Ayurveda has the potential to address chronic, lifestyle diseases, and its distinguishing feature is chronic inflammation. However, it is crucial to utilize modern advancements in cytokine markers to monitor the effectiveness of Ayurveda treatments.
The purpose of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of personalized Ayurveda-based treatment by examining the changes in cytokine levels for various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, GERD, etc.
The study was designed as an observational follow-up study, and it involved 60 patients with different disease conditions who underwent Ayurveda treatment. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) were measured using a multiplex bead-based assay system.
The primary measure of outcome was the alteration in cytokine levels before and after Ayurveda treatment.
The findings reveal a complex narrative where Ayurveda treatment consistently reduced proinflammatory cytokines across all diseases, although the impact varied depending on the specific condition. Notably, the treatment significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-6, while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4 and IL-10. These responses were distinct in disease-specific contexts, highlighting the versatility of Ayurveda treatment. Diseases such as diabetes, GERD, and others exhibited unique changes in cytokine levels. Furthermore, the study assessed the balance between pro- and antiinflammatory cytokines, demonstrating a shift towards equilibrium after treatment.
These results emphasize the potential of Ayurveda as an immunomodulatory approach to alleviate inflammation and enhance overall well-being.