INTRODUCTION:

Medicinal plants have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine, since times immemorial. In past two decades, numerous factors have done escalating appeal to use traditional medicine throughout the world. Therefore, now a day, there is a revival of interest with traditional Ayurvedic medicine due to the increasing insight on the health hazards linked with the indiscriminate use of Allopathic medicines. In the early twentieth century herbal medicine was prime healthcare system as antibiotics or analgesics were not available. Ayurveda is the most ancient healthcare system and is practiced in India. These medicines are used by about 60 percent of the world population. In western world also, the use of herbal medicines is steadily growing with approximately 40 percent of population reporting use of herb to treat medical illness within the past year. There is a need to integrate Ayurveda in to modern medicine practices. This requires clinical validation by conducting collaborative researches. India is globally attracting collaborative contract proposals for conducting clinical trials and many have already come forward to set up their clinical research organizations (CRO's).^[1,2,3]

Collaboration means working together towards a common aim. In a collaborative research approach, the practitioners, researchers are involved as much as possible in the development of the methodology. Collaboration will work best when there will be similar organization (or at least compatible), similar professionals. It is also important to recognize the limitations of outcome of collaboration. So a Collaborative (or participatory) research are defined as researchers working together to realize the common goal of developing new knowledge domain. Ayurveda has also given importance for the collaborative study. Acharya Sushruta says ēkaṁ śāstramadhīyānō na vidyācchāstraniścayam|tasmādbahuśrutaḥ śāstraṁ vijānīyāccikitsakaḥ || (Su.Su.4/7).

By the study of a single treatise, a man can never gain the true meaning of this Science of Medicine. Therefore a physician should study as many associated branches of Medical science as possible. The surgeon, who studies the Science of Medicine from the lips of his guru, and practises medicine after having acquired experience in his art by constant practice, is the true physician, while any other man experimenting in the art and should be looked upon as fake doctor or vaidya. But the research in Ayurveda should do with appropriate methodology without changing the fundamental principles of Ayurveda ^[4]. There is a need of involving all basic sciences for Ayurvedic drug development. In order to materialise this definition useful, the subsequent criteria for determining who may be a collaborator on a given scientific research is proposed: (1) individuals involved throughout the project's duration or make frequent/substantial contribution (s); (2) those whose names appear on the first research proposal; (3) those liable for a minimum of one among the most elements of the project, such as design or analysis; (4) if appropriate, a person liable for a key step within the process, like producing the first hypothesis; and (5) if appropriate, the first project proposer or funder who serves during a more managerial role instead of directly conducting research. While this definition is not without difficulties, few attempts to define collaborative research have been undertaken. Collaborative research may be viewed more as an attitude or approach rather than well-defined techniques to be followed^[5]. Truly collaborative research involves respecting and understanding the participants and recognizing the knowledge and capabilities of the local people that can work with researchers to get analyses and solutions. It should be viewed not only has something that should be done for ethical reasons, but also as a way to improve the quality of research.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Researchers were co investigators in apex institutes like AIIMS Delhi, IIT Delhi and NIMHANS Benguluru in collaborative projects. The experienced were shared here to improve collaborative research with international institutes to improve health care system in Ayurveda.

Costs and benefits of collaborative research:

Many benefits of collaborative research are identified^[6]. Collaboration increases the probability that the knowledge, skills and techniques required are going to be available within the collaborators, and therefore the time spent in learning information or skills is minimized. This is often particularly relevant in complex nature of research. Relatedly, transfer of data and skills often occurs within collaborative research relationships, and is usually a simpler way of learning than classroom instruction. A sharing of perspectives and concepts can foster creativity and expanded knowledge that might not occur during sole research initiatives. Collaborative relationships can also provide researchers with unique opportunities to figure with other researchers that they might otherwise not be exposed to, creating increased opportunities for joint publications that are extremely valuable and beneficial to research careers^[7]. A comprehensive review of collaborative research would be incomplete without the acknowledgement of existing costs of collaboration ^[8]. Most obviously is that the financial cost, which is usually related to travel and shipping in collaborative research. Generally, participatory research encompasses quite traditional research does (e.g., more communication, conferring with a bigger number of people and organizations), and thus an increased cost, monetary or otherwise, is logically related to this kind of research^[8].

Collaborative research concerns:

Structural dissimilarity:

Structural dissimilarity in collaborative research settings is of primary concern overall from creation of the partnerships to project management to evaluation. While many criticize north-south partnerships for inequalities, ^[9,10] others have found that this insidious view might not actually be true^[11]. In fact, misunderstandings and conflicts regarding cultural understanding and publication may very well be uncommon than once thought. 9 Nonetheless, all available precautions must be taken to determine and/or maintain equality among partners during a collaborative research venture. However, care and, indeed, specialized training is important to good research management, which may be a vital resource in international research. Skilled research management involves apperception of course of action of groups and sensitivity to diversity (e.g. language, race, ethnicity, gender).

Colonialism:

Even if the frequency has declined, much foreign-led research in developing countries to be semi-colonial in nature despite encouragement not to follow such an approach. For obvious reasons, this approach may have negative effects on partner institutions. In order for collaborative research to take place, researchers who make an effort to conduct research with indigenous populations must surrender their claim to dominance and superiority. This might be particularly difficult with those who indeed hold such views, yet don't admit.

Development strategies:

Development strategies or Capacity building in collaborative research should be viewed as reciprocal, and not as something conferred upon one partner by another. One-sided views of capacity building propagate the stereotype of partner domination by the researchers who seek to figure with indigenous populations, and thus are in disagreement with the principles of collaborative research at its core. Two widespread assumptions, which are the target of refutation, strengthen this misguided perception of capacity building: (1) transfer assumption (i.e. small institutions cannot produce knowledge themselves, and thus need the transfer of data and technology from the bigger institutions) (2) professional knowledge assumption^[12]. So moving past these assumptions and viewing developmental strategy or capacity building as a reciprocal relationship is important for collaborative research.

Consent:

While individual consent is important, the necessity to deal with community consent arises in research with many Indigenous communities^[13]. If community consent is required, it should be considered supplementary to, not a substitute for, individual consent. This consent shouldn't be viewed as an easy signing of a form, but a process during which researchers and community representatives engage in together. In case key changes are made to the mutually agreed protocol, then revise consent is required for the changes. Who speaks for the community in these situations? A clearer definition of "community", more detailed guidelines regarding what a community entails, and an increased understanding of who is during a position of leadership or authority within the community are needed to assist guide Regional Ethics Boards.

Principles of research partnership:

There are 11 principles for conducting collaborative research with other Institutions all through the method from determining the objectives of the research to disseminating and applying the results and beyond.

1. Choose objectives together:

Although the researchers often take the lead and offer ideas regarding research topics, but providing fully developed research projects to research partners should be avoided, as this attitude provides small scope for contribution from others. Interests and wishes of each side must be considered. Researchers with a thought for a study should contact potential partners as soon as possible so as to avoid the imposition of a totally formulated project.

2. Build up mutual trust:

Mutual belief is important to a collaborative research relationship. The time and patience necessary to determine such belief between the groups, but the investment is important. Past experience is a crucial element of trust and renewed contact with individuals and organizations that you simply have successfully collaborated within the past is therefore advisable. If new partnerships are to be established, personal contact and preliminary visits before a commitment to collaboration is preferable.

3. Share information and develop networks:

An effective communication system must be created to beat both professional andwork culture differences. An adjustment in way of thinking and self-expression could also be required for truly effective communication. All partners should have comparable levels of data

4. Share responsibility:

Within the limits of ability and resources, leadership and management of the joint project should be shared the maximum amount as possible. Inclusion of partners in the least levels of the project promotes a way of ownership toward the research. This approach also allows individuals to realize expertise and knowledge participating in various aspects of the project which aids in capacity building. Clarification of responsibility of leadership and management should happen early within the process. Discussions should preferably occur during a face-to-face meeting with a written account of selections.

5. Create transparency:

Contribution by all collaborators, and a respect of contributions both monetary and otherwise, will invigorate the research. All partners must remember the way during which resources are used. Financial decisions should be made by all partners together whenever possible. The creation of a binding agreement highlighting the contributions, rights and duties of all partners is advisable. All partners must be permitted unlimited access to relevant documents and regular audits should be done.

6. Monitor and evaluate the collaboration:

Continuous monitoring of the partnership, including regular external evaluations by a representative team, should be followed. Result should be assessed for every aspects (e.g., management, communication, decision-making, implementation, capacity building) by all partners. Regular meetings facilitate the acknowledgement of problems at an early stage which improves capacity to solve the problems effectively. Writing of interim reports should be jointly undertaken and criteria for normal evaluations should be established as early as possible.

7. Publicize the results:

Free asses to the research result should be available. As partners may have varying degrees of experience in publishing of results, particularly with reference to peer-reviewed journals, special care must be taken to make sure participation of all partners in publication. Communication of findings which will be used to solve the problems must be clear and facilitate putting the findings into practice. Results must be written in such a way that permits the overall public to know them. Translation into local language should be done, if applicable. Transfer of data can also be done in ways aside from written publications, like lectures, exhibitions, drama, etc.

8. Apply the results:

Simple dissemination of the results isn't enough. The research team is obliged to make sure that the results are utilized utmost to the benefit of the target group. In many cases, the group has expectations that participation within the research will help their unprivileged community.

9. Share profits equitably:

All collaborators should reveal any intellectual and trade value of the research results. When results are disseminated, all those that were involved during a significant way should appear. Rights to publish should be determined and committed to writing in advance. When considering legal matters, like patent filing, both law of nations and national regulations of the country during which the research was done must be considered.

10. Increase research capacity:

Throughout the research progress of research should be a priority. Additionally to increasing a capacity to conduct effective research independently, research partnerships between target groups should be promoted. Such relationships may even be helped with the clear cut provision of names and address as visiting researchers.

11. Repose on the achievements:

New knowledge and skills are only valuable if they're put to use. Successful projects will produce: (1) new knowledge which will be recorded in publications; (2) a contribution to sustainable development; and (3) new or more highly developed research capacities which must be maintained by the continued success of latest or existing institutions to market research and employment of the individuals who participated within the research in sustainable jobs. Too often good scientists from the target group are lured faraway from their community by better opportunities offered elsewhere, contributing to a "brain drain" situation.

Collaborative Researches in CCRAS:

CCRAS is the apex organization in the field of research in Ayurveda in the country.

Collaborative Research with AIIMS, New Delhi:

1. Ayush QOL-2C in Breast cancer Completed.

2. AyushRasayan in Geriatric population Completed

3. Controlled Clinical Trial to assess the effectiveness of topical application of C1 herbal oil on superficial external wound and split thickness skin graft donor site for surgical wound healing in collaboration with Department of Plastic and reconstructive surgery, AIIMS New Delhi is going on where the writer of the article is an investigator.

Collaborative Project with IIT Delhi:

Development\Automation of Ksharasutra Preparation is going on in collaboration with instrument Designing Department, IT Delhi.

A number of Collaborative Research Projects are in the process of completed or planning and implementation. The details of these projects may be seen in the table provided hereunder:

Sl. No.	CCRAS Institutes	Collaborating Institutions	Research Area
1	CCRAS Head Quarters	AMUL, Gujarat	To develop Nutritional supplement for School going Children, Pregnant women Geriatric population (In progress)
2	RRIA, Kothrud, Pune	Bhide foundation Pune	1. Analytical study of Bhasmas (Rasamanikya) 2. Project entitled, “Synthesis Characterization, toxicity studies and clinical trials of Bhasmas-a Comprehensive study” (In progress)
3	CCRAS Hqrs / CRI, NEW DELHI	IIT, New Delhi	Atomization of Panchakarma Equipments Shirodhara and Ksharasutra-Completed Sarvanga Dhara-(In progress)
4	Clinical Research Unit, Bengaluru	NIMHANS, Bengaluru	Efficacy of Manasamitram Vadakam on Generalized Anxiety Disorder- A Polysomnographic Study). Apasmar (Epilepsy), ManasaMandata (Mental Retardation) Anxiety Neurosis, Kampavata (Parkinsonism), Mamsashosha (Muscular Dystrophy).
5	Central Research Institute, Mumbai	TATA Cancer Research Institute	1. Improvement of quality of life in Cancer patients (Study will be initiated shortly) 2. Screening of Herbal drugs for potential anti-Cancer activity (in the process of finalization)
6	CRI, Siddha, Chennai	Dept. of Orthopedics, kilpauk Medical college Chennai	Asthisaushirya (Osteoporosis) – Pre-clinical studies completed.
7	CRI, Siddha, Chennai	ANNA Peripheral Hospital attached to kilpauk Medical college Chennai	YakritVikar (Hepatitis – B) preclinical studies completed
8	CRI, Siddha, Chennai	Women and Children Hospital, Egmore, Chennai	RaktaPradar (Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding)– pre-clinical studies completed
9	CCRAS, Hqtr. (Ph.D. Thesis guided by Director)	Govt. Ayurvedic College and Hospital Nanded	1. Yavakshara ointment in piles – in progress 2. Yashtimadhu eye drops in dry eye syndrome -in progress 3.Anti-microbial/wound healing action of selected herbs. - in progress
10	CCRAS Hqtr.	BRDE, Gwalior	Development of wound healing drugs for sports injuries - under process

CONCLUSION:

Collaborative research is a prime need for present day Ayurveda. Western medicine and Ayurveda have two different approaches. Western medicine mainly related to biological consideration, in contrast Ayurveda adopts its own method through its theories of Panchamahabhuta, Tridosa, Dhatu, Agni, Ama, Oja, Srota etc. which is very difficult to explain in terms of conventional Anatomy, Physiology etc. Besides so far as clinical study is concerned the world is not accepting the effect of Ayurvedic medicine without valid data. Safety and toxicity study of the Ayurvedic medicines should be done in present day parameter with the help of modern technology. So there is a need of new strategies and new methodologies in Ayurveda. Ayurveda has to be studied and investigated with its basic principles but the technical tools will have to suitably adopt from modern basic and bio-sciences with proper interactions between Ayurveda and counterpart experts.

Funding agencies and governments in developing countries should increase their support of collaborative research designed to enhance the health of the people. Health care experts should work together to support their contemporaries in developing areas who have prospective awareness in research profession. There’s also a necessityto focus in the training of scientists in the fields of Bioethics and Bioinformatics. The utilization of newer tools like Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) within the sort of electronic health (e-health) and mobile health (m-health) as technology platforms for health care delivery got to be haunted with international institutes/agencies for joint collaboration. It is hoped that the strong knowledge domain of Ayurveda including combinatorial sciences and rigorous screening techniques will improve the convenience with which Ayurvedic products and formulations are often utilized in drug discovery campaigns and development process, thereby providing new functional leads for diseases.

REFERENCES:

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3. Shrivastava Alankar et. all, Clinical Trial of Herbal Drugs and Products in India: Past and Current Status and Critical Issues, Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 1(2) April-June. 2008; Page 69-74.

4. Vaidya Yadavaji Trikamaji Acharya, Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta with Nibandhasamgraha commentary of Sri Dalhanacharya and Nyayachandrika Panjika of Sri Gayadasacharya., Published by Choukhamba Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Reprint-2008, Sl.No.4/7, Page No-18.

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6. Katz, J. S., and Martin, B. R. (1997). What is research collaboration? Research Policy, 26, 1-18.

7. Sheridan, B. (1998). "Strangers in a strange land": a literature review of women in science. Boston, MA: Simmons Institute for Leadership and Change.

8. Katz, J. S., and Martin, B. R. (1997). What is research collaboration? Research Policy, 26, 1-18.

9. Freyvogel, T. A. (1996). Scientific research partnership: North-South and South-South. Basel, Switzerland: Swiss Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE).

10. Bradley, M. (2006). North-South Research Partnerships: Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography: International Development Research Centre.

11. Jentsch, B., andPilley, C. (2003). Research relationships between the South and the North: Cinderella and the ugly sisters? Social Science and Medicine, 57, 1957-1967. 10. Maina-Ahlberg, B., Nordberg, E., andTomson, G. (1997). North-South Health Research Collaboration: Challenges in Institutional Interaction. Social Science and Medicine, 44(8), 1229-1238.

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Received on 03.12.2020 Modified on 23.12.2020

Res. J. Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics.2021; 13(1):27-32.

DOI: 10.5958/2321-5836.2021.00006.9