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Scientific Basis of using AYUSH Systems of Medicine for Epidemic Prevention and Management
Abstract
Recent times have seen epidemics of Plague, Leptospirosis, Meningococcal meningitis, Cholera, Shigellosis, Avian Flu, Chikungunya, Zika Virus Disease, Nipah Virus Disease, Ebola Virus Disease, Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) etc. in different parts of the world. In times of globalization and ease of travel, epidemics have potential to become pandemic. Strengthening the health care system is essential in managing the outbreak of epidemics. AYUSH system of medicine helps play a remarkable role in optimizing health during epidemics. This study highlights the concept and management of epidemic diseases in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy along with contributive evidence from published research. Research has proven that AYUSH medicines have been utilized as immune enhancers, prophylactic and effective adjuvant in Spanish flu, Leptospirosis, Malaria, Influenza-like illness, Chikungunya and acute encephalitis. However, there is still a need to strengthen the research-based evidence of AYUSH systems of medicines. The authors propose that standard protocols may be followed for systematic data collection and evaluation in OPDs and RCTs conducted to further enhance the research-based evidence of AYUSH interventions in epidemic situations.
Keywords
References
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