Scientific evidence of ayurvedic treatment is a must to compete with modern medicines and acceptance of Ayurveda, explained Padma Vibhushan, Professor MVS Valiathan, of  the University of Hyderabad.

As ayurvedic treatment is getting increasing acceptance and popularity for its healing powers across the globe, scientific evidence with documented proofs are a must for it to sustain and compete with modern medicines.

In many cases, ayurvedic treatment has shown effective cures for deadly diseases like cancers and other aliments with least side effects, but its lack of scientific evidence with documented data is blocking it to compete with modern medicines.

To unearth the hidden secrets of ayurvedic treatment and its healing powers, doctors and researchers must work in collaboration and document all scientific evidences. Already many scientists in America and Europe have shown keen interest to work in collaboration with doctors practising Ayurveda but their Indian counterparts showed little interest, opined Valiathan.

With cancer turning into a major killer, there is a strong need for research on the age-old medicine and find cure which would save thousands of people from severe radiation, he said.

In an interview Prof. Valiathan, had said Ayurveda is not only the mother of medicine but also of all life sciences in India. In spite of it, the science has been completely divorced from Ayurveda. But these are the interdisciplinary areas where advances will take place.

“We require Ayurveda professionals to give up age-old norms and accept the treatment that is scientifically documented, researched and accepted. Only then will it become a model treatment,” he said.

The vice-chancellor in charge of University of Hyderabad, Professor E Haribabu felt that a scientific temper of research required a strong initiative from young researchers whose investigations would go a long way in propagating the age-old rasayanas.

Professor MVS Valiathan is an Indian cardiac surgeon. He grew his interest in Ayurveda as its healing powers had no side effects. He has been awarded Padma Vibhushan in the year 2005 for his exemplary contributions in the field of Medicine. He is a former president of the Indian National Science Academy and contributed to the development of medical technology in India. Currently he is a National Research Professor for the Government of India who is pioneering scientific studies in "Ayurveda" and has authored several books on the subject.