Research Initiatives
Our Research Initiatives
AVP Research Foundation:
Pioneers in Ayurveda Research and Practise-Based Evidence
AVP Research Foundation:
Pioneers in Ayurveda Research and Practise-Based Evidence
AVP Research Foundation (AVPRF) is a Section 25 Not-for-Profit Company focused on pioneering research in Ayurveda. Established in 2003 as the “AVT Institute for Advanced Research” (AVTAR), AVPRF has dedicated itself to advancing Ayurvedic science through rigorous research methodologies. Over the past decades, it has emerged as a leader in Ayurvedic research, continuously working to validate and innovate Ayurvedic treatments and practices. Supported by the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited, the foundation was renamed AVP Research Foundation on May 7, 2012.
AVP Research Foundation (AVPRF) is a Section 25 Not-for-Profit Company focused on pioneering research in Ayurveda. Established in 2003 as the “AVT Institute for Advanced Research” (AVTAR), AVPRF has dedicated itself to advancing Ayurvedic science through rigorous research methodologies. Over the past decades, it has emerged as a leader in Ayurvedic research, continuously working to validate and innovate Ayurvedic treatments and practices. Supported by the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited, the foundation was renamed AVP Research Foundation on May 7, 2012.
Basic and translational research
Basic and translational research
Basic and translational research bridge foundational scientific discoveries and real-world applications. Basic research focuses on understanding fundamental biological processes, while translational research applies these findings to develop practical solutions, like new treatments or diagnostic tools. Together, they accelerate the path from lab discoveries to patient care, enhancing healthcare innovation.
Basic and translational research bridge foundational scientific discoveries and real-world applications. Basic research focuses on understanding fundamental biological processes, while translational research applies these findings to develop practical solutions, like new treatments or diagnostic tools. Together, they accelerate the path from lab discoveries to patient care, enhancing healthcare innovation.
Accounts of Pathogenic Organisms in the early Texts of Ayurveda
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Narrative
Accounts of Pathogenic Organisms in the early Texts of Ayurveda
The codified texts of Ayurveda were composed in the few centuries preceding and succeeding the common era. This period marked the emergence of a rational system of medicine in India from the moorings of religious medicine practiced in the Vedic period. Ayurveda made several advancements in theory and practice of medicine that have not yet been recognised as milestones in the history of medical ideas. This paper is an attempt to review the knowledge of pathogenic organisms and their role in diseases based on textual evidences in the early writings on Ayurveda. A careful study of the early writings on Ayurveda reveals that these ancient physicians were aware of not only pathogenic organisms but also non-pathogenic organisms that naturally inhabited the human body. Pathogenic organisms mentioned in Ayurveda include parasite, worms and perhaps microbes also. These texts provide insights on early notions and ideas about the nature of pathogenic organisms, some of which are microscopic and their role in diseases. There are also interesting observations on communicable diseases, epidemics and infection. Many plants and formulations mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic texts have been found to be effective against pathogenic organisms including microbes.Learn More
Accounts of Pathogenic Organisms in the early Texts of Ayurveda
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Narrative
Accounts of Pathogenic Organisms in the early Texts of Ayurveda
The codified texts of Ayurveda were composed in the few centuries preceding and succeeding the common era. This period marked the emergence of a rational system of medicine in India from the moorings of religious medicine practiced in the Vedic period. Ayurveda made several advancements in theory and practice of medicine that have not yet been recognised as milestones in the history of medical ideas. This paper is an attempt to review the knowledge of pathogenic organisms and their role in diseases based on textual evidences in the early writings on Ayurveda. A careful study of the early writings on Ayurveda reveals that these ancient physicians were aware of not only pathogenic organisms but also non-pathogenic organisms that naturally inhabited the human body. Pathogenic organisms mentioned in Ayurveda include parasite, worms and perhaps microbes also. These texts provide insights on early notions and ideas about the nature of pathogenic organisms, some of which are microscopic and their role in diseases. There are also interesting observations on communicable diseases, epidemics and infection. Many plants and formulations mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic texts have been found to be effective against pathogenic organisms including microbes.Learn More
Book in Latvian language based on Astanga Sangraha Sutrasthana
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Translation
Book in Latvian language based on Astanga Sangraha Sutrasthana
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Translation
Fixing Basonym and Synonyms of Guduci
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Interpretative
Fixing Basonym and Synonyms of Guduci (Tinospora cordifolia.(Thnub) Miers.) listed in early literature of Ayurveda - An approach to standardize Ayurvedic drug nomenclature
Drug sources including plants have been codified using a polynomial system of nomenclature in the classical Ayurvedic texts. For this reason, a single plant is known by many names. Moreover, some of these names are also shared by other plants and this makes it quite challenging to fix the identity of a plant name mentioned in various formulations in different sections of the text. Nighantus or drug lexicons attempted to compile and codify plant names by grouping synonyms of one plant together. However, the information in Nighantus are often in discordance with evidence gleaned from earlier texts, especially the Samhitas. At present, synonymy of plant names is fixed by convention and with reference to the Nighantus. In this paper, we argue that internal evidence from the Samhitas should also be carefully examined and objective parameters should be used to fix synonymy of plant names. An attempt has been made to standardize the nomenclature of Guduci to illustrate how synonymy of plant names can be fixed to reflect internal evidence from individual texts on the basis of objective criteria. The paper demonstrates how this exercise will help to authenticate the drug source identity used in Ayurveda. It also illustrates how the proposed methodology will enable critical analysis and understanding of the historical evolution and developments made in the nomenclature pertaining to a particular plant.Learn More
Fixing Basonym and Synonyms of Guduci
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Interpretative
Fixing Basonym and Synonyms of Guduci (Tinospora cordifolia.(Thnub) Miers.) listed in early literature of Ayurveda - An approach to standardize Ayurvedic drug nomenclature
Drug sources including plants have been codified using a polynomial system of nomenclature in the classical Ayurvedic texts. For this reason, a single plant is known by many names. Moreover, some of these names are also shared by other plants and this makes it quite challenging to fix the identity of a plant name mentioned in various formulations in different sections of the text. Nighantus or drug lexicons attempted to compile and codify plant names by grouping synonyms of one plant together. However, the information in Nighantus are often in discordance with evidence gleaned from earlier texts, especially the Samhitas. At present, synonymy of plant names is fixed by convention and with reference to the Nighantus. In this paper, we argue that internal evidence from the Samhitas should also be carefully examined and objective parameters should be used to fix synonymy of plant names. An attempt has been made to standardize the nomenclature of Guduci to illustrate how synonymy of plant names can be fixed to reflect internal evidence from individual texts on the basis of objective criteria. The paper demonstrates how this exercise will help to authenticate the drug source identity used in Ayurveda. It also illustrates how the proposed methodology will enable critical analysis and understanding of the historical evolution and developments made in the nomenclature pertaining to a particular plant.Learn More
Chyawanprash: A review of therapeutic benefits
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Review
Chyawanprash: A review of therapeutic benefits as in authoritative texts and documented clinical literature
Chyawanprash (CP), a traditional immune booster recipe, has a long history of ethnic origin, development, household preparation and usage. There are even mythological stories about the origin of this recipe including its nomenclature. In the last six decades, CP, because of entrepreneurial actions of some research Vaidyas (traditional doctors) has grown to industrial production and marketing in packed forms to a large number of consumers/patients like any food or health care product. Currently, CP has acquired a large accepted user base in India and in a few countries out-side India.Authoritative texts, recognized by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of India, describe CP as an immunity enhancer and strength giver meant for improving lung functions in diseases with compromised immunity. This review focuses on published clinical efficacy and safety studies of CP for correlation with health benefits as documented in the authoritative texts, and also briefs on its recipes and processes.Authoritative texts were searched for recipes, processes, and other technical details of CP. Labels of marketing CP products (Indian) were studied for the health claims. Electronic search for studies of CP on efficacy and safety data were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and DHARA (Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles), and Ayurvedic books were also searched for clinical studies.The documented clinical studies from electronic databases and Ayurvedic books evidenced that individuals who consume CP regularly for a definite period of time showed improvement in overall health status and immunity. However, most of the clinical studies in this review are of smaller sample size and short duration. Further, limitation to access and review significant data on traditional products like CP in electronic databases was noted.Randomized controlled trials of high quality with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to have significant evidence on the clinical use of CP as immunity booster. Additional studies involving measurement of current biomarkers of immunity pre- and post-consumption of the product as well as benefits accruing with the use of CP as an adjuvant are suggested.Learn More
Chyawanprash: A review of therapeutic benefits
Study type :
Literature Research
Area of focus :
Review
Chyawanprash: A review of therapeutic benefits as in authoritative texts and documented clinical literature
Chyawanprash (CP), a traditional immune booster recipe, has a long history of ethnic origin, development, household preparation and usage. There are even mythological stories about the origin of this recipe including its nomenclature. In the last six decades, CP, because of entrepreneurial actions of some research Vaidyas (traditional doctors) has grown to industrial production and marketing in packed forms to a large number of consumers/patients like any food or health care product. Currently, CP has acquired a large accepted user base in India and in a few countries out-side India.Authoritative texts, recognized by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of India, describe CP as an immunity enhancer and strength giver meant for improving lung functions in diseases with compromised immunity. This review focuses on published clinical efficacy and safety studies of CP for correlation with health benefits as documented in the authoritative texts, and also briefs on its recipes and processes.Authoritative texts were searched for recipes, processes, and other technical details of CP. Labels of marketing CP products (Indian) were studied for the health claims. Electronic search for studies of CP on efficacy and safety data were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and DHARA (Digital Helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles), and Ayurvedic books were also searched for clinical studies.The documented clinical studies from electronic databases and Ayurvedic books evidenced that individuals who consume CP regularly for a definite period of time showed improvement in overall health status and immunity. However, most of the clinical studies in this review are of smaller sample size and short duration. Further, limitation to access and review significant data on traditional products like CP in electronic databases was noted.Randomized controlled trials of high quality with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to have significant evidence on the clinical use of CP as immunity booster. Additional studies involving measurement of current biomarkers of immunity pre- and post-consumption of the product as well as benefits accruing with the use of CP as an adjuvant are suggested.Learn More
Clinical Research
Clinical Research
Clinical research in Ayurveda focuses on scientifically evaluating traditional Ayurvedic treatments to establish their safety, efficacy, and therapeutic benefits. Through clinical trials and observational studies, Ayurvedic clinical research aims to validate ancient healing practices, develop evidence-based protocols, and integrate Ayurvedic interventions with modern healthcare, ultimately enhancing holistic patient care.
Clinical research in Ayurveda focuses on scientifically evaluating traditional Ayurvedic treatments to establish their safety, efficacy, and therapeutic benefits. Through clinical trials and observational studies, Ayurvedic clinical research aims to validate ancient healing practices, develop evidence-based protocols, and integrate Ayurvedic interventions with modern healthcare, ultimately enhancing holistic patient care.
Clinical Research - Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Comparing Classical Ayurveda medicine, methotrexate and their combination in Rheumatoid Arthrtis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Clinical Research - Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Comparing Classical Ayurveda medicine, methotrexate and their combination in Rheumatoid Arthrtis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Clinical Research - Prospective, Controlled
Management of Covid-19 in high risk type 2 diabetes with severe disease through integrating Classical Ayurveda therapy along with standard of care : 60 days study
Type 2 diabetes, Covid-19
Clinical Research - Prospective, Controlled
Management of Covid-19 in high risk type 2 diabetes with severe disease through integrating Classical Ayurveda therapy along with standard of care : 60 days study
Type 2 diabetes, Covid-19
Clinical Research - Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Enhancing the efficacy and tolerability of metformin by add-on polyherbal formulation: a gut microbiome study
Type 2 diabetes
Clinical Research - Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Enhancing the efficacy and tolerability of metformin by add-on polyherbal formulation: a gut microbiome study
Type 2 diabetes
Clinical Research - Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Crossover study to investigate efficacy and sustainability of individualized Ayurveda treatment of sub-optimally controlled Type 2 diabetes patients
Type 2 diabetes
Clinical Research - Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled
Crossover study to investigate efficacy and sustainability of individualized Ayurveda treatment of sub-optimally controlled Type 2 diabetes patients
Type 2 diabetes
Clinical Research - Prospective, Observational, Cohort
Study the effect of Ayurveda treatment on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular dystrophy
Clinical Research - Prospective, Observational, Cohort
Study the effect of Ayurveda treatment on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Type 2 diabetes
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Validation of Wound healing activity of Jatyadi Thailam
Type 2 diabetes
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Validation of Wound healing activity of Jatyadi Thailam
Type 2 diabetes
Clinical Research - Retrospective, Cohort
Efficacy of Ayurveda in treating Cervical Spondylosis
Musculoskeletal diseases
Clinical Research - Retrospective, Observational, Cohort
Efficacy of Ayurveda in treating Cervical Spondylosis
Musculoskeletal diseases
Pharmaceutical research
Pharmaceutical research
Pharmaceutical research explores the discovery, development, and testing of new drugs and therapies to address various health conditions. This research involves identifying active compounds, assessing their effectiveness and safety, and refining formulations for optimal delivery. In Ayurveda, pharmaceutical research also includes studying traditional herbal formulations, standardizing Ayurvedic medicines, and ensuring quality control, bridging ancient wisdom with scientific rigor for effective, safe treatments.
Pharmaceutical research explores the discovery, development, and testing of new drugs and therapies to address various health conditions. This research involves identifying active compounds, assessing their effectiveness and safety, and refining formulations for optimal delivery. In Ayurveda, pharmaceutical research also includes studying traditional herbal formulations, standardizing Ayurvedic medicines, and ensuring quality control, bridging ancient wisdom with scientific rigor for effective, safe treatments.
Development of capsules with concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO)
The pharmaceutical research on the development of capsules containing concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for the management of hypercholesterolemia has been completed.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Hypercholesterolemia, Obesity
Phase Results and Challenges in Hypolipidemic Research
Phase 1 Results
- Promising hypolipidemic effects observed in an animal model.
- Three selected forms of coconut oil blended with Vyosakatvivaradi showed efficacy.
- Dose optimisation for humans was conducted successfully.
Phase 2 Challenges and Solutions
- Attempt to minimize the dose from 24 ml to less than 4 ml per day using Avarti.
- Presence of PAH from Avarti IV to Avarti VII. This could be avoided by the addition of food grade TBHQ (an antioxidant) that reduces peroxide formation and PAH. Monitoring at each preparation stage was implemented.
- Samples 'Avarti I' and 'Avarti VII' were evaluated for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity using the COMET Assay method, and both demonstrated effectiveness in minimizing DNA damage.
Phase 3 Refinement
In comparison to the HDF group on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, all the test groups showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in body weight. Whereas, the Simvastatin (5mg/kg) treatment group did not show significant differences on days 7 and 14.Development of capsules with concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO)
The pharmaceutical research on the development of capsules containing concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for the management of hypercholesterolemia has been completed.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Hypercholesterolemia, Obesity
Phase Results and Challenges in Hypolipidemic Research
Phase 1 Results
- Promising hypolipidemic effects observed in an animal model.
- Three selected forms of coconut oil blended with Vyosakatvivaradi showed efficacy.
- Dose optimisation for humans was conducted successfully.
Phase 2 Challenges and Solutions
- Attempt to minimize the dose from 24 ml to less than 4 ml per day using Avarti.
- Presence of PAH from Avarti IV to Avarti VII. This could be avoided by the addition of food grade TBHQ (an antioxidant) that reduces peroxide formation and PAH. Monitoring at each preparation stage was implemented.
- Samples 'Avarti I' and 'Avarti VII' were evaluated for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity using the COMET Assay method, and both demonstrated effectiveness in minimizing DNA damage.
Phase 3 Refinement
In comparison to the HDF group on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, all the test groups showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in body weight. Whereas, the Simvastatin (5mg/kg) treatment group did not show significant differences on days 7 and 14.Validation of Wound healing activity of Jatyadi Thailam
The pharmaceutical research on Jatyadi Thailam focuses on validating its wound healing properties, aiming to scientifically assess its efficacy and potential as an Ayurvedic topical treatment.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Diabetic Foot ulcer
Investigation of Gut Microbiome Modulation in Type II Diabetes
Objective
To understand the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Background
Previous studies suggest a correlation between gut microbiota composition and insulin resistance, highlighting the microbiome's influence on metabolic health and disease development.
Methodology
- Sample Collection: Samples were collected from both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
- Analysis: Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze microbial community composition and diversity.
Key Findings
Significant differences in the gut microbiome profiles were observed between diabetic and healthy individuals, suggesting a potential link between microbial composition and insulin sensitivity.
Implications for Future Research
These findings open avenues for developing microbiota-targeted therapies aimed at diabetes management, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of modulating gut microbiota for metabolic health.
Validation of Wound healing activity of Jatyadi Thailam
The pharmaceutical research on Jatyadi Thailam focuses on validating its wound healing properties, aiming to scientifically assess its efficacy and potential as an Ayurvedic topical treatment.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Investigation of Gut Microbiome Modulation in Type II Diabetes
Objective
To understand the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes and its potential as a therapeutic target.Background
Previous studies suggest a correlation between gut microbiota composition and insulin resistance, highlighting the microbiome's influence on metabolic health and disease development.Methodology
- Sample Collection: Samples were collected from both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
- Analysis: Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze microbial community composition and diversity.
Key Findings
Significant differences in the gut microbiome profiles were observed between diabetic and healthy individuals, suggesting a potential link between microbial composition and insulin sensitivity.Implications for Future Research
These findings open avenues for developing microbiota-targeted therapies aimed at diabetes management, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of modulating gut microbiota for metabolic health.Development of capsules with concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO)
The pharmaceutical research on the development of capsules containing concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for the management of hypercholesterolemia has been completed.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Hypercholesterolemia, Obesity
Phase Results and Challenges in Hypolipidemic Research
Phase 1 Results
- Promising hypolipidemic effects observed in an animal model.
- Three selected forms of coconut oil blended with Vyosakatvivaradi showed efficacy.
- Dose optimisation for humans was conducted successfully.
Phase 2 Challenges and Solutions
- Attempt to minimize the dose from 24 ml to less than 4 ml per day using Avarti.
- Presence of PAH from Avarti IV to Avarti VII. This could be avoided by the addition of food grade TBHQ (an antioxidant) that reduces peroxide formation and PAH. Monitoring at each preparation stage was implemented.
- Samples 'Avarti I' and 'Avarti VII' were evaluated for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity using the COMET Assay method, and both demonstrated effectiveness in minimizing DNA damage.
Phase 3 Refinement
In comparison to the HDF group on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, all the test groups showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in body weight. Whereas, the Simvastatin (5mg/kg) treatment group did not show significant differences on days 7 and 14.Development of capsules with concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO)
The pharmaceutical research on the development of capsules containing concentrated Vyoṣakatvīvarādi in Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) for the management of hypercholesterolemia has been completed.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Hypercholesterolemia, Obesity
Phase Results and Challenges in Hypolipidemic Research
Phase 1 Results
- Promising hypolipidemic effects observed in an animal model.
- Three selected forms of coconut oil blended with Vyosakatvivaradi showed efficacy.
- Dose optimisation for humans was conducted successfully.
Phase 2 Challenges and Solutions
- Attempt to minimize the dose from 24 ml to less than 4 ml per day using Avarti.
- Presence of PAH from Avarti IV to Avarti VII. This could be avoided by the addition of food grade TBHQ (an antioxidant) that reduces peroxide formation and PAH. Monitoring at each preparation stage was implemented.
- Samples 'Avarti I' and 'Avarti VII' were evaluated for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity using the COMET Assay method, and both demonstrated effectiveness in minimizing DNA damage.
Phase 3 Refinement
In comparison to the HDF group on days 7, 14, 21, and 28, all the test groups showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in body weight. Whereas, the Simvastatin (5mg/kg) treatment group did not show significant differences on days 7 and 14.Validation of Wound healing activity of Jatyadi Thailam
The pharmaceutical research on Jatyadi Thailam focuses on validating its wound healing properties, aiming to scientifically assess its efficacy and potential as an Ayurvedic topical treatment.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Diabetic Foot ulcer
Investigation of Gut Microbiome Modulation in Type II Diabetes
Objective
To understand the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Background
Previous studies suggest a correlation between gut microbiota composition and insulin resistance, highlighting the microbiome's influence on metabolic health and disease development.
Methodology
- Sample Collection: Samples were collected from both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
- Analysis: Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze microbial community composition and diversity.
Key Findings
Significant differences in the gut microbiome profiles were observed between diabetic and healthy individuals, suggesting a potential link between microbial composition and insulin sensitivity.
Implications for Future Research
These findings open avenues for developing microbiota-targeted therapies aimed at diabetes management, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of modulating gut microbiota for metabolic health.
Validation of Wound healing activity of Jatyadi Thailam
The pharmaceutical research on Jatyadi Thailam focuses on validating its wound healing properties, aiming to scientifically assess its efficacy and potential as an Ayurvedic topical treatment.
Study type :
Pharmaceutical Research - Reverse Pharmacology
Area of focus:
Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Investigation of Gut Microbiome Modulation in Type II Diabetes
Objective
To understand the role of gut microbiota in the pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes and its potential as a therapeutic target.Background
Previous studies suggest a correlation between gut microbiota composition and insulin resistance, highlighting the microbiome's influence on metabolic health and disease development.Methodology
- Sample Collection: Samples were collected from both diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.
- Analysis: Metagenomic sequencing was performed to analyze microbial community composition and diversity.