Seminar highlights research in Nano technology

Need for various aspects of research were discussed in a seminar on Research in AYUSH sector held as part of National Arogya Expo 2015 at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) here today.
Dr Shantikumar Nair, professor, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences said that nano cloth for wound healing and formulations for external application, where usage is easy and work faster with better results, are in various stages of research.
"Nano formulations can be absorbed into cells and react with cells to get the best results," Shantikumar said.
"Nano engineered bhasmas, which are also in the research phase; prepared in nano scale can even destroy cancer cells."

He suggested that new clinical intervention from Ayurveda and integration with biomedicines to bridge the gap between the ancient and modern medicines.
"There is a need to combine tradition and innovation approaches in research. New technology tools have to be introduced for formulation, delivery and engineering of ayurvedic medicines," he said.

In the session titled 'methods and strategies for high impact research on Ayurveda', Dr P Ram Manohar of Coimbatore-based AVP Research Foundation, said a complex system of combinations and pharmaceutical processes are used to develop formulations from animal, plant and mineral sources, with immense possibilities for drug discovery in Ayurveda in the present scenario.

Changes in lifestyles and cooking methods have led to increased cases of cancer, he pointed out. "Replacing pepper with chilli has been a big factor for this," he said.
"Research in Germany has shown that turmeric combined with ghee is anti-carcinogenic", he said.
He suggested that "whole system trials, evaluation of treatment algorithms and trials in stratified samples are the three phase approach to clinical trials."
Dr Gopa Kumar, Associate Professor at the Government Ayurveda College, said there is a need for new strategy and new methods of research in Ayurveda.