of life and relief from symptoms.”
The results are promising, with multiple studies showing that integrating Ayurvedic treatments with conventional medical treatments improves outcomes. Beyond research, AVPRF is committed to education and awareness. They play a key role in promoting the integration of Ayurveda with modern medical practices. Kumar says, “Today, there is a need for multidisciplinary and multi-disciplinary healthcare. Integrative medicine is essential and bringing Ayurveda into the science is crucial.”
The Foundation’s work goes beyond theoretical research to practical applications, developing software for reporting side effects and adverse events to ensure a holistic approach to patient safety and treatment outcomes.
Through meticulous research, documentation and integration with modern medicine, they are paving the way for a new era of holistic healthcare. AVPRF’s clinical services are comprehensive and multifaceted, ensuring holistic patient care. “Our clinical services include thorough consultations and precise dispensing of medicines,” says Dr. Kumar.
The Foundation is committed to standardizing Ayurvedic treatments and uses the principles of reverse pharmacology to scientifically validate traditional therapies. This dual approach not only lends credibility to Ayurveda, but also ensures that patients receive the highest standards of care.
The AVP Foundation is committed to spreading knowledge of Ayurveda through a variety of publications. “Our goal is to train the next generation of Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers,” explains Dr. Kumar. The Foundation’s training programs are meticulously designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, so they are well prepared to advance the field of Ayurveda.
AVPRF’s research and development (R&D) department is pioneering in its approach, focusing on reverse pharmacology and the development of new products, including conventional and proprietary medicines and nutraceuticals. “We are committed to making Ayurveda more relevant in today’s world,” says Dr. Kumar. AVPRF’s R&D process is comprehensive and includes several key stages: Preclinical testing involves rigorous in vitro (cell-based) and in vivo (animal-based) testing to ensure the safety and efficacy of new formulations.
“Developing precise formulations and determining optimal dosages are important steps in ensuring that new products are effective and safe. Conducting human studies to validate the efficacy and safety of Ayurvedic treatments is a key component of AVPRF’s research. These trials typically take 3-6 months for initial studies, 6-8 months for more advanced tests and up to 1.5 years for full validation. One of the main objectives of AVPRF is to make Ayurveda more relevant and scientifically credible. This includes standardization of processes and product quality of both raw materials and finished products,” concludes Dr Kumar.
