UK and Indian scientists found that plants used in the ancient Indian therapy boost the cognitive function and prevent its decline

Sep 6, 2006 13:53 GMT  ·  By

A recent study carried out by a researcher at the King's College, London, and Jadavpur University in Kolkata found that plants used in the ancient Ayurvedic therapy may be very efficient and successfully used in modern therapy, too. British and Indian scientists reported excellent results of Ayurvedic traditional herbs against symptoms which are common in Alzheimer's disease, such as decline of mental abilities, poor memory and concentration etc.

Ayurvedic plants, including Brahmi, prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitter and also boost mental agility and the cognitive function. "However, it is too early to say that we have found a solution to Alzheimer's. That would be too tall a claim.We are just trying and all we can say is we are on the right track. There is a lot of difference between lab experiments and actual human applications. Only when we are able to reach the second stage can we claim we have reached somewhere. Also, we will have to consider the alternative manufacturing aspects," explained the executive council member of Jadavpur University, Partha Pratim Biswas.

Ayurvedic supporters claim that Ayurveda natural method of treating both body and mind is the oldest holistic system of medicine in the world. Literally, Ayurveda is a compound Sanskrit word formed from "ayur" that means "science, knowledge" and "veda" that means "life." The origins of this traditional medicine go back to the period in which Buddha and Lord Brahma lived, while the ancient texts of Vedas provide historical evidence of the existence of Ayurvedic wisdom.

The basic principle of the Ayurvedic medicine lies in a balanced lifestyle that must be achieved by any human being. If one affects the natural balance and harmony present in his body and sleeps or eats excessively, he will fail to preserve the equilibrium of the metabolic functions. Therefore, he will get sick and the cure to re-establish the balances in his organism is to be found in practicing yoga: "He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system." (Bhagavad-gita 6.17)