The moment has arrived to introduce traditional medicines to the global community through research and scientific validation – Acharya Balkrishna
Haridwar, 25 February 2026: The two-day International Conference Plants to Patients 4: Ethnopharmacology Beyond Times, organised under the aegis of Patanjali Research Foundation and Patanjali University, concluded successfully today.
The conference conveyed a clear worldwide message that traditional healing systems of medicine are not merely based on belief but can form a foundation for the future of global healthcare, when supported by scientific research and evidence.
The conference witnessed the participation of eminent scientists, researchers, and medical experts from across the world, including Professor Domenico Vittorio Delfino, President of the International Society for Ethnopharmacology and University of Perugia, Italy; Professor Louis-Félix Nothias from Université Côte d’Azur, France; Professor Rudolf Bauer from the University of Graz, Austria; Professor Anne Marie Schoni-Pordon, Senior Publisher, Elsevier, Netherlands; Professor Thidarat Duangyod from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand; Professor Pulok K. Mukherjee, Founder of the Society for Ethnopharmacology; Professor Y.K. Gupta from AIIMS, Kalyani; Professor Meenu Singh, Director of AIIMS, Rishikesh, along with Professor Puneet Dhamija; Professor (Major) M.D. Ray from AIIMS, New Delhi; Professor Vikram Gota from Tata Memorial Hospital (ACTREC), Mumbai; and Professor Sanjay Jachak from NIPER, Mohali.
These renowned experts engaged in comprehensive discussions on blending Ayurveda, modern science, and current medical systems to develop a holistic and evidence-based healthcare approach.
On this occasion, Yog Rishi Swami Ramdev, while welcoming the distinguished guests at the conference, stated that the convergence of research-driven, evidence-based medical science with the wisdom of the Vedic tradition will define the future direction of healthcare systems. He emphasised that the vast body of Indian medical knowledge, preserved for thousands of years, must now be presented with strong scientific validation. He affirmed that Patanjali is committed to establishing itself as a global centre dedicated to enhancing the credibility and acceptance of evidence-based Indian medicine worldwide.
Acharya Balkrishna emphasised that, in addition to Ayurveda and Siddha, numerous traditional medical systems, such as Unani, Egyptian, Greek, Tibetan, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicine, are practised worldwide. He stressed the importance of advancing these systems through thorough research and scientific validation to develop a holistic and preventive healthcare model that offers accessible, safe, and affordable solutions to people around the globe.
Renowned clinical scientist Professor Y.K. Gupta articulated the dimensions of knowledge in simple yet profound terms, stating that true research begins with the acknowledgement that much remains unknown. This perspective forms the foundation of evidence-based Ayurveda.
Under the guidance of Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Patanjali continues its dedicated efforts to scientifically validate Ayurveda. The organisation’s vision extends beyond merely preserving traditional knowledge; it seeks to authenticate and establish it on the global medical stage through modern research methodologies.
Dr. Anurag Varshney, Chief Scientist at Patanjali, stated that the organisation is actively working toward a synergistic model that integrates Ayurveda, modern science, and contemporary medicine. He explained that this approach can serve as a powerful framework for future drug discovery, in which traditional knowledge provides initial evidence and modern laboratories rigorously validate it through advanced scientific research.
The International Conference Plants to Patients 4: Ethnopharmacology Beyond Times delivered a compelling message, when ancient wisdom is rigorously examined through modern scientific methodologies, it emerges stronger, more credible, and increasingly reliable.
Patanjali’s ongoing efforts in this domain represent a significant step toward securing global scientific recognition for Ayurveda.
This conference went beyond mere idea exchange, signaling the start of a healthcare revolution where the concept of “Plants to Patients” is increasingly becoming a reality.
