Over-exploitation threats India's wild medicinal plants

India is a hub of wild-collected plant medicine industry in Asia, but key species are declining because of the over-collection of plants to supply those to domestic and foreign medicinal markets. Immediate action is needed to ensure the sustainability of supplies.

Some species are in demand for their aromatic properties too, for example the use of Jatamansi oil dates back over a thousand years, whilst Red Sanders is also in demand for its timber and as a source of red dye. In India, collection and processing of medicinal plants contributes at least 35 million workdays per year to the poor and under-employed, but rising demand is threatening this vital source of livelihood income both in India and elsewhere.

Cultivation is routinely promoted as the answer to dwindling supplies of the extincting species, but this is also not as straightforward as some species are difficult to grow in artificial conditions and thus growing times for some species can be several years. According to Mr. Suniti Dutta (Wildlife Biologist, Nature & Outdoor Educator, Photographer), who spoke to Explore said that some actions are immediately required to improve management of harvests and trade in a way that addresses conservation and development concerns.

Also,international co-operation is needed between harvesters, traders, manufacturers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and researchers to secure a sustainable future for these medicinal plants and the people who depend on them.

Yoga Encyclopedia enters digital library

India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library has gathered a team of yogis from nine schools and 200 scientists to scan ancient texts, including the writings of Patanjali, thought to be the original compiler of yoga sutras. The group is documenting more than 900 yoga postures and making a video catalogue of 250 of the most popular ones, from sun salutation to downward-facing dog.

The catalogue will be released soon and given to the international patent system, which yoga gurus in India say is essential in an age when cultural traditions can cross borders instantaneously. "Yoga is collective knowledge and is available for use by everybody no matter what the interpretation," said V.K. Gupta, head of the digital library, which was set up by the ministries of health and science. "It would be very inappropriate if some companies try to prevent others from any yoga practice, even if they call it some other name. So we wanted to ensure that, in the future, nobody will be able to claim that he has created a yoga posture which was actually already created in 2500 B.C. in India."

Ayurvedic Drugs having two-yr expiry

( ASU) drugs.

According to the recent study conducted by the department of Rasa Shastra, BHU, reveals that auyrvedic drugs prepared with medicated 'ghee' (grhita) and oil (taila) are likely to store maximum for two years.

Explore spoke to one of the ayurvedic practitioners who told that, "Consumers need to note that only ‘asavarishta’ (herbal liquid preparation) and ‘bhasma’ (metallic-herbo formulations) have no expiry date and can be used even after two years of manufacturing."

Study indicates that number of ayurvedic preparations involving medicated ghee and oil, including Mahanarayana Taila with analgesic properties are used in Panchakarma procedure and most of them have a shelf-life of 18 to 24 months. According to the Pharmacovigilance Centre for North Region, the rule 161 (B) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945 has made it mandatory to print the manufacture and expiry date of all ayurvedic, siddha and unani

Aging Gracefully And Healthy

Dr. Subhash Ranade is the chairman of International Academy of Ayurveda, Pune, India

In the present Kali Yuga, the average age of individual is 100 years. Ayurveda has divided this in three stages in respect to predominance of Dosha, status of metabolism and status of organs and channels. The elderly stage starts from the age of 60 years. Aging or senescence is normal phenomena, and it should not be considered as disease or time clock be put on aging.

Aim of Ayurveda – Ayurveda expects that every individual should go into the phase of healthy aging. Individuals age at different rate and there is lot of variability depending on the type of constitution. No doubt every body wants to live longer life but the importance should be given to healthy living than mere longer life. There should not be any pathology or functional loss that will prevent day to activity. The main aim is to protect seven tissues, increase immunity and maintaining the balance of doshas.

Avoiding diseases while aging and living life without any discomfort or disability is the aim of Ayurveda. Successful aging should have four aspects –
1. Maintaining physical function,
2. Maintaining good mental functions,
3. Avoid diseases and
4. Enjoyment of life.

Physiology – At this stage Vata dosha starts gradually increasing and the anabolism is less and the catabolism is more. All the organs and channels have less capacity of functioning as compared to the previous stage of Young hood. The immunity also starts decreasing. The skin develops wrinkles and the muscle power starts decreasing because the fatty tissue starts replacing majority of the muscle tissue. Loss of muscle tissue increases the risk of premature aging.

Physical changes -
As the age advances all tissues from rasa to shukra loose certain qualities, hence various signs and symptoms appear-
1.Rasa dhatu- Skin looses its elasticity and wrinkles appear. The preenana function declines and hence the person becomes lethargic. All hairs become fine and there is diffuse loss of hairs leading to baldness.
2. Rakta dhatu- Rigidity of the arteries increases leading to hypertension. Hence the incidence of thrombosis increases. Decline in stroke volume of the heart takes place and chances of heart disorders also increase.
3.Mamsa dhatu-All muscles start loosing their tone. They become weak and wasting sets in. The process is accentuated with physical inactivity.
4. Meda dhatu- In some places fat tissue is lost while at other places there is excess growth. The tendency of obesity and diabetes increases.
5. Asthi dhatu- Rarefaction of bones leads to osteoporosis. This causes varieties of symptoms like pains and aches, low backache and spondilytis. Incidence of fractures increases.
6. Majja dhatu – Cerebral cortex looses many neurons leading to changesin mental functions. Memory becomes weak and all the functions of sense organs decline gradually. Eyesight becomes weak, cataract, glaucoma and deafness also increases.
7.Shukra dhatu- Capacity for reproduction decreases and impotence develops.
8. Pranavaha srotas- Lung elasticity gets decreased, and the incidence of lung embolism and myocardial infarction increases.
9. Annavaha srotas- The digestive capacity also decreases and the incidence of cancer of the stomach increases.
10. Mutravaha srotas- Enlargement of prostate, incontinence of urine and chances of urine infection increases.
11.Purishavaha srotas- Constipation is common as Vata aggravates.


Psychological changes -
These changes take place after retirement. The person starts feeling that he is no more required by the society as well as by his family members and then depression may set in. Lack of sleep and physical debility leads to irritability. If the adjustment with the younger people becomes difficult that also becomes the cause of frustration. Senile psychosis is very common also.
Daily abhyanga - Self massage with sesame oil every day is essential to control the aggravated Vata dosha. After this warm bath should be taken.
Regular exercise and Yoga – like walking, going to the nature for relaxation should be done daily. Similarly involvement in social activities as well as some spiritual meditation is always helpful during this age. Yoga postures should be done as per constitution.
Meditation – Daily practice of meditation helps the mind to remain calm and quiet and helps to get good sound sleep.
Mantra – Chanting of mantra dedicated to Lord Shiva like Aum Tryambakam yajamahe – is very useful to increase the Sattva quality of mind and to remove the fear of death.
Rasayana - Rasayana means rejuvenation or achieving longer and healthy life.

Constitution –
Vata – Abhyanga with sesame oil, bala root powder in dose of 1 gm. daily
Pitta – Ghee, Shatavari root powder in dose of 1 gm. Daily
Kapha- Old honey, ashwagandha root powder 500 mg. daily.
Rejuvenation for specific tissues –
Rasa- shatavari,
Rakta – iron, amalaki – Emblica officinalis
Mamsa –bala – Sida cordifolia, ashwagandha –Withania somnifera
Meda – shilajatu, guggulu –Commiphora mukul
Asthi – laksha, vanshalochana,
Majja – shankhapushpi –Convolvulus pluricans, brahmi –Bacopa moniera
Shukra – Kapikacchu –Mucuna prureiens.

For psychological problems – Medhya rasayana are extremely useful to increase the intelligence and keeping memory intact. These should be used according to constitution as follows-
Vata and Kapha – Shankhapushpi, yashtimadhu.
Pitta – Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Jatamansi

Thus with the help of Ayurveda and Yoga all persons can remain healthy even in their old age.

Interview with Dr. Shefali Thanawala, Senior Medical Advisor Plethico Pharmaceuticals, Mumbai.

Q1: In your experience what is your perception of Indian Ayurveda System?

Though Ayurveda is popularly known in the world as the ancient Indian system of medicine, as per the basic definition, Ayurveda is the science of life, which encompasses virtually every aspect of life and health. It is much more than just the medicinal system. For centuries together, Ayurveda has served millions of people by offering the complete medical therapy for numerous acute as well as chronic diseases.
For maintenance of health, Ayurveda has advised the daily regimen – Dinacharya and seasonal regimen – Rutucharya. Ayurveda also describes the principles of health maintenance – Swasthavritta and goes in the depths of describing the principles of ethical regimen – Aachara Rasayana.
For curing the diseases, Ayurveda insists on trapping the advancement of disease right at its base, treating and eradicating the root cause of the ailment instead of satisfying the patient with symptomatic relief. The thousands of simple prescriptions hidden and scattered throughout the ancient Ayurvedic Scriptures, still serve as home remedies for common health problems even in the present times, irrespective of the vast change and increasing complexity in the life style of the people.
Ayurveda is the pioneer of the art of surgery, which has advanced at present as the curative therapy by using the most complex techniques.
Ayurveda also offers some excellent para-surgical therapies, which serve the dual purpose of eradicating the chronic disease as well as avoiding the complex surgical procedures, such as KsharaKarma (Alkali Therapy), Agni Karma (Cauterization) and the procedures included in the Panchakarma therapy.
If effectively interpreted, the unique areas of Ayurveda can be used very effectively for disease management and health maintenance even today.

Q2: In your opinion what are the top three challenges which Ayurveda needs to correct to catapulate itself into a universally accepted Medical practice?

According to me, the top challenges that Ayurveda faces today and the areas where drastic changes are required so that it can be comprehended and accepted universally as medical practice are –
1. Incorporation of correlation of Ayurveda and modern medicine in the education system for Ayurveda
2. Effective interpretation of excellent Ayurvedic theorems as well as therapeutics and also exploring several areas which are unique to Ayurveda so that they can be put in practice to gain effective results.
3. Lot of efforts are required to study herbo-mineral or metallo-mineral preparations which are used very frequently in Ayurvedic therapeutics – in terms of their toxicity, therapeutic range, restrictions in dosage viz., quantity as well as duration of therapy etc.
4. Standardization of generic Ayurvedic drugs and proprietary formulations in compliance with global GMP standards



Q3: What are the experiences of being an Ayurvedic Practitioner?

Though Ayurveda practice is gaining better acceptance even in major cities and by educated patients, unfortunately, it is observed that generally the patient approaches Ayurvedic practitioner only for treatment of chronic and lifestyle related diseases; that too very often only after the disease has reached its final stage.
While Ayurveda can offer very effective therapy regimens for chronic diseases, its prescriptions are equally effective for many acute diseases as well.
Patients must know and understand that like any other logical medical science, even Ayurveda has clearly described the limitations of treatment for EACH disease. Ayurveda DOES NOT say that every disease in every stage is treatable.

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Interview with Dr. Anwar, Chairman & Managing Director , Punarnava Ayurvedic Hospitals,Kerala & Oman

Q1: What is the basic philosophy of health, disease and treatment in Ayurveda?

A-Ayurveda- the science of life is the oldest health care system in the world. More than 5000 years ago, even before the emergence of recorded history, the great saints of India researched, professed and practiced Ayurveda and all their findings and vision of this great science were transmitted to generations. Unlike most of other regimens, its very approach to the innumerable number of ailments appeared by the present mankind is widely acclaimed and accepted as holistic, which means treatment not only to the human physique but also to the mind and soul as well.

The method of Ayurveda is unique and universal. It sees man in relation to his natural habitat. Instead of treating the symptoms of a disease, it treats the individual. Thus it is caring not just for the affected part but for the entire body.

Q2: What are the greatest challenges faced By Ayurveda?

A-Ayurveda is an evidence based science. All the concepts of Ayurveda are derived from the experiments and observations made by scholars’ long back. At that time, no other science systems were much developed as Ayurveda was. Advanced innovations in the field of modern sciences, especially Physics & Chemistry were incorporated by other inter disciplinary sciences like Allopathy and they made huge trust and sustantiability in the mind of people. Though public believe in the healing power of Ayurveda, they are less aware about the science and logic behind it. The first mission of Ayurveda clinicians is to address this issue. This can be achieved by proper R&D, Documentation and Standardization and by gaining support from the respective government machineries.

R&D, Documentation and Standardization: In Ayurveda, medicines administrated internally are herbals which means they are not given in the active ingredients form. It is our body which decides what all are to be absorbed from the medicines given. This means the actions of a prepared medicine vary from patient to patient and from conditions to conditions. Opposite of this is seen in case of modern medicine. So anything cannot be suited to anyone and Ayurveda have to approach each and every individual in particular. Though protocols can be formed, it may suit only to 50 or 60 percent in patients. Clinicians have to document each and every patient complaints systematically and this documented data can be used in further development of the science

Support from the Government machineries: No sciences can prevail in this world without the support of statutory authorization. It’s the duty of every sovereign government to facilitate the growth of curative sciences for the benefits of public. This doesn’t means to liberalize the concern about Ayurveda to make more business. Govt. have to set up quality control systems for the advancements of the practice of Ayurveda. It should propagate the merits and science behind Ayurveda to other nations of the world. We have good QC Labs but the sad thing is that the concern about providing quality treatments is less. Majority of the foreign countries expecting initiatives and correspondences from our government to approve Ayurveda there. But patients from all over the world come to us for treatment believing in the healing power of Ayurveda. We are getting testimonials and not the approval. I strongly believe that India can uphold Ayurveda as its USP among other nations. We need is we have to promote the curative aspect of Ayurveda and not its tourism aspect.


Q3: What are the experiences of being an Ayurveda Practitioner?

A-I am very proud to say that I came from a family without any tradition in Ayurveda. I had undergone my medical education in Ayurveda, from a govt medical college 16 years back. The policy guided me at that time was if I start practice in a rural area, patients will come in search of doctor and if I’m practicing in an urban area people will come in search of the hospital. Thanks to my father who wisely advised me to start practice in a village near my home. God give me the chance to bring cure to many and when people from other places start to come my hospital, I planned a move to Cochin to cater the requisites of them. Punarnava Ayurveda Hospital was started thus at Cochin in 2004.

What I gained from my rural practice was not mere experience but it made me a strong believer of the curative aspects of my science and living, Ayurveda. I have got evidences from my practice that Ayurveda can successfully intervene in the cases of life style disorders and also in arresting the progression and improving the quality of life in autoimmune disorders which modern health sciences find it difficult to manage. Cochin made me a renounced physician and patients around the globe came to my hospital for their ailments getting treated. I’m a strong believer of God, Ayurveda and Hard work. Our vision at Punarnava is to make Ayurveda a globally recognized science and most trusted curative system by patients from all backgrounds and countries.