Network pharmacology approach for validation of traditional claims of Ayurvedic medicines

Abstract

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic healing system originating from India emphasizes balance and harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic medicines offer diverse therapeutic claims, spanning preventive care, disease treatment, and overall well-being. This traditional system significantly influences global healthcare and complements modern medicine. However, scientific validation of Ayurvedic claims remains a challenge. Network pharmacology, an interdisciplinary approach, has emerged as a promising tool for this purpose. Network pharmacology explores complex interactions in biological systems. It aligns well with Ayurveda's holistic philosophy and offers potential in validating Ayurvedic medicines. This review covers successful case studies of justification of Ayurvedic claims using network pharmacology approach. We further outlined key steps for such validation, including literature review, compound identification, data collection, network construction, and enrichment analysis. The approach aligns traditional knowledge with modern scientific findings, enhancing the credibility of both. The integration of Ayurvedic principles with network pharmacology can shed light on the mechanisms of action underlying Ayurvedic medicines. In conclusion, network pharmacology holds immense potential in validating the traditional claims of Ayurvedic medicines. It provides a framework for understanding complex interactions, confirming traditional knowledge, and potentially unlocking novel therapeutic mechanisms. Collaboration between traditional practitioners and scientists, along with advancements in data integration and analysis, can drive this integration, enriching global healthcare with Ayurvedic insights.

Keywords

• ayurvedic medicines
• network pharmacology
• validation