Author Guidelines

SUBMISSION PROCESS (Navigating the Path to Publication)

Initial Submission: Authors should submit their manuscripts electronically through the journal’s submission portal. Ensure that all required documents are included. Upload: Article file, Author Declaration file & Title Page Format file
Confirmation and Review: Upon submission, authors will receive confirmation, and the manuscript will be reviewed to ensure it meets initial criteria.
Tracking Progress: Authors can track the progress of their manuscript through the submission system and will be notified of any updates or decisions by email.

As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items, and submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines .

GENERAL FORMATTING GUIDELINES

The submission has not been previously published and is not under consideration by another journal (or an explanation has been provided in the Comments to the Editor). [Declaration to be provided as per the format available in Downloads]
The submission file is in Microsoft Word format.
The submission file does not include any information that discloses the identity of the author(s) or their organization.
Title and author names must be attached as a separate document [as per the format available in Downloads].
The text uses a 12-point Times New Roman standard font and is single-spaced.
Italics are employed instead of underlining (except for URL addresses).
Headings: Use bold for first-level headings, such as Introduction and Conclusion.
Ayurvedic terms must begin with a capital letter and be italicized.
Figures and tables:

All illustrations, figures, and tables are placed within the text at the appropriate points, rather than at the end.
They should be serially numbered.
Figures should be legible at the final size.
Captions should be placed under the figures/images and above the tables with center alignment.
Place legends, footnotes, and other text below the table.
Font and Spacing: Use Times New Roman in size 10, with single line spacing for captions.
Cite tables in ascending numeric order and place them directly after the paragraph in which they are first cited.

Margins: Use 0.5 inch margins on all sides of the page.
Justification: Justify text, except for the title and the heading of the Reference section, which should be centered.
Page Numbers: Include page numbers in the footer of each page.
Keywords: Include 5–6 keywords to help readers find your article.
Use standard English [UK] language for spellings. Use punctuations as per the required rules
The text adheres to the stylistic and bibliographic requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
References should be cited in the text by superscript for example- [1],[2] etc. in ascending order from Introduction to Conclusion
Manuscripts must be prepared in accordance with "Uniform requirements for Manuscripts submitted to Biomedical Journals" developed by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (October 2008).

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION

A. TITLE PAGE/FIRST PAGE FILE/COVER LETTER:

The title page or cover letter should include the following information:

a. Manuscript Details:

Type of manuscript (e.g., original article, case report, review article, letter to the editor, images, etc.)
The full title
A running title
Names of all authors/contributors, including their highest academic qualifications, positions, and institutional affiliations. Any information that could reveal the authors' institutional affiliations should be included here.
The departments and/or institutions to which the work is attributed.
The file should be in Microsoft Word format and no zipped files.

b. Document Statistics:

Total number of pages.
The number of photographs or images.
Word counts for the abstract and the main text (excluding references, tables, and abstract).
The word count for the introduction and discussion sections for original articles.

c. Conference Presentation:

If the manuscript was presented at a conference, seminar, or meeting, specify the name of the event, location, and the exact date of presentation. Include a comprehensive statement for the editor regarding any prior submissions or reports that might be considered relevant to the publication of the same or similar work. Such related work should be cited and referenced in the current manuscript, and copies should be provided to help the editor assess the situation.

d. Author Approval:

[As per the format available in Downloads]

Include a statement confirming that all authors have read and approved the manuscript, meet the authorship criteria outlined in this document, and attest to the integrity of the work.

e. Corresponding Author Information:

Include the name, postal address, email, and phone number of the corresponding author who will manage communication with the journal and other authors regarding revisions and final proof approval.

f. Clinical Trial Registration:

For clinical trial manuscripts, provide the registration number and the name and URL of the registry where the trial is registered.

B. MANUSCRIPT STRUCTURE:

Reporting Guidelines for Specific Study Designs

Initiative	Type of Study	Source
CONSORT	Randomized controlled trials	CONSORT Statement
STARD	Studies of diagnostic accuracy	STARD Statement
PRISMA	Systematic reviews and meta-analyses	PRISMA Statement
STROBE	Observational studies in epidemiology	STROBE Statement
MOOSE	Meta-analyses of observational studies in epidemiology	MOOSE Statement
CARE	Case reports	CARE Statement

Note: Authors submitting a review article should include a section describing the methods used for locating, selecting, extracting, and synthesizing data. These methods should also be summarized in the abstract.

C. CATEGORIES OF MANUSCRIPTS

1. ORIGINAL ARTICLES:

1.1 Types of Studies:

Randomized controlled trials
Intervention studies
Studies of screening and diagnostic tests
Outcome studies
Experimental studies
Cost-effectiveness analyses
Case-control series
Surveys with high response rates
Critical editions of manuscripts

1.2 Structure of Original Articles (up to 5000 words):

Abstract (Structured)
Keywords
Introduction
Materials and Methods
Results
Discussion
References
Tables
Figure Legends

1.3 Details for Sections:

1.3.1 Introduction:

State the purpose and summarize the rationale for the study or observation.

1.3.2 Materials and Methods:

Study design:
- Selection and description of participants: Explain eligibility and exclusion criteria, and describe the source population.
- Technical information: Provide details about methods, equipment (with manufacturer details), procedures, statistical methods, and any drugs or chemicals used (including generic names, doses, and routes of administration).
Reports of Randomized Clinical Trials: Include details about study protocol, intervention assignments, randomization methods, blinding, following CONSORT guidelines.
Statistics: Quantify findings, report confidence intervals, losses to observation, define statistical terms, and mention software used for analysis.

1.3.3 Results:

Present findings logically with text, tables, and figures. Avoid duplicating data in text and tables. Include analyses by variables like age and sex if relevant.

1.3.4 Discussion:

Summarize key findings, strengths, and limitations of the study, and interpret findings in the context of existing evidence. Suggest directions for future research. Limit references to approximately 30.

1.3.5 Critical Editions:

Can include qualitative or mixed methods studies, such as those related to pedagogy.

2. CASE REPORTS:

Reports of new, rare, and interesting cases are encouraged.
These cases should be distinctive, presenting significant diagnostic or therapeutic challenges, and offering valuable learning points for readers.
Cases with clinical relevance or implications will be prioritized.
Word Limit: Submissions should not exceed 2,500 words (excluding the abstract and references).
Required Sections:
1. Abstract (unstructured)
2. Keywords
3. Introduction
4. Case Report
5. Discussion
6. References
7. Tables
8. Legends
References: Up to 20 references can support the manuscript.

3. CASE SERIES:

A case series is a collection of cases with similar exposures and/or outcomes.
Submissions showcasing the use of Ayurveda or Integrative Medicine for a specific condition, and demonstrating the effectiveness of unconventional traditional treatment, are suitable for publication.
These submissions should suggest potential solutions to medical challenges.
Abstract: Non-structured, limited to 250 words.
Manuscript Length: Approximately 3,000 words (excluding about 25 references).

4. REVIEW ARTICLES:

Focus: Should delve into specific aspects of Ayurveda addressing contemporary issues.
Contributions: Contributions from experts or individuals with significant work in the field are highly valued.
Content: Review articles should be thorough, insightful, and up-to-date, reflecting the author’s unique perspectives and expertise.
Requirements:
1. Present the author’s claims or views, supported by a detailed analysis of relevant scientific literature.
2. Clearly discuss the rationale and evidence.
3. Provide novel conclusions that synthesize diverse research findings.
Format: Tailored to the subject matter of the review.
Methods: Authors must include a section explaining the methods used for identifying, selecting, and analyzing data, with a summary of these methods included in the abstract.
Critical Analysis: The article should offer in-depth critical analysis and meaningful synthesis, going beyond mere information gathering.
Periodic Updates: Authors are encouraged to submit periodic updates on the reviewed topic after publication, in the form of concise letters to the editor, whenever significant advancements occur.
Guidelines:
1. Abstract: No more than 250 words.
2. Keywords: 3 to 5 keywords.
3. Manuscript Length: Approximately 6,000 words (excluding references and figures).
4. Topic Preference: Articles should ideally address topics of broad interest, with a preference for current, impactful issues.

5. SHORT COMMUNICATION:

Purpose: Should report significant preliminary studies or findings.
Abstract: Non-structured, limited to 250 words.
Manuscript Length: Should not exceed 2,000 words (excluding approximately 20 references).

6. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

Purpose: Should present concise and definitive observations, preferably addressing previously published articles or views expressed in the journal.
Exclusion: Should not be used for preliminary observations that require further validation in a separate paper.
Word Limit: Up to 1,000 words.
References: Maximum of 5 references.

7. BOOK REVIEWS:

Proposals: Authors are requested to propose high-quality contemporary or historically significant works on Ayurveda for review.
Review Content:
1. Identify the intended audience.
2. Present an overview of the book’s substance (without duplicating the table of contents).
3. Focus on the subject, approach, and innovation of the book.
4. Describe the book's relevance to its field, the current state of knowledge it tackles, and its contribution to or impact on the debate.
5. If the book is a collection of essays or chapters written by different authors, provide an overview of its central theme and content, while highlighting specific chapters that you find especially important or valuable.
6. The tone should be respectful, even when offering critique.
7. Optionally, include:
  - Author / Editor Name, Book Title, Publisher, Year of Publication, ISBN, Number of Pages, Price etc.
  - An introduction to the author(s), their background, and their work.
  - A synopsis of the book’s goal and contributions to Ayurveda and integrative medicine.
  - An appraisal of the author’s approach, research rigor, argument logic, and writing style.
  - Use specific examples from the text to support your evaluations, illustrating both strengths and weaknesses.
  - Comparisons with related works, and an evaluation of the book’s significance and utility.
Abstracts: Not necessary.
Word Limit: The review should be limited to approximately 2,000 words.
Conflicts of Interest: Avoid reviewing books where you have a personal or professional conflict.
Additional Requirement: A unique JPEG image of the book's cover page must also be submitted.

8. LIFE PROFILES:

Focus: Articles on the life and achievements of legendary figures or contemporary physicians and scientists who have significantly contributed to Ayurveda, traditional medicine, or integrative medicine.
Content:
- Clear, concise, balanced, and impartial account of the individual’s life and work.
- While personal details may be included, the primary focus should be on their contributions to Ayurveda or integrative medicine.
- Highlight the qualities that distinguished the individual in their field.
- Discuss their key scientific or scholarly accomplishments, philosophical insights, or clinical innovations.
- High-quality reference materials are expected to support the content.
Abstract: Not required.
Word Limit: The manuscript should be limited to around 2,000 words (excluding approximately 20 references).

9. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS:

Focus: Should cater to the audience intended by the journal.
Content:
- Date, time, organizers, and event details of the conference must be specified.
- Topic of the conference, its significance, and the methods adopted for selection of participants, presentation, discussion, and conclusion must be specified.
Word Limit: Manuscript should be limited to 3,000 words.
Abstract: 150-200 words may be included.

10. OTHER CATEGORIES:

Editorials, guest editorials, commentaries, opinions, and perspective pieces are typically invited by the editorial board.

D. REFERENCES:

Numbering: References should be numbered sequentially according to their first appearance in the text, not in alphabetical order.
Citation in Text: Use Arabic numerals in superscript within square brackets after punctuation marks to identify references in the text, tables, and legends.
Citation in Tables and Figure Legends: References appearing solely in tables or figure legends should be numbered in the order in which they first appear in the text.
Journal Titles: Follow the format used by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) as shown in Index Medicus for journal titles, using abbreviations accordingly. For non-indexed journals, use the full journal name.
Abstracts: Avoid using abstracts as references.
Unpublished Manuscripts: Manuscripts that have been submitted but not yet accepted should be cited as "unpublished observations" with permission from the source.
Personal Communications: Use "personal communication" only when it provides essential, non-public information. Cite the person's name and the date of communication in parentheses.
Referencing Style: Vancouver Referencing style must be followed.

E. TABLES AND FIGURES:

Numbering: Tables and Figures should be serially numbered.
Placement: They should be kept along with the main manuscript.

F. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Human and Animal Rights: Studies involving human participants must follow the Declaration of Helsinki. Animal studies should adhere to institutional and international ethical guidelines.
Ethical Approval: Authors must provide a statement of ethical approval from the relevant ethics committee.
Informed Consent: Manuscripts should confirm that informed consent was obtained from all participants in human studies.

G. PLAGIARISM POLICY:

It is the responsibility of the authors to ensure that their work is original and that all sources are appropriately cited. Any submission found to contain plagiarized content will be subject to rejection or withdrawal from the publication process.

H. GENERATIVE AI USAGE POLICY

This guidance applies specifically to the writing process and not to the use of Artificial Intelligence tools for analyzing data or generating insights as part of the research process. When authors use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process, these tools should be used solely to enhance readability and language, with human oversight and control. Authors must carefully review and edit the AI-generated content, as it may produce authoritative-sounding but potentially incorrect, incomplete, or biased output. AI and AI-assisted technologies should never be listed or cited as authors or co-authors. Please note that authors are ultimately responsible and accountable for the contents of the work.