Scientific research in ayurveda be developed: MS Valiathan

Dr MS Valiathan, renowned medical educationist has said the main reason for ayurveda not getting a recognition in international level was due to shortage of studies in scientific research.

Valiathan, speaking at a lecture on "Ayurveda in the eyes of science", organised by Mahatma Gandhi University and Darsana Cultural Centre in Kottayam, said that India, already developed in scientific and technical fields, has the capacity to fill up the shortage.

He said a consistent effort was needed to utilise the scientific research studies fruitfully. 

One difference between ayurveda and modern medicine was that many philosophical and theological factors were inherent in ayurveda, he said, adding scientific research studies were needed for proving this.

The studies conducted by the centre would definitely prove the importance of ayurveda, he said.

In modern science, mercury was considered as poison but a kind of vermilion produced from mercury used as a medicine in ayurveda, Valiathan said.