Genome studies,Ayurveda should be integrated: Experts

A decade after the key Human Genome Project milestone was reached,the promises are yet to be realised,according to Dr Madan Thangavelu...

A decade after the key Human Genome Project milestone was reached,the promises are yet to be realised,according to Dr Madan Thangavelu,a genomics researcher from Cambridge University who visited the city on Thursday to interact with Ayurveda researchers. June 26 marks the first decade of the completion of human genome-mapping.

There was tremendous excitement but the desire to extrapolate was dangerous. We were trying to find cures for diseases like cancer by looking at genes. Scientists found there were thousands of variations in the human genome. What have we achieved by sequencing it? said Thangavelu.

The integration of ancient systems of medicine with genomic biology is crucial,he said. We are considering collaborations with Ayurveda institutes in Pune,Bangalore and Kerala in this regard, Thangavelu said. It is ironic that after so much research,we have come full circle,back to the 3,000-year-old ancient system of medicine, he added.

Dr Bhushan Patwardhan,director designate,Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine,Bangalore,said new horizons have opened up for research,as there is a genetic connotation to prakriti.

Dr Kalpana Joshi,principal investigator for the Ayu-Genomics project which is supported by the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor said researchers are working on the genetic basis of prakriti at three levels.

Scientists have found that Ayurveda also responds to variations in humans. Individual responses to drugs vary. If we learn which gene is responsible,personalised medical treatment will be possible, said Joshi.

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories