The 21st century began with a few landmark observations that helped decisively to rediscover the lost links between modern Science and Ayurveda. This period has also proposed certain new models to comprehend Ayurvedic fundamental tenetson grounds acceptable to the Western world.[
14] The evolved and explicit human physiology and behavioral science have been described to have their seeds in the philosophy of Ayurveda.[
7] The identification of a genomic link to the theory of
Prakriti led to a search for possible classification of people on their
Prakriti based on theirgenetic make up.[
10] These studies could eventually lead to a personalization of medical practice on the basis of
prakriti as is conceived in Ayurveda.[
18]
Reappraisal of Ayurvedic phytochemistry gives a strong support to the Ayurvedic fundamental constructs about the taste (
Rasa), after taste (
Vipaka), special effects (
Prabhava) and pharmacological impacts (
Guna) of medicinal plants.[
16] Ayurvedic pharmaceutics are receiving a new thrust through a reappraisal of
Bhasma preparations (preparations, where herbs, minerals and metals are incinerated to ash under supervised conditions) as novel nano-technological applications. Typical features of Ayurvedic
Bhasma have been recently demonstrated through transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.[
19] A further study has shown
Swarna (Gold)
bhasma principally constituted of globular gold particle of 56–57 nm. Interestingly, the same study also revealed
Swarna bhasma to be devoid of any other heavy metal or organic material by its screening through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Infrared Spectroscopy (IS).[
19] This study also put to rest concerns about the presence of heavy metals in ayurvedic preparations which otherwise clouds the popular use of Ayurvedic medicines abroad.[
20] The nano-particle size of ayurvedic
Bhasmas, has been confirmed in another study,[
21] where it is proposed that the nano-particles are responsible for its fast and targeted action. These nano-particles are proposed to be delivered to the target through rapid cellular internalization. Subsequent actions upon DNA/RNA molecule and protein synthesis within the cell are further hypothesized as possible mechanisms for rapid onset of therapeutic actions of
Bhasma preparations. Pyrgiotakis (2007), with the help of Raman spectroscopy, has demonstrated the effect of
Yashada (Zinc)
bhasma on intracellular DNA and proteins of the treated human lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549).[
22] Another study found gold nano-particles (4 nm size) helped in increased apoptosis in B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Incidentally, CLL is an otherwise incurable disease predominantly characterized by resistance to apoptosis.[
23] It is observed that the nano- medical application of various drugs is proportionate to their particle size and shape. Smaller the particle, the quicker is the cellular internalization and consequent effects. It is interesting to reiterate here that the pharmacological efficacy of a
Bhasma preparation is largely attributed to the number and type of
Puta (traditional incineration process) used in its making. Increased incinerations, therefore, are able to reduce particle size and subsequently give rise to increased efficacy to a given
Bhasma.[
24]
The toxicity of certain Ayurvedic formulations has become a potential limiting factor towards its globalization. Ayurvedic classic texta have taken a serious note of the potential toxicity of certain herbs, minerals and metals. A strict GMP observation is recommended to overcome inherent toxicity of these preparations. Traditionally, ayurvedic drugs are purified through
Shodhana (biopurification), which are proposed to reduce drug toxicities through manual, physical or organic ways. Efficacy of
Shodhana methods in reducing toxicity and enhancing safety of ayurvedic preparations was tested as early as in 1981 when Singh
et al. demonstrated an improved pharmacological property and reduced toxicity in a
Shodhana treated
Vatsanabha (aconite) sample.[
25] Throat and Dahanukar (1991) further elaborated this observation by comparing various traditional methods of
Shodhana for their relative efficacy. In this study, Aconite processed with cow urine was found more effective and less toxic compared to other methods of
Shodhana.[
26] Unfortunately, these studies remained unnoticed for long and hence could not serve a support to establish a scientific basis to ayurvedic pharmaceutics.
Ayurveda also presents some unique clinical applications of its fundamental concepts.
Rasayana is one such concept having an extensive potential applications.
Rasayana drugs are described to have anti-aging effects.
Labhopayo hi shastanam rasadinam rasayanam, [
] is statement from the Charaka Samhita (
Chikitsa sthana i/i/8) that says that
Rasayana,are agents thatare supportive to the qualitative improvement of tissues. A qualitative improvement here essentially refers to the functional and constitutional specifications of a tissue altered by age. Such an enhanced tissue would have optimal functions and also withstand premature aging consequent to its impaired quality. Therefore, anti-aging seems to be the secondary outcome of the
Rasayana, subsequent to qualitative up-gradation and stabilization of cellswhich is its primary function. Sharangdhara's statement
rasayanam cha tajghyeyam yajjaravyadhi vinashanam [
] is more apt for its description of the use of
Rasayanas in
Jaravyadhi (progeria),
Jara (aging) and
Vyadhi (disease).
It is for this reason that, Rasayana drugs are said to produce their beneficial effect more promptly in conditions where a suboptimal quality of tissue is leading to its premature aging and suboptimal functioning. In healthy people where the tissue aging is in connotation to the physical age, Rasayana can offer only a little to help.
Rasayana drugs are proposed to promote tissue longevity through some more novel mechanisms likeReduction of toxin/ metabolic waste load within the cell through their reduced production or increased scavenging, ensuring efficient use of energy within the cell, thus requiring less substrate consumption leading to reduced energy requirement and reduced waste production, initiation of micro-repair by providing essential nutrients by participating in regeneration directly or through promotion of latent enzyme systems.[
27]
The studies of Devasagayam
et al. have added to the understanding of antioxidant action of a few
Rasayana herbs of Ayurveda. The mechanism of action proposed for these herbs include suppression of free radical formation, break- chain initiation, break-chain propagation, reconstitution of membrane and repair damage.[
28]
An approach to understand Ayurvedic pharmacology within a molecular perspective is the recent segment of interfacing between Ayurveda and molecular science. Reserpine, the active alkaloid of Sarpagandha (Rouwolfia serpentina), till today is the only molecule that blocks vesicular monoamine transporters (VMAT). This generalized blockage exposes biogenic amines to degradation by monoamine oxidize (MAO) leading to their depleted levels. This recent understanding of reserpine uniquely explains the classical indication of Sarpagandha for Unmad (mania) patients and also explains how its use may lead to biogenic amine depletion and subsequently to depressive episodes.
Ayurveda is often sought as a therapy for cancer patients. There are several common features between the ayurvedic concept of cancer and modern science. Anti-cancer medicines currently used inactivate or activate specific molecules or cell signaling pathways. Within the last three decades, cancer causing genes called oncogenes, cancer-suppressing genes (tumor suppressor genes), cancer growth factors (such as epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor), cancer-promoting enzymes (such as cyclooxygenase [COX]-2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, inducible nitric oxide synthetase) and cancer-causing protein kinases (AKT, mitogen- activated protein kinase [MAPK], protein kinase C) have been identified as targets. Although these targets were not known 5000 years ago, the components of herbs used at that time now appear to target these molecules. For instance, nuclear factor kB, which has been known to play a major role in tumorigenesis, is targeted by the components of several herbal remedies described in Ayurveda. Similarly; several herbs have been described in Ayurveda that can suppress either expression of COX-2 or its activity.[
29]
There are several more postulates and sporadic works, which strongly present Ayurveda in a scientific and understandable manner to a receptive mind. Thus it is felt that a reappraisal of Ayurveda in light of fundamental science and its advances would be immensely helpful to perceive Ayurveda in true scientific fervor.This article discussed a few important leads from basics of Ayurveda in light of their possible scientific correlates to reappraise them in tune to contemporary knowledge.
This article has been 
as an Ayurvedic version to omne vivum ex ovo (every living thing comes from a pre-existing living thing). This dictum argues for the omnipresence of formative substances of life since eternity.
or every substance in the universe is composed of five basic elements only. This further shows a conceptual similarity between modern science and Ayurveda with reference to the idea of substance generation.
is this generalization of Ayurveda about material composition, which lays the foundation to its understanding that every substance on earth has a potential as medicine (Nanaushadhibhutam jagat kinchit).
dictum, Ayurveda identifies every object in the universe as a potential medicine based upon its Panchbhautic composition. The panchabhautic characteristic of medicinal materials used in Ayurveda (herbs and minerals) cannot be identified using the conventional Tridosha theory.