Ayurveda Biology in UGC domain

Ayurveda Biology (AB) has been added in the existing list of the subjects at Serial 105 in the UGC eligibility test. In this regard, notification by the Registrar UGC has been released. The mandate of the introduction of the subject is to initiate research in basic principles and fundamentals of Ayurveda.

Ayurveda Biology is derived from a combination of Ayurveda and Biology.  In other words, application of the biological sciences in studying the dynamics of Ayurvedic medicine is Ayurveda Biology.

Ayurveda Biology represents shifting paradigm from the ancient to evidence- based approach in case of ancient systems of the medicine.  The application of genomics and systems biology to Ayurvedic medicine is a desperate attempt to reinvent the peculiar fundamentals of the ancient medical systems.

Historically speaking, no concrete efforts have been made in the past to expand the existing list of subjects in Ayurveda bearing a few. Recently postgraduate studies in mental diseases have been a new addition. All these have been largely confined to CCIM or NCISM. However, initiation of MD in Ayurvedic biology by NCISM and introduction of the same in the UGC list is something to cheer about.

Apparently, Ayurveda Biology seems to be neither a medical nor an Ayurvedic term, but has been coined for the modern era perspective. Some experts have cautioned that the terminology Ayurveda Biology shall confuse the student community and dilute the credibility of the ancient medicine.  The move by UGC is seen as a desperate step to boost interest of the scientific community in Ayurveda.

National Commission of Indian System of Medicine has recently included post graduation in Ayurveda Biology under the aegis of the department for the basic principles.  Besides this, courses related to Ayurveda Biology are being offered by a couple of universities as well.

Venturing into the exciting field of Ayurveda Biology is good but an ambitious move.  Ayurveda Biology as the name suggests is somewhat closely allied to Ayurveda anatomy and more precisely to Ayurveda physiology. Obviously, application of genomics and systems biology is critical for the better understanding of Ayurveda biology. The opening of genomincs laboratory in the department of basic principles of an Ayurvedic college is an expensive affair.

University Grants Commission (UGC) specifies the degrees to be awarded under action 22 of the Act. Any degree, undergraduate or postgraduate must be specified in the section 22 of the UGC Act. As far as recognition of Ayurveda degrees is concerned, it is governed by section 35 or 36 of the NCISM Act. Earlier, degrees in Ayurveda   included to the second schedule of the IMCC Act were considered as recognised medical qualifications.

Ayurveda Biology is a non-clinical subject that may form the basis of clinical subjects (clinical diagnosis and treatment) in near future. Research in fundamental aspects of Ayurveda with an emphasis on the description of Ayurvedic typology is vital and subject to the conditions of availability of research infrastructure and funds.

Ayurveda Biology can be listed as one of the subjects required to change the approach of the scientists and the aspiring students towards the ancient systems of the medicine. Ethnopharmacology, Ayurvedic pharmacoepidemiology, Ayurvedic nutrigenomics and Pharmacovigilance are other subjects worth considering for introduction in UGC subjects list.

General Biology and Ayurveda Biology are contrasting but confusing terms. As biology is crucial for understanding the core fundamentals of the medical science, Ayurveda biology is must for providing scientific footing to the three biological humours theory, the fulcrum of the principles and practices of Ayurveda in terms of the diagnosis and the treatment.

Research in Ayurveda Biology can pave a way for studying the practical aspects of the three biological humours viz; vata, pitta and kapha. These humours have anatomical and physiological significance and exploring the five sub-types may open the doors for Ayurveda Biology.  Thus, Ayurveda biology has close proximity to Ayurvedic physiology or kriya sharira also known as dosha, dhatu mala vigyan (integrative human physiology).

Introduction of Ayurveda Biology in the list of UGC net test is an advocacy for the evidence-based Ayurveda approach. Searching a fertile scientific ground for the fundamental aspects of Ayurveda is the need of the hour. However, the concept of Ayurvedic biology is at an infancy stage and onset of research and application of new findings may provide the scientific basis.

Just like Ayurvedic biology, other disciplines like traditional phytochemistry and ethno pharmacology needs to be introduced in list of UGC courses. Ayurveda Biology has significance from the diagnosis point of view while traditional phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology has roots in the treatment protocols. Ayurveda Biology in conjunction with other suggested subjects can be a game changer in Ayurveda diagnosis and therapeutics.

The induction program introduced by NCISM prior to the beginning of the academic year must include introductory sessions on initiatives like Ayurveda Biology. The ancient approach to Ayurveda has so far failed to win confidence of the students. Ministry of Ayush has finally realized the significance of the evidence-based approach and emergence of Ayurveda biology is testimony to this.

Since Ayurveda Biology is a new subject and standard books are lacking. Introducing a dedicated journal in Ayurveda Biology can bring a viable solution to propagate the subject.

The commercial and academic value of Ayurveda Biology needs to be established. The propagation about the new discipline is absolutely necessary for the generation next of the Ayurvedists. With a couple of universities offering studies in Ayurveda Biology and UGC introducing the same in NET examination, the soil is fertile for propagating evidence-based Ayurveda.

So far Ayurveda has been ascribed as hypothetical and experiential science difficult to translate in the laboratory. With the evolution of the time- specific subjects like Ayurveda Biology, pathways leading to innovation can be explored.

With bodies of national importance like DST, DBT, CSIR, UGC understanding the value of the traditional medicine, the much needed push leading to practical approaches can be expected.

Prior to the creation of the Central Council of Indian Medicine, several committees were created to recommend and implement changes in Ayurveda. Some suggestions have been adopted by the government recommended by the committes. CCIM was constituted and remedial steps were taken w.r.t to standardization of the syllabus. NCISM must be credited in brining innovative courses like Ayurveda Biology in the Ayurvedic curriculum. Sustainable efforts and a practical roadmap are required for making the moves popular among the student community.

Initiation of programs like Ayurveda Biology may open way for new subjects. Such initiatives were a missing link when Ayush study and practice regulation was under the belt of CCIM. A couple of months have lapsed since the UGC move but still it has a little impact in Ayurveda colleges. Without strengthening the basic principles department of the Ayurveda college it is not possible to propagate and popularize the new initiative by UGC.

To conclude, bringing a new academic discipline in Ayurveda is a rare move. It is premature to say that what shall be the future of Ayurveda biology but rigorous efforts are required for sustaining the same. The Ayush student and teaching community must explore the advancements for a bright future in Ayurveda Biology.