Research

This summary presents an overview of selected research studies performed on various components of Maharishi Vedic Medicine. Over 600 such studies have been conducted at more than 200 independent universities and research institutions, including Harvard Medical School, the Ohio State University College of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles Medical School, and University of Colorado Medical Centre. The research has been published in reputable scientific journals world-wide

Chronic Disorders
Improvement in common chronic disorders. In a three-month pilot study, Maharishi Vedic herbal preparations, diet, and behavioural advice led to clear improvement in 79% of 126 subjects with one of ten common chronic disorders (asthma, chronic bronchitis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic constipation, eczema, psoriasis, hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, chronic sinusitis and chronic headaches). These patients had suffered from their disorders for an average of 17 years prior to the study and had not gained relief from other forms of treatment. Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Integrale Geneeskunde 5(35): 586-594. 

General Physical and Mental Health
Reduced Medical Care. An eleven-year study used Blue Cross/Blue Shield data to analyse medical utilization patterns of individuals participating in several components of Maharishi Vedic Medicine, as compared with normative data and matched control groups. The study found significant reductions in medical care utilization in program participants: overall medical expenditure was 63 percent lower compared to normative data, with 80 percent fewer hospital admissions and 55 percent fewer out-patient doctors' office visits. Those over the age of 45 using Maharishi Vedic Medicine had 88 percent fewer hospital days than controls. Analysis by disease categories showed that hospital admission rates were 92 percent lower for immune, endocrine, and metabolic disorders; 92 percent lower for cardiovascular disease; 92 percent lower for mental health and substance abuse, and 94 percent lower for musculoskeletal disorders. American Journal of Managed Care 1997; 3: 135-144.

Antioxidant Effects. Maharishi Vedic herbal formulations have been found to provide exceptionally powerful protection against both free radical and non-radical oxidants, which are considered to play a central role in the ageing process and in many disorders, including coronary heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes mellitus, and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Free Radicals in Biology and Medicine 1995, 18: 687-697; Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behaviour 1994, 48(2): 505-510; Biochemical Archives 1994, 10: 25-31; Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behaviour 1992, 43: 1175-1182; Biochemical Archives 1992, 8: 267-272; Indian Journal of Clinical Practice 1991, 1: 23-27; Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behaviour 1991, 39: 649-652; Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology Journal 1995, 9(3): 141; Free Radicals in Diagnostic Medicine: A Systems Approach to Laboratory Technologies, Clinical Correlations, and Antioxidant Therapy (1995, New York: Plenum Press)

Improvement in atherosclerosis (animal research). Addition of a Maharishi Vedic herbal supplement to the diet of Watanabe rabbits-a species that is genetically highly susceptible to hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis-led to 53 percent reduction in coronary artery atherosclerosis and protection from organ damage. Atherosclerosis protection was independent of cholesterol-lowering diet. Biochemical Archives 1997, 13: 285-296; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 1996, 2(4): 463-478.

Improvement in angina pectoris (human study). A clinical study of patients with angina pectoris who took two Maharishi Vedic formulations found significant reductions in the frequency of chest pain and need for sub-lingual anti-anginal medication, as well as increased well-being. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 1994, 42(6): 466-467

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Improvement in diabetes. Patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) given a Maharishi Vedic herbal supplement showed improved blood glucose control, as measured by decreased levels of HBA1C, and significant decreases in serum cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as reduced symptoms. Overall, 70.7 percent patients studied achieved good or acceptable diabetic control according to criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Complementary Medicine International. 1996, 3: 21-23.

Immune Function; Protection against Chemical Toxicity
Enhanced immune cell functioning. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Maharishi Vedic herbal supplements enhance the response to foreign antigens of two cell types that are fundamental to the immune system, without affecting their properties when not challenged. T lymphocytes showed enhanced proliferation in response to mitogens, together with increased production of interleukin-2, an important immunomodulator. Macrophages showed increased efficiency in killing tumour cells and enhanced production of nitric oxide, which is involved in the elimination of bacteria and cancer cells. Biochemical Archives 1993, 9:365-374; Biochemical Archives 1990, 9:267-274; Japanese Journal of Hygiene 1995, 50: 901-905; Journal of Applied Nutrition 1996, 48(1-2): 10-21; Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 1997, 2(1): 35-39. 

Cancer and Protection against Toxic Effects of Cancer Chemotherapy
Reduced toxic effects of cancer chemotherapy (human study). This controlled prospective study of a Maharishi Vedic herbal supplement was conducted on people receiving combination chemotherapy for various types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, oral cancer, and osteogenic sarcoma. Chemotherapeutic agents included cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate, doxorubicin, prednisone, cisplatinum, adriamycin, and 5-fluorouracil. The study found significant reductions in toxic effects of chemotherapy, including reduced vomiting and diarrheal, and improvements in sleep, weight, and overall well-being compared to control patients. In addition, patients taking the herbal preparation showed reduced free radical activity and decreased haematological toxicity, as measured by maintenance of higher leukocyte and platelet counts, compared to the control group. Proceedings of the Sixteenth International Cancer Congress 1994, Vol. 1., pp 3099-3102. Bologna, Italy: Monduzzi Editore.

Physiological Purification Therapies
Improvement in general health. A study of subjects participating in the Maharishi Vedic physiological purification therapies found improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue, vigour, well-being, energy, vitality, stamina, digestive patterns, rejuvenation, and previous complaints, as compared to control subjects. Journal of Social Behaviour and Personality 1990; 5: 1-27. 

Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Other studies on Maharishi Vedic physiological purification therapies have shown improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including decreased total cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol; reduced diastolic blood pressure; and decreased free radical activity. Complementary Medicine International 1996; 3: 17-28.

The Transcendental Meditation Program
Decreased health care utilization. A five-year study of 2000 people using Blue Cross/Blue Shield data found decreased outpatient and inpatient utilization in those practicing the Transcendental Meditation program. Overall reductions were more than 50 percent as compared to norms, based on the health care utilization rates of 600,000 members of the same insurance carrier. In the over-40 age group, the reduction was over 70 percent. Hospital admissions were significantly reduced in all 17 disease categories studied, including 87 percent less for disorders of the heart and blood vessels, 55 percent less for neoplastic diseases, 73 percent less for respiratory problems, 87 percent less for neurological disorders, 49 percent less for gastrointestinal conditions, and 30 percent less for infectious diseases. Psychosomatic Medicine 1987, 49: 493-507. 

Reduction of high blood pressure. A randomised controlled trial on hypertension published in 1995 found that the Transcendental Meditation program, produced significant reductions in systolic and diastolic pressure comparable to those commonly found with anti-hypertensive medication, but without any side effects. The Transcendental Meditation program was found to be twice as effective as a relaxation technique (progressive muscular relaxation) in reducing blood pressure. A control group who received a 'usual care' program of advice on weight loss, salt restriction, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake showed no significant change in blood pressure. Hypertension 1995, 26: 820-827.

Younger biological age. A number of studies on individuals practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique have shown enhanced biological youthfulness as measured by the hormone aging marker DHEAS and by physiological measures of biological age combining blood pressure, near-point vision, and auditory acuity. Journal of Behavioural Medicine 1992, 15: 327-341; International Journal of Neuroscience 1982, 16:53-58.