Comparative Study of Traditional Ayurveda and Modern Pharmacology in Disease Management
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Abstract
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, consists of holistic treatment with herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes, as well. Contemporary pharmacology, however, employs evidence-based methods and synthetic medicines for disease treatment that are directed. In spite of these outcomes, there is a need to investigate the comparative effectiveness, safety, and integration of the two systems. To evaluate and compare the efficiency and implications of Ayurveda and modern pharmacology in the management of chronic diseases, i.e. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes and to establish commonalities between the two systems. The systematic review of literature included an existing clinical trial, an observational study, and a meta-analysis. The two treatment paradigms were also studied on patient adherence and symptom reduction, and side effect profile. Statistical procedures, including regression analysis and ANOVA, were used to find correlations of treatment adherence with clinical outcomes. Ayurveda showed long-term efficacy, with limited adverse effects on the disease, in the management of chronic diseases and needed more patient adherence. The side effects of modern pharmacology were higher rates, but it gave rapid relief of symptoms and general procedures. One possible solution to these shortcomings might be to combine both Ayurveda and modern pharmacology systems on the one hand, and the accuracy of modern pharmacology on the other, in the holistic manner of Ayurveda. It gives the best of Ayurveda and modern pharmacology. Patient outcome, reduced risks and improved long-term disease management could be obtained through a collaborative integrative approach.
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References
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