ABSTRACT
Evidence of Stem Cell Therapy In Curing Chronic Illnesses In Sri Lankan
Traditional Medicine
V. M. C. De Silval,R. M. T. Harshani2, K. G. C. P. Gamage3*, A. N. M. De Silva4, D. H. Jayakody5,S. S. Hettige 6,Prof. L. Madurasinghe7
Department of Research, Open International University for Complementary Medicine, Mt.
Lavinia, Sri Lanka.
1 Sir Anton Jayasuriya Teaching Hospital, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
2 Sir Anton Jayasuriya Teaching Hospital, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
3 Postgraduate institute of science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
4 & 5 Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.
6Sir Anton Jayasuriya Teaching Hospital, Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
7 Open International University for Complementary Medicine, Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka.
Introduction:
Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent chronic diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, alzheimer. Sri Lanka inherits a rich history and knowledge from ancestors. Indeginous medical (IM) system known as ‘hela wedakama’ or ‘deshiya chikitsa’ which is being practiced for 3000 years in treating chronic diseases. Majority of pharmaceutics in IM is based on herbs in raw form, This might be the basis of curing chronic diseases in IM, with the aid of stem cells and The objective of the study is to find out evidence of stem cell therapy used in sri lankan traditional medical system.
Methodology:
This was an archival research conducted with positivist philosophy. Qualitative data were collected by textbooks, journals, previous research papers and interviewing traditional practitioners.
Results:
Most of the traditional practitioners formulate their own medicines, and order treatment modalities and diet and behavioral regimens (Pathya Apathya) specific to their generation (Parampara). Most of the drugs were prepared with raw tender leaves and roots which contained plant stem cells and concentrated enzymes. Some of them have used animal parts and minerals. They have used special utensils and containers to preserve the quality of drugs for a longer period. The evidence of prehistoric excavations also prove the presence of advanced medical technology in historic era.
Conclusion:
According to the clinical practice of traditional practitioners and literature, herbal preparations and herbo-mineral preparations in IM was used to treat a wide array of chronic diseases with the basis I supplementing patients with stem cells either via oral or topical route.
V.M.C De Silva, R.M.T Harshani, K.G.C. P Gamage, A.N.M De Silva, D.H Jayakody, S.S.Hettige, Prof.L. Madurasinghe