Thiruvananthapuram, May 23 (IANS): Experts from various fields of medicine on Saturday spoke on the need for more research in areas of nano-technology and integration between the various systems of medicine.

The experts were speaking at a seminar at the Arogya Expo 2015, the largest fair in complementary and alternative health care organised by the World Ayurveda Foundation in association with the ministry of AYUSH and the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.

The ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy is abbreviated as AYUSH.

Shantikumar Nair, professor of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, said the nano-cloth for wound healing and formulations for external application are in various stages of research.

"Nano-formulations can be absorbed into cells and react with cells to get the best results. Nano-engineered 'bhasmas', which are also in the research phase if prepared in nano-scale can even destroy cancer cells," said Nair.

He suggested that ayurvedic intervention and integration with bio-medicines to bridge the gap between ancient and modern medicines is needed.

"There is a need to combine tradition and innovative approaches in research. Tools using new technology have to be introduced for formulation, delivery and engineering of ayurvedic medicines," added Nair.

P. Ram Manohar, of Coimbatore-based AVP Research Foundation, said a complex system of combinations and pharmaceutical processes are used to develop formulations from animal, plant and mineral sources.

The end product has immense possibilities for drug discovery in ayurveda.

Changes in lifestyles and cooking methods have led to increased cases of cancer, Manohar said.

"Replacing pepper with chilli has been a big factor for this. Research in Germany has shown that turmeric combined with 'ghee' (clarified butter) is anti-carcinogenic," he said.

According to Gopa Kumar, an associate professor at the Government Ayurveda College here, there is a need for new strategy and new methods of research in ayurveda.