India becomes first nation to digitise traditional medicine with AI-powered library
The World Health Organisation (WHO), in a recent report, acknowledged the move as an important development in the global push to integrate traditional and modern medicine.PRESERVING KNOWLEDGE, PREVENTING EXPLOITATIONThe roots of India's traditional medicine lie in oral traditions, palm-leaf manuscripts, and classical texts that go back hundreds, if not thousands, of years.In the absence of documentation, there have been many instances in the past where foreign companies patented herbal formulations and treatments that had long existed in Indian households.The TKDL was conceived as a solution to that problem.By translating and digitising these traditional formulations in multiple languages and coding them into formats understandable to patent offices, the library provides evidence that such knowledge already exists in the public domain.What sets the new version of TKDL apart is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The database now uses machine learning tools to organise complex information, track patterns, and find possible links between traditional remedies and modern illnesses.NEW DIRECTIONS WITH AI AND AYURVEDAAmong the newer developments highlighted by WHO is Ayurgenomics, an emerging field that merges genetic science with Ayurvedic principles of body types, or prakriti.Scientists in India are working to personalise treatment methods by combining DNA data with ancient health categories.AI models are also being used in pulse reading and tongue analysis, both long-standing diagnostic methods in Ayurveda, to assist in making clinical decisions.The Government of India, through the Ministry of Ayush, has said the aim is not only to preserve heritage but to push forward into areas where tradition and technology can meet.Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, speaking on the occasion, noted that this is part of a larger vision to make Indian systems more accessible while contributing to global health solutions.India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often spoken of using 'AI for all,' and healthcare is one of the key areas where that promise is beginning to take shape.India's TKDL offers a framework that other countries with strong traditional medicine cultures, such as China, South Korea, or Indonesia, may find useful.- Ends
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
39 minutes ago
- The Hindu
NISAR mission will showcase Indian space engineering on global scale: ex-ISRO scientist
The NISAR mission, a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA, will demonstrate Indian space engineering capabilities for Earth observation on a global scale, a top scientist has said. The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a global mission, and its data will be accessible for download worldwide by users, said Radha Krishna Kavuluru, former Ground Segment Engineer and Ex-Project Manager of NISAR. ISRO is set to launch the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-Mk II rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on July 30 at 5:40 p.m. The GSLV-F16 marks the 18th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and the 9th operational flight with an indigenous cryogenic stage. The countdown is expected to commence later on Tuesday (July 29, 2025), ISRO sources said. This mission is the first GSLV launch to achieve a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit. The 51.7-meter-tall, three-stage rocket will lift off from the second launch pad, approximately 135 km east of Chennai. About 19 minutes after launch, the satellite is expected to be placed into its designated orbit. Explained | What are ISRO and NASA aiming to achieve with the NISAR satellite? Elaborating on the mission, Mr. Kavuluru explained that NASA provides the L-Band, while ISRO contributes the S-Band for the Synthetic Aperture Radar, enabling the collection of vast amounts of data. 'The satellite will transmit extensive data covering the Earth, including Antarctica, the North Pole, and oceans,' he told PTI. Highlighting the mission's significance, Mr. Kavuluru noted that unlike earlier ISRO observation satellites such as the Resourcesat and RISAT series, which could capture images globally but were operationally focused on India and surrounding regions, NISAR will collect data across the entire globe for operational use. 'This data will be extensively utilised by governments and commercial entities worldwide,' he said. 'NISAR is one of the key missions that will garner large-scale operational user feedback from across the globe,' Mr. Kavuluru emphasised. 'All countries will leverage NISAR data for various applications, showcasing the strength of Indian space engineering. This is the core importance of the mission,' he added. Mr. Kavuluru underscored the mission's importance as ISRO's first major partnership with NASA for an Earth observation satellite. 'This collaboration fosters significant technical exchange, with ISRO and NASA sharing insights into their respective planning and execution processes,' he said. Mr. Kavuluru added that ISRO will process and make most of the data available as open-source, accessible to users globally. The satellite, which will cover the entire Earth every 12 days, will provide approximately 2.5 coverages per month and 10 coverages in 120 days. 'This will enable us to monitor seasonal changes, including forest dynamics, mountain shifts, and glacier movements in regions like the Himalayas and Antarctica,' he explained. 'This is a highly significant, high-value, and ambitious mission for ISRO,' Mr. Kavuluru remarked. The GSLV-F16/NISAR mission is designed for a lifespan of five years.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Does rubbing fresh aloe vera gel on the scalp regrow hair?
Fresh aloe vera gel offers multiple benefits. It contains vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying it to the scalp soothes inflammation and cleanses without stripping. Aloe vera boosts blood circulation. It helps with temporary hair loss from stress or dandruff. It strengthens roots and speeds regrowth. For permanent hair loss, it improves scalp health. Use fresh gel and apply it directly. Fresh aloe vera gel is loaded with good stuff. We're talking vitamins A, C, E, and B12, plus folic acid, amino acids, fatty acids, and enzymes. It also has natural anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. That's why it's been used for centuries in Ayurveda and home remedies, not just for hair but for skin, digestion, and even minor burns. So, how does aloe vera help the scalp? Here's where things start to get interesting. When you apply fresh aloe gel directly to your scalp, it does three major things: Soothes inflammation: If your scalp is itchy, flaky, or inflamed due to conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, aloe vera can calm it down big time. A healthier scalp = a better environment for hair growth. Cleanses without stripping: Aloe vera gently clears away excess sebum (oil), product buildup, and dead skin cells that could be clogging your follicles. Think of it as a detox for your scalp. Boosts blood circulation: Massaging aloe vera into your scalp stimulates blood flow, which means more oxygen and nutrients reach your hair follicles, key players in the hair growth game. But can it actually regrow hair? Now, the million-dollar question. And here's the real tea: If you've got temporary hair loss caused by stress, poor scalp health, dandruff, or buildup then yes, aloe vera can absolutely help. It can strengthen your existing roots, create the right conditions for new hair to grow, and even speed up the regrowth process. However, if you're dealing with permanent hair loss due to genetics (like male or female pattern baldness), aloe vera won't magically sprout hair on completely bald patches. No natural remedy can reverse permanent follicle damage but aloe vera can still improve overall scalp health and slow down the rate of hair fall. So, it's not a miracle cure, but it is a fantastic supportive treatment. How to use fresh aloe vera for your scalp Here's a super simple step-by-step routine you can follow twice or thrice a week: Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf (make sure it's nice and fat). Scoop out the gel using a spoon. You can blend it if you want a smoother texture. Apply it directly to your scalp using your fingers. Section your hair if needed. Massage gently for about 5-10 minutes to get the blood flowing. Leave it on for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some people even leave it overnight (just cover your pillow!). Rinse off with lukewarm water or a mild shampoo if needed. Pro tip: If you want to take it up a notch, mix the aloe gel with ingredients like onion juice, castor oil, or fenugreek (methi) powder for an extra boost. Realistic expectations, please! The thing with natural remedies like aloe vera is that they take time and consistency. You're not going to wake up with Rapunzel-length hair overnight. Give it at least 6 to 8 weeks before judging the results. Take pictures to track progress and notice improvements in hair texture, shine, volume, and reduced hair fall. Also, remember: your hair grows from the inside out. So if your diet, hormones, or stress levels are out of whack, even the best hair mask in the world won't be enough. Any side effects? Aloe vera is generally super gentle, but if you've never used it before, do a patch test first, just to rule out any allergies. And always use fresh aloe vera if possible. The bottled stuff often contains preservatives and added alcohol that can dry out your scalp. Benefits of massaging face and hair with Aloe Vera Rubbing fresh aloe vera on your scalp isn't going to reverse baldness, but it can do a lot to create the right environment for stronger, healthier hair. It soothes your scalp, reduces dandruff, boosts blood flow, and helps your follicles breathe easier. Think of it as a hair-care sidekick, not a solo hero. So if you've got an aloe plant sitting on your windowsill, slice it open and get started. Your scalp might just thank you for it.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Did you know Niacinamide can calm seasonal skin flare-ups?
Seasonal weather changes often trigger skin flare-ups, but niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, offers a soothing solution. Dermatologists recommend this multi-functional ingredient for its anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening properties. Niacinamide calms redness, regulates oil production, and improves skin tone. Experts suggest using serums or moisturizers with 5% to 10% concentration, especially in sunscreens, to combat tanning and pigmentation common in Indian skin. Seasonal transitions can often wreak havoc on our skin. Whether it's the humidity of monsoon, the dryness of winter, or the pollutants that come with changing weather patterns, our skin is constantly adapting, and not always happily. Flare-ups such as redness, irritation, breakouts, and uneven tones become more frequent. Enter niacinamide, a skincare ingredient that's increasingly being recommended by dermatologists for its calming and strengthening properties. It deserves a permanent place in your skincare routine, especially during seasonal shifts. Why Does Skin Flare Up with Weather Changes? Seasonal changes disrupt the skin's natural barrier. Humidity, heat, or a sudden drop in temperature can affect how our skin retains moisture or reacts to external irritants. This can lead to inflammation, dullness, sensitivity, or increased oil production- all of which we refer to as flare-ups. What Is Niacinamide and How Niacinamide Helps Calm Flare-Ups Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a multi-functional skincare ingredient known for its anti-inflammatory, barrier-strengthening, and oil-regulating properties. It is suitable for almost all skin types and is especially beneficial during times of transition when skin becomes unpredictable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Effortless Glucose Monitoring: Request a Free Trial Dexcom Click Here Undo Here's how it helps calm flare-ups: 1. Soothes Inflammation: Niacinamide has proven anti-inflammatory effects. This makes it extremely useful in calming redness, irritation, and sensitivity, which are common during seasonal transitions. 2. Strengthens Skin Barrier: A healthy skin barrier is your first defense against environmental stressors. Niacinamide boosts the production of ceramides - lipid molecules that keep the skin barrier intact, thus improving resilience. 3. Regulates Oil Production: During monsoon or humid months, many people struggle with excessive oiliness and breakouts. Niacinamide helps balance sebum levels, reducing the chances of clogged pores and acne. 4. Improves Skin Tone and Texture: Flare-ups can often leave behind marks or pigmentation. Niacinamide helps fade dark spots and promotes a more even skin tone over time. How to Use It Dr. Aparna recommends looking for serums or moisturisers with 5% to 10% niacinamide. 'Start with a lower concentration if you have sensitive skin and always patch tests before full use. It can be used both morning and night and goes well with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Indian skin is more prone to tanning and pigmentation due to its higher melanin content. This makes niacinamide an essential ingredient in sunscreen formulations. Known to regulate melanin production and strengthen the skin barrier, niacinamide not only helps reduce tanning but also addresses uneven skin tone - concerns that affect most Indian women. By including niacinamide, sunscreens go beyond basic protection, offering targeted care tailored to the specific needs of Indian skin.' A Word of Caution While niacinamide is generally well-tolerated, overuse or layering it incorrectly can cause mild irritation. 'More is not always better,' warns Dr. Santhanam. 'Stick to the recommended dosage and avoid using it alongside too many actives like AHAs or retinol unless advised by a dermatologist.' Seasonal flare-ups may be inevitable, but with the right ingredients, they can be managed effectively. Niacinamide stands out as a versatile and gentle option that not only soothes the skin but also helps it adapt and thrive through changing conditions. If you're looking to add one product to your monsoon or winter routine, niacinamide could be the skin savior you didn't know you needed. Inputs by Dr. Aparna Santhanam, Dermatologist and Skin Expert at ITC Dermafique
