If you have never thought of ‘science’ and ‘Ayurveda’ in one sentence, you may want to think again. As one of the world’s oldest traditional healing systems, Ayurveda offers us an array of biologically active natural ingredients to be used in treatments and wellness. Despite the limitations of centuries past, ancient Indian healers pieced together some amazing insights from these naturally available resources. With our fast-paced, stressful lifestyles and our never-ending quest for wellness and health, we need these insights more than ever. But did you ever imagine that the secrets of this ancient tradition could be unlocked through science and innovation?
Enter the future of Ayurveda.
Integrating Ayurveda with research-backed, scientific innovation can provide us with oh-so many benefits that we are only just starting to discover. Scientific techniques like metabolomics and phytochemical analysis help identify and isolate key bioactive compounds in plant extracts. This allows formulators to focus on incorporating the most potent components into products for optimal results. Scientific advancements have also led to the development of more efficient and precise extraction methods. Technologies such as supercritical fluid extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction help obtain a higher concentration of bioactive compounds from plant sources, making the ingredients more potent. Sophisticated techniques like these guarantee a long-shelf life and efficacy of the final product. Result: more refined and powerful formulations that deliver consistent results with every use.
How is this possible? Let’s get down to the science of it.
Plants produce phytochemicals; specific bioactive substances that are used in Ayurvedic medicine and wellness products. However, since only small quantities of these bio actives are available in nature, and these have low stability and solubility, it affects efficacy, shelf-life and consistency when used in products. But scientific innovation has provided us with the solution: the introduction of Actives into traditional ayurvedic formulations, that enhance the efficacy of the product and give faster results.
Through nanotechnology, Actives are combined with the botanic phytochemicals, which counters their unstable nature. Nanotechnology uses nanoparticles (extremely small particles) of the bioactive found in herbs and plants to create composite active molecules that combine easily with other stable substances. This makes the formulation potent and able to be quickly absorbed by the targeted area. Utilizing nanotechnology allows for the development of smaller particles that can penetrate the skin and hair more effectively. These formulations make their way directly into our skin and hair, for faster and more noticeable results. Let’s consider the Ayurvedic ingredient triphala. A combination of three fruits including amla (Indian gooseberry), it one of the highest sources of Vitamin C in nature and is found in a host of formulations to nourish hair, aid digestion and clear skin, as well as boost immunity. With nanotechnology, the enhancement of this herbal ingredient, isolation of bioactive molecules and delivery straight to your skin and hair could bring the healing effects of triphala much faster to you. With such alchemy now at our fingertips, it’s no surprise that the buzzwords in traditional herb-and plant-based products have become ‘scientific research and innovation’.
A balancing science for everyone.
The cornerstone of Ayurveda is balancing qi – balancing our physiological forces (dosha) and nature (prakriti). Whether it’s our genetic constitution or the effects of our environment, this balance is what determines our wellness. But since each of us responds differently to these factors, it can sometime be challenging to find a one-size-fits-all solution in a bottle.
Enter science, again.
Introducing scientific innovation like Actives into ayurvedic extracts can now create versions of Ayurvedic formulations that offer the same benefits to everyone, regardless of dosha. Scientific research also helps identify synergistic effects between different plant extracts, formulating products that combine complementary ingredients. This not only enhances the overall potency of the product, but it also encourages its wider use. For example, when Costus root oil (Kushta) is combined with steam-distilled Rosemary Extract and Cardamom Seed Extract in a hair oil, it not only stops hair-fall, but also leverages the power of cardamom and rosemary to nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair from the follicles, which results in stronger and shiner hair. Similarly, saffron oil (Kumkumadi tailam) has a legendary effect on the skin, making it radiant and blemish-free. But when combined with the extract of sandalwood, it creates a soothing effect on irritated skin, plus lightening blemishes. When saffron is combined with Vitamin C extracted from oranges, on the other hand, it becomes anti-oxidant and encourages the regulation of pigmentation at the same time.
The examples are endless and the combinations of what is possible truly boggles the mind.
Incorporating scientific innovation into Ayurveda not only gives us formulations that are highly potent, but also enhances the efficacy of ayurvedic ingredients in several ways, bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods. With the rising popularity of techniques such as nanotechnology, isolation of bioactive molecules, genetic mapping and molecular imaging of herb and plant extracts, science could very well hold the keys to unlocking the real power of this ancient wellness tradition and preserving its authenticity for centuries to come.