Current Issue
Volume 2, Issue 2 - 2026 (April-June 2026 )
Issue Details:
Volume 2 Issue 2 (April-June 2026)Issue Description:
Welcome to the 2026 issue of Kottakkal Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine And Research. This issue showcases the remarkable breadth and depth of contemporary research across multiple disciplines. From cutting-edge applications of machine learning in climate science to the revolutionary potential of quantum computing in drug discovery, our featured articles demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing global challenges.
We are particularly excited to present research that bridges traditional academic boundaries, reflecting our journal's commitment to fostering innovation through cross-disciplinary dialogue. The integration of artificial intelligence with environmental science, the application of blockchain technology to supply chain management, and the convergence of urban planning with smart city technologies exemplify the transformative potential of collaborative research.
As we continue to navigate an era of rapid technological advancement and global challenges, the research presented in this issue offers both insights and solutions that will shape our future. We thank our authors, reviewers, and editorial board members for their continued dedication to advancing knowledge and promoting scientific excellence.
Dr. Bindu KK
Editor-in-Chief
Kottakkal Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine And Research
Articles in This Issue
PANEL DISCUSSION ON FUTURE PERSPECTIVES OF ĀYURVEDA BIOLOGY
A panel discussion on the future directions of Āyurveda Biology was organized as part of the “Vidyodaya” National Seminar on Āyurveda Biology-Back to Roots: Exploring the Connections, held on January 9, 2025, at Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier Ayurveda College, Kottakkal. The session was moderated by Dr. Vinod Kumar M.V., with six distinguished experts engaged in exploring the field's historical development, current challenges, and potential advancements. Participants were carefully chosen by the organizers based on their specialized knowledge in areas such as transdisciplinary health sciences, plant-based research, and computational biology, ensuring a broad spectrum of viewpoints through targeted invitations. The proceedings were structured around questions posed by the moderator, responses from the panelists, and an interactive audience segment, addressing core issues like philosophical foundations, chemical analyses of herbal remedies, genomic applications, microbial ecology, and opportunities for expansion into animal and plant health domains. Emphasis was placed on the necessity for prolonged research grants, clearer conceptual terminology bridging ancient and modern frameworks, consistent governmental backing, and global collaborations to foster wider recognition. Āyurveda Biology was framed as a transformative integrative discipline that connects time honoured Ayurvedic wisdom with cutting edge biological insights, paving the way for tailored therapies, genetic-environmental studies, sustainable public wellness strategies, and comprehensive health solutions.
Contributors:
AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HYPOMELANOSIS OF ITO: A CASE REPORT
Background: Hypomelanosis of Ito (HOI) is a neurocutaneous disorder characterized by bizarre, bilateral and irregularly shaped leukoderma affecting the trunk and extremities, often associated with neurological and musculoskeletal abnormalities. It is also called incontinentia pigmenti achromians and is the third most common neurocutaneous disorder after Neurofibromatosis and Tuberous sclerosis. Considering the symptomatology, this condition can be correlated as Sahaja Sarvangavatam (diseases due to vata affecting the whole body) with Vyanavrutha Vatha (subtype of vata) and skin involvement is predominantly visible. Objective: The article highlights the scope of an integrated approach in treating neurocutaneous disorders, combining Ayurvedic intervention along with physiotherapy. Methodology: This is a case study of a 4-year-old child presenting with hypomelanotic areas on extensor part of right arm by birth, seizure disorder, mild hearing loss, inability to sit without support and mild spasticity of bilateral lower limbs. He visited the outpatient department of our tertiary Ayurvedic Health Centre and took outpatient management for about two weeks with the administration of Ashwagandharishtam, Rajanyadi churnam, Kalyanavaleha churnam, Priyalamajjadi modakam and Mahanarayana tailam. IP management was also taken along with dietary recommendations for about one month and twelve days with the line of management of Vatavyadhi (diseases caused by Vata) Chikitsa (treatment) along with Samana oushadhas (palliative medicines). The outcome was assessed using Ages and Stages Questionnaire before and after the treatment. Result: Head holding was improved from Grade 4 to Grade 5 with reduction in the spasticity of bilateral lower limbs. Crawling was attained with reduction in drooling and colour of the hypopigmented patches got mildly regressed along with initiation of new sounds and words with no further episodes of seizures. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire improved from 195 to 245, providing valuable insights into management strategies. Conclusion: An integrated approach involving Ayurveda and physiotherapy provides a sustainable solution in improving the quality of life of the child.
Contributors:
MUKKUDI AS AHARA-AUSHADHA: CONTEXTUAL THERAPEUTIC USE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE IN INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE
Mukkudi is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation widely practised in Kerala, exemplifying the Ayurvedic principle of Ahara as Aushadha (diet as therapy). Although not explicitly described in the major classical Ayurvedic treatises, Mukkudi is extensively documented in regional compendia such as Sahasrayogam, Arogyarakshakalpadruma, Chikitsamanjari, etc. It is classified as a Pramatya kalpana under both Kwatha and Anna kalpana and is primarily indicated for gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders. It is prepared predominantly using Takra (buttermilk) and herbs possessing Deepana–Pachana, Vatanulomana, and Grahi properties, Mukkudi is therapeutically applied in postnatal care for Agni deepana, Vata shamana, and systemic recovery, in paediatric practice for conditions such as Grahani, Atisara, and Krimi, and in ritual contexts as a medicated prasada, notably Nelluvai Mukkudi. Physiologically, Mukkudi supports digestion, regulates Dosha balance, enhances metabolic function, facilitates neuro-hormonal balance in the postpartum period, and contributes to gut microbiota modulation through the probiotic effects of buttermilk. More than 40 formulations are described across regional texts, targeting disorders including Jwara, Pandu, Arshas, Atisara, and Grahani. This review aims to highlight Mukkudi as a scientifically relevant traditional dietary formulation, emphasizing its therapeutic rationale, physiological mechanisms, and potential role in contemporary integrative healthcare. Contemporary insights into gut health and microbiome science further support its relevance in integrative healthcare, underscoring the need for systematic pharmacological and clinical validation to enable its broader therapeutic application.
Contributors:
ASSESSMENT OF DHATU SARATA USING C-DAC AYUSOFT: SCOPE AND CHALLENGES
Introduction and Background: Measurement is essential in scientific research, yet Ayurveda has often overlooked its importance, relying on qualitative and subjective assessments. In the era of evidence-based medicine, the lack of scientific tools for health measurements hinders the progress of Ayurveda. Dhatu Sara, the purest form of the Dhatu, serves as a key indicator for assessing an individual’s strength. The assessment of Dhatu Sara lacks validated and reliable tools. Most available methods are subjective and rely on individual measurements, limiting their utility. AyuSoft, developed by C DAC, Pune, provides a standardized, computer-based tool for assessing Dhatu Sara, which is widely in use nowadays. This study critically reviews the Ayusoft Dhatu Sara assessment tool, focusing on the challenges faced during its practical application. It aims to identify and recommend necessary updates to enhance its usability and relevance for users. Methods: The Ayusoft software was procured from C-DAC, Pune and installed on a computer. It was then used to assess the Dhatu Sarata of 50 individuals. Both the benefits and challenges encountered during the use of the software were thoroughly documented. Results: The tool proved user-friendly, and integrating the Dhatu Sara assessment into software provides a convenient, portable solution for clinical use, removing the need for manual data analysis. However, its time-consuming nature and reliance on a highly subjective questionnaire posed challenges for routine clinical use. Conclusion: The findings suggest that while AyuSoft is a promising step toward standardized Dhatu Sara evaluation, further refinements are necessary to enhance its accuracy, reliability, and practical utility in clinical settings by incorporating both user and patient perspectives.
Contributors:
AYURVEDIC INTERPRETATION OF HYPERTENSION: AN EIGHTFOLD SAMPRAPTI FRAME WORK
Introduction Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent lifestyle disorders of the modern era. It is often referred to as a “silent killer”9 because it usually remains asymptomatic until serious complications arise. The increasing incidence of hypertension in recent decades highlights its global significance and its strong association with cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular diseases. From an Ayurvedic perspective, hypertension can be understood through the concepts of Dosha, Dushya, Srotas, and Samprapti. This article aims to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of hypertension by correlating modern clinical features with Ayurvedic principles. Furthermore, eight possible Samprapti (pathogenetic mechanisms) have been postulated based on collected data and observations, providing an integrative view that bridges classical Ayurvedic knowledge and contemporary medical understanding. Methods of study This study is primarily conceptual in nature and is based on a comprehensive review and correlation approach. Relevant Ayurvedic and modern literature was critically analysed to understand the pathogenesis (Samprapti) of hypertension from both perspectives. The Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Samgraha and their commentaries were reviewed to collect references related to Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rakta, Srotodushti, Avarana and Manasika Nidanas. Modern medical textbooks and scientific articles were referred to identify clinical features, etiological factors, and pathological mechanisms of hypertension. By correlating these findings, eight possible Samprapti pathways were postulated, integrating modern clinical observations with Ayurvedic pathophysiological concepts. Each proposed Samprapti was analysed with respect to Dosha, Dushya, Srotas, Agni, Srotodushti Lakshana, Udbhavasthana and Adhistana to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Contributors:
EXAMINING THE EFFICACY OF AYURVEDIC THERAPIES IN SELECTED CLINICAL CONDITIONS REFERRED FOR SURGICAL INTERVENTION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL RETROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY
Background: While conventional medicine often mandates surgical intervention for various structural and inflammatory pathologies, a significant patient cohort seeks Ayurvedic alternatives due to personal preference, cost constraints or surgical contraindications. This study evaluates the long-term clinical outcomes of patients who opted for Ayurvedic management despite being formally advised to undergo surgery. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8,012 case records from three Ayurvedic centres in Kerala, India, spanning a ten-year period (January 2006 to December 2015). A total of 1,174 patients met the inclusion criteria, having sought Ayurvedic care specifically to avoid recommended surgical procedures. Outcomes were categorized into five thematic domains: Surgery Totally Avoided, Improved Quality of Life (QoL) without Surgery, Deterioration due to Surgical Delay, resolved via Surgery and Lost to Follow-up. Results: The data revealed that 76.06% (n=893) of the study population successfully avoided surgery, while an additional 15.08% reported significantly improved day-to-day functioning without operative intervention. Clinical success was particularly notable in cases of intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP) and acute appendicitis. Conversely, a small minority experienced a decline in health status attributed to the postponement of necessary surgical care. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Ayurvedic protocols can serve as a viable alternative to surgery for specific conditions, particularly where "preference-sensitive" decisions are involved. The high rate of surgery avoidance and improved functional outcomes underscore the need for an integrative healthcare model. Further prospective research is warranted to standardize these non-operative Ayurvedic pathways within mainstream surgical triaging.