Why do we need to model an Ayurvedic drug?

In the previous post (click), we mentioned that we intend to mathematically model ayurvedic drugs. But what are the advantages of mathematically modeling ayurvedic drugs? Before we answer that question, we need to understand what are models and why is modeling done.

What are models?

So what are the models that we talk about? This is not about the latest fashion or jazzy cars and bikes. The model we refer to here is a description of a system using mathematical concepts and language. Mathematical modeling is used in a wide array of fields to first describe a system for example, atmospheric changes, strength of a car hood, or even atomic arrangement of a sheet of metal. The description is in terms of physical properties of the systems, for example, their ability to conduct heat, convection of gases, structural rigidity, etc. Then the impact on the system by an agent is incorporated into the model, such as a heat source, a car crash, an impending hurricane, etc. The closeness of the mathematical description of the system we created helps us predict what would happen when the agent impacts the system. In this way, a mathematical model helps us generate ideas the system would undergo even before running an actual test, and it helps us reduce cost of experiments.

Why do we need to model a drug?

So now we know what are models and why is modeling done. Now why do we need to model any drug? Well our body is governed by the same principles of physics that govern the rest of the universe. Our various organ systems have some commonality with our exterior surroundings. Our nervous system is a good conductor of electricity, our bones that provide our bodies rigidity are similar to construction materials of buildings that undergo physical pressure from the environment, our blood vessels are similar to water pipes and bear the impact of the blood they carry, the list is endless. So naturally these organ systems are fit to be mathematically modeled. 

When the drug enters the body, it undergoes four major processes. It is absorbed (A) into the blood stream (or directly delivered into the blood stream), it is distributed (D) to the body organs where the blood carries it, it is metabolized (M) or broken down in the body organs where it reaches, the metabolized end products enter the blood stream again, and then it is excreted (E) via body organs such as the kidneys, liver, or sometimes even the skin. Collectively, these processes are called the ADME of the drug, with one letter standing for each of the four processes. It is also known as pharmacokinetics. Correctly understanding the impact of these processes on the drug can lead us to predict what is the concentration of the drug in the blood, or in a target organ. Mathematical modeling these bodily processes helps us to predict drug concentration in the blood or in a target organ. 

Once we describe what the drug undergoes as it is administered to the body, we then need to take into account the intended impact of the drug. This can take many forms, but in general here is where we look at how the drug alleviates either the symptoms of the disease, or cures the disease. The study of drug action on the body is called pharmacodynamics. Correctly understanding what the drug does to the body or pharmacodynamics of the drug helps us predict how the drug would carry out its intended action. Most mathematical models of a drug take into account pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics or both and vary in complexity depending upon the problem question at hand. 

Why do we need to model an Ayurvedic drug?

As we saw in the previous post (click), ayurvedic treatments are similar to modern day drugs, except that the chemical compound of the drug is a naturally occurring one, not the one chemically synthesized in a lab. The same reasons why we would model modern day drugs can be applied to ayurvedic drugs, and these would help us understand the concentration of ayurvedic drugs in the blood stream and how these drugs go about curing the disease.