Scientific Foundation of Ayurveda is a treatise on the basic fundamentals of this holistic medicine. This book is divided into nine chapters.

Introduction consists of the comparison between the concepts of Ayurveda with other traditional medicines of the world. In the chapter of Indian Philosophies, an earnest effort is made to trace the roots of Ayurveda. Scientific face of spiritualism is brought out very clearly in the language of basic sciences in totally unambiguous terms. In chapter two author explained the concepts of Panchamahabhutas and Trigunas in the language of current sciences, along with experimental proof. In chapter three Tridoshas are explained in language of biochemistry and molecular biology.

Most interesting is the chapter on Embryogenesis and Prakriti. Various mechanisms proposed by Charak with regards to above said subjects are explained in terms of modern understanding of embryogenesis, intra-uterine fetal growth programme and genetic characterization of an individual. Seven prime elements of the body called Saptadhatus and their bioconversions are also explained on the basis of modern biochemistry. In subsequent chapters etiopathology of disease, Charak's ten types of examination and pharmaecology of Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka and Prabhava are elaborated in detail. Lastly, Panchakarma, Rasayana and Vajikarana are also described. Last chapter discusses some concept-based Ayurveda researches by author and also need for integration of Ayurveda into main stream medicine.

The book is intended to bring out the true essence of Ayurveda with the use of totally new scientific vocabulary. The approach is very revolutionary in the sense of achievement. It is a common belief that Ayurvedic linguistic have no equivalent modern terms. This apparently impossible task is accomplished by the author with great finesse. Unique distinction of this work is to decode the subtle messages of the cryptic Ayurvedic sutras giving a very rational contemporary scientific terminology. With the vanishing of linguistic barriers between the modern medicine and Ayurveda, it will be easy to bridge the two never meeting banks of river. This book makes easier for a reader who is trained in modern basic sciences to appreciate Ayurvedic better and similarly it will also help an Ayurvedic student to understand his science in the context of current sciences. Ayurveda is a treasure of knowledge and experiential wisdom. This book presents a new approach of integration. The 21^st century medicine can blaze a new trail to scale new peaks of success, with this approach presented by the book.

About the Author:

Prof. Dr. H.S. Palen was born on the 8th Oct. 1941 at Polasa (Andhra Pradesh), graduated in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from renowned Podar Medical College (Ayurvedic), Mumbai in the year 1962. He obtained admission to MBBS course again on the basis of his intermediate science merit and completed his MD in Modern Obstetrics and Gynaecology from the prestigious Grant Medical from the prestigious Grant Medical College, Mumbai. He was selected as Hon. Assistant Prof. In Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Grant Medical College and St. George's Hospital and rose to the eminence of Hon. Professor, because of his high academic credentials. Simultaneously, he was also appointed as a part time professor and consultant at the R.A. Podar Medical College and M.A. Podar Hospital, Mumbai. This simultaneous teaching in two different streams of medicines provided his interest in research of Ayurveda. He had been a teacher and examiner for both undergraduates and post graduates in both the faculties (Modern & Ayurveda) at the University of Mumbai for over two decades.

Dr. Palep has also a large clinical and surgical experience in both the fields of Gyn. & Obs. He has presented and published many research papers in conferences and seminars both national and international. He has been invited as a guest speaker at a number of national conferences. He was a research co-ordinator for the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik and project co-ordinator for CCRAS with regards to indigenous herbal oral contraceptive pill. He was convenor of a number of Ayurvedic national level seminars at Mumbai and Nashik etc. He is also in process of authoring one more book titled "Integrated Obstetrics and Gynaecology". Research and development of Ayurveda on Modern scientific basis is his passion. He has founded Dr. Palep's Medical Research Foundation, which is doing a pioneering work in the field of innovative research in Ayurveda.

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