A Scoping review on the role of modern investigations in current Ayurvedic clinical practice

Background: Ayurveda, a time-tested branch of medicine, is gaining global recognition. However, the integration of modern diagnostic tools into Ayurvedic clinical practice has become essential in the current AI-driven healthcare system. Modern investigations provide objective validation for Ayurvedic principles and facilitate the incorporation of Ayurveda into mainstream health systems. Objectives: To evaluate the role and relevance of modern diagnostic investigations in current Ayurvedic medical practice, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and the importance of maintaining classical Ayurvedic diagnostic frameworks. Methods: A scoping review of 43 published articles from 3 databases over the last 10 years was conducted to assess how modern investigations are utilized in Ayurvedic clinical settings. The articles were analyzed for the types of investigations used, their purpose, such as diagnosis, prognosis, health assessment, treatment efficacy, and safety, and their contribution to Ayurvedic practice. A structured analysis was also performed to identify disease-wise and purpose-wise use of investigations. Results: The majority of studies demonstrated the use of biochemical, imaging, and haematological investigations alongside Ayurvedic treatments. Diseases like yoniroga and liver disorders had the highest number of studies. Most investigations were employed for diagnosis and treatment efficacy, while few were used for safety assessments. Integration of diagnostic tools such as USG, CT, MRI, HbA1c, and LFTs enhanced clinical decision-making but often lacked alignment with Ayurvedic assessments like Daśavidha and Aṣṭavidha Parīkṣa. Conclusion: Modern diagnostic tools, when used judiciously, serve as a valuable integration to Ayurvedic clinical practice. They aid in accurate diagnosis, monitoring treatment efficacy, and ensuring patient safety. However, overdependence on these tools may affect the holistic principles of Ayurveda. A balanced approach integrating both modern diagnostics and classical Ayurvedic assessments is essential for the evolution of Ayurveda in contemporary medicine.