INDIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE - A CONGLOMERATION OF ANCIENT KNOWLEDGE AND MODERN SCIENCE (21-22 July 2016: Phytocongress | Sastra University)

Abstract

PHYTOCONGRESS – 2016 The International Conference Phytocongress – 2016 on the theme “Indian Traditional Medicine - A Conglomeration of Ancient Knowledge and Modern Science” was organized by Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM), SASTRA University, Thanjavur on 21 & 22 July 2016. This conference was focused on the vast, enviable traditional wealth of India, practices and usage of plant drugs, metals, minerals and animals by traditional medical practitioners during ancient times and the current status of traditional and synthetic drugs. This programme analyzed the requirements of modern times and how the same could be benefited through ancient wisdom. Sessions in the seminar covered a wide range of topics emphasizing the scientific merits involved in Ayurveda and Siddha medicines. These sessions highlighted the significance and importance of evidence based studies on traditional medicines and finding new experimental methodologies for their characterization using various sophisticated analytical techniques and their applications. The modern tools of chemistry and biology, in particular allow scientists to detail the exact nature of the biological effects of natural compounds on the human body, as well as to uncover possible synergies, which holds much promise for the discovery of new therapies against many devastating diseases. With the technology at hand today, we can validate the science behind this ancient knowledge and unravel the mysteries behind why and how traditional medicine works. The challenge today is to integrate the best of the different healing traditions to meet the healthcare needs of contemporary society. This International conference brought together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and wisdom on all aspects of medicinal plants and natural products. It also provided an interdisciplinary platform for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns as well as practical challenges encountered and solutions to be adopted in the fields of medicinal plants and natural products. This conference was inaugurated by Prof. Bhushan Patvarthan, University of Pune, and this Conference was convened by Prof. P. Brindha, Associate Dean and Co-ordinator, CARISM, SATRA University. Invited international speakers from USA, Australia and Malaysia and national speakers gave scintillating lectures covering various aspects on the theme of the conference. Altogether nearly 200 Scientists, Siddha and Ayurveda Researchers, Practitioners and Industrialists participated from various parts of India.