C u r r e n t  R e s e a r c h

Basic and clinical research through The National Institute Of Ayurvedic Medicine is conducted by The Foundation For Holistic Medical Research, a registered 501-C3 organization and the research arm of the Institute. Our most current research involves anti-fungal and anti-yeast susceptibility testing of various Ayurvedic plant extracts being conducted in collaboration with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. We are also currently involved in medical and basic science research projects which are at various stages in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute (Bethesda, MD), The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine (New Delhi, India), and the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine at Columbia University (New York, NY). The National Cancer Institute research projects involves the evaluation of a traditional Ayurvedic phytomedicine, Semicarpus anacardium (Linn.) for antitumor effects. Preliminary studies conducted over the last three years indicate that certain cancers are inhibited by this plant extract. We are determining whether there is any evidence of direct cell kill activity as a criteria for further investigations to be carried out at the NCI. The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha Medicine research project involves a specfic herbal-yoga- meditation treatment protocol for asthma developed by Dr. Gerson which is being evaluated in a randomized, controlled cross-over type study. We are also comparing a group which receives only the herbal treatment with groups that receive only yoga-meditation. The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine research project involves the collection of data on Ayurvedic herbal medicines useful in the treatment of various women's diseases and conditions. The conditions which currently are being researched by our group are peri-menopausal symptoms, pre-menstrual syndrome, and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea). In addition to these collaborative research efforts, the NIAM is also conducting its own clinical research in several areas. One of the most exciting research projects in the entire field of alternative medicine is nearing its completion. It is a four year study which evaluates the effects of Panchakarma Therapies on the human immune system. This work constitutes the Ph.D. thesis of Dr. Scott Gerson at Benaras Hindu University and its results will be published at this site at a later date. Another research project which is currently being prepared for publication is a study on the hyocholesterolemic activity of the bark of Terminalia arjuna. In a series of 14 patients, both male and female, between the ages of 38 and 71, Terminalia arjuna in a dosage of 500 mg bid decreased serum cholesterol an average of 20 per cent after four months. Additional current research which are in various stages involve herbal protocols for many diseases and conditions including asthma, hypertension, herpes genitalis, depression, and adult onset diabetes and other more complex multi-modality treatment protocols which target obesity, uterine fibroids, acne, irritible bowel syndrome, chronic constipation, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The NIAM is also conducting EEG studies on the effect of aromatherapy and meditation on brainwave patterns in humans.