Ayurvedic Bhasmas are safe: Says AYUSH research

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Answer to JAMA's false claim

American Medical Journal had reported high levels of lead, mercury and arsenic in the drugs and the Health Ministry clarified that detoxification was done and no side effects were reported

The government has validated the safety of eight ‘bhasmas’ -- used in several Ayurvedic drugs -- through rigorous animal trials. These drugs have often been criticised in the Western countries for heavy metal content in the form of ‘bhasma.’

“Trials have found that these bhasmas are safe and the results will be published shortly,” reliable sources in the Department of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) told The Hindu.

Concern

There was concern against the use of Ayurvedic medicines -- which is growing in popularity in the West -- when in 2008 a research published in the Journal of American Medical Association reported detection of ‘extremely high’ quantities of lead, mercury and arsenic in such drugs.



Then the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had said that “these metals are used after proper detoxification process and no significant adverse drug reactions have been reported regarding their use in India.”

Awareness project

Subsequently, the Department of Ayush had launched a project called Golden Triangle to scientifically validate Ayurvedic drugs.

The Indian Council of Medical Research and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research are the two other partners in the project which have now come out with the scientific validation of the eight bhasmas.

In fact, the government has started in the United States a Centre for Research in Indian Systems of Medicine for promoting Indian systems of medicines there.


Symposium

The Centre has already held a symposium on ‘Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani Drugs: Development and Marketing’ here to emphasise the need for quality assurance and standardisation of these drugs.

Another major initiative taken up by the government is the setting up of industrial clusters for Ayurvedic drugs where common testing facilities will be set up to manufacture the products more scientifically. The government plans to set up 10 such clusters across the country.

Ensuring quality

Each cluster has been given an initial fund of Rs.10 crore and the clusters have made a buy-back arrangement with the cultivators of medicinal plants to ensure quality of the products.

The government has tied up with the Quality Council of India (QCI) to start a voluntary certification process. The QCI has identified 29 drug testing centres that can certify the manufacturing units.

Source: The Hindu

Ayurvedic bhasma oldest form of nanotechnology: BARC prof

Sunday, December 20, 2009

TNN 14 December 2009, 11:11pm IST

SURAT: The bhasmas' used in Ayurveda for treatment of various diseases for the past several centuries is the oldest form of nanotechnology, said head of solid state chemistry section at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, Prof AK Tyagi.

Tyagi was in the city to take part in a one-day seminar on Nanotechnology and its application' at department of chemistry in Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU).


"We are preparing to use it again for various purposes," Tyagi said. The seminar was organized with funds given to the department of chemistry by University Grants Commission (UGC) under special assistance programme. The department is also awarded five research scholarships.

Apart from Tyagi, Dr PA Hassan, Dr V Sudarshan and Dr Dimple Dutta, all from BARC, participated in the seminar and delivered lectures.

In his lecture Tyagi said the nano particles are 1 crore times smaller than a hair and due to its small size, the basic characteristics also get changed. Due to change in electrical, thermal, magnetic, optical, chemical and biological characteristics, the particles can be used for various products. Use of nanotechnology has already been started in food technology and medical technology. Research is on across the globe for use of technology in robotics and at advance level of health facilities. Gradually, the technology will become part of routine life of human beings, he added.

VNSGU vice-chancellor BA Prajapati, head of chemistry department P Bahadur and faculty member KC Patel were also present at the event.

Source: Times of India

Oman Insurance to offer cover for all 12 Complementary and Alternative Medicine treatments at Dubai Healthcare City

Saturday, December 19, 2009


Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), a member of Tecom investments, today announced Oman Insurance Company (OIC) will be the first to cover all 12 streams of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) treatments licensed by its regulatory body - the Center for Healthcare Planning and Quality (CPQ).

Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani Medicine, Osteopathy, Therapeutic Massage, Naturopathy, Chiropractic, Tai-Chi, Pilates, Yoga and Guided Imagery are included in the complementary and alternative treatments offered in the cluster. These can be obtained at DHCC clinics listed within OIC's Alternative Medicines Network.

Dr. Ayesha Abdullah, Senior Vice-President, Dubai Healthcare City, said:


"Integrated medicine, which combines Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) as well as conventional medicine, is gaining popularity among medical practitioners and healthcare providers. With the outstanding global growth of this trend, we have realised it is imperative on our part to provide CAM services and educate the community about these medical streams that have been receiving wider acceptance."
CPQ along with ABC Coding Solutions has developed more than 421 new codes with descriptions to further regulate and measure the outcomes of CAM procedures within DHCC. The codes assist health insurance agencies to recognize effective CAM services, facilitate clinical audits and validation, performance management and improvements, as well as research.

Dr. Ayesha added, "Oman Insurance is the first to offer coverage for all 12 CAM services, which further demonstrates DHCC's commitment to expand the scope of healthcare services. This is also part of our ambitious drive to raise regional healthcare excellence. We are proud of the remarkable success we have registered hitherto, and look forward to more partnerships for offering high quality patient care and meet the community needs."

Abdul Muttalib Mustafa Al Jaidi, CEO, Oman Insurance Company, said, "As a market leader, innovations and development of new products that benefit our customers is one of our responsibilities to the market. We have developed a special health insurance product insuring Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) services provided by clinics in Dubai Healthcare City."


Al Jaidi added, "We are happy to announce that all 12 CAM services are being insured by us, a major milestone that integrates both western medicine and CAM. In fact, this is the future of medicine, and opens up a whole new world of choices for our esteemed customers in the UAE. It's our privilege to collaborate with Dubai Healthcare City and the UAE Center for Healthcare Planning and Quality who have put in place stringent regulations for the protection of patients."

Headquartered in the UAE with 10 branches in all the emirates, Oman Insurance Company (OIC) is one of the premier insurance service providers that also has a presence in Oman and Qatar. Its high quality products reflect a true customer-focused approach in providing top-notch insurance coverage.

DHCC is currently working with more insurance companies to raise the awareness of CAM and to introduce new schemes for CAM treatment in DHCC clinics.

Established in 2004, CPQ ensures high-quality patient care throughout DHCC, while offering tools and measures to healthcare providers to drive continuous improvement.
 
Source: AMEinfo

Ancient Indian medicines to be patented in 5 foreign languages

Thursday, December 3, 2009


2009-11-30 21:40:00

Medicinal formulations in the classical Indian texts of Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha are being transcribed and then would be patented in five international languages, including German and Japanese, to prevent their misappropriation, the Lok Sabha was informed Monday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Health and Family Affairs S. Gandhiselvan said: 'Medicinal formulations present in classical texts of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Yoga in Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Tamil Languages are being transcribed in patent application in five international languages - English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese for sharing with International patent offices, including United States Patent Office and European Patent Office.'

About 6,000 to 7,000 plants are estimated to be in use in the Indian systems of medicines, the Lok Sabha was informed Monday.

He said according to a study conducted by the National Medicinal Plants Board through the Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Tradition, 960 medicinal plants are in use in trade.

The minister said the department of AYUSH - or the department of Ayurveda, Yoga and naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and homoeopathy under the ministry - has established the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library in collaboration with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in the ministry of science and technology to prevent the misappropriation of traditional knowledge by multinational companies.

Source: SifyNews

India Grants Access to U.S. Patent Examiners for New Traditional Knowledge Search Tool

Thursday, November 26, 2009


WASHINGTON – The Commerce Department’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)  today announced that the Government of India has granted the agency’s patent examiners access to a new digital database containing a compilation of traditional Indian knowledge. Access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) is important for both India and the United States to prevent misappropriation of traditional knowledge.

“The USPTO has long been concerned about attempts to patent traditional knowledge, not only because it may result in an incorrectly granted patent, but also because it removes knowledge from the public domain,” said Sharon Barner, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO.

This database will be an important addition to the growing array of search tools on traditional knowledge from around the world that is already available to USPTO examiners. These tools include dictionaries, formularies, handbooks, and historical or classical works, as well as databases such as the TKDL. USPTO examiners use these tools to help prevent the patenting, and thereby misappropriation, of existing traditional knowledge. A listing of some of these publicly available traditional knowledge tools can be found on the USPTO’s Web site at: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/dcom/olia/tradknowledge.html.

“We have urged countries to create, and make available to examiners around the world, digital libraries of their traditional knowledge to prevent erroneous patent grants,” Barner said. “India’s TKDL is just such a library, and we are pleased that our examiners now have access to it.”

The new database, developed jointly by India’s Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH), includes over 200,000 traditional medicine formulations on Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha comprising 30 million pages. The TKDL contains text-searchable English-language translations of these sources, permitting USPTO examiners to search thousands of years of India’s accumulated traditional knowledge. The TKDL also contains translations into French, German, Japanese and Spanish, from these sources, originally written in Hindi, Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian and Urdu.

The misappropriation of traditional knowledge through the mistaken issuance of patents has been a growing concern with the rise of the global economy and the increasing importance of intellectual property. A few high profile cases brought significant attention to this matter, prompting efforts by a number of countries to create digital traditional knowledge databases accessible to patent examiners around the world. If a patent application attempts to claim an invention within the existing traditional knowledge, a patent examiner will reject the application provided they can find evidence proving the prior existence of that knowledge. Searching the TKDL will provide access to just the sort of evidence needed by examiners to establish that proof.

Source: US Patent and Trademark Office - Official Press Release

AYUSH to take home remedies out to market

Monday, November 23, 2009

Aditya Dev, TNN 23 November 2009, 05:06am IST


CHANDIGARH: The department of ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homoeopathy (AYUSH) is planning to put ‘trusted’ home remedies preached and practised by grannies in many households in the ‘tested’ category. The effort is intended as a way to get rid of present generation’s pill fixation.

AYUSH will invite people to tell it about the methods they use at home. If those are found effective in subsequent trials, the department will try to get the person forwarding it, the method’s patent and also devise ways to market the idea.

More importantly, any individual or institution can be part of this extramural research system.

Department’s officials said this was being done as India’s share in the global market was negligible when it came to traditional medicines. They stated that AYUSH also wanted to develop products having intellectual property rights (IPR) potential, which might lead to increase in exports.

Amarjeet Singh of PGI School of Public Health said, ‘The good thing is that this system is open to the public.’

His department has been in talks regarding at least three projects with AYUSH.

The projects are connected with efficacy of neem oil as mosquito repellent, use of ginger and garlic as cough syrup and developing exercises to control the problem of incontinence in women.

He added that preliminary drafts of the projects had been sent to AYUSH and discussions were in advance stage. ‘Going to the roots of alternative medical systems can prove a safe bet in the global market. It can also help people in avoiding hospital visits for simple ailments and make treatment available with minimum side effects,’ he mentioned.

All welcome

People participating in this system of extra mural research can range from eminent scholars to lay persons. Universities and educational institutions can also take part in it. The patent will be jointly applied for by the concerned research council working under AYUSH and the person who brings the method to it for verification.

Source: Times Of India

Ayurvedic, Unani drugs to carry expiry date on label

Thursday, November 5, 2009

C.H. Unnikrishnan


Mumbai: Alternative non-allopathic medicines will soon carry expiry dates on their labels, and be drawn out of circulation at the end of their specified shelf life.

The ministry of health and family welfare, in a notification issued in the last week of October, said it has amended the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to include a rule that mandates Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drug makers to display a date of expiry on the label of the container or package. The new law will be effective from April.

So far, alternative healthcare systems did not need to fix a shelf life for their medicines as is done for allopathic or modern drugs. These traditional medicines have been consumed irrespective of the date of manufacture and their potency to remain efficacious beyond a period.

The new rule allows a maximum life period of between one and five years for different Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines.

The amendment also standardizes manufacturing, packaging and storage practices for the traditional drug industry, which caters to a market worth around Rs8,000 crore.

Its implementation will also force old inventory out the market in the next few months as part of a voluntary filtration the industry will initiate to recall outdated products.

“With no scientific validation of product stability and quality standardization ever insisted upon for traditional medicines earlier, there was misconception in the market that these drugs need not to be evaluated for shelf life,” said D.B. Ananthanarayana, an Ayurveda scientist and chairman of herbal products and crude drugs at the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.

“But the new move is surely in the interest of the industry as well as consumer, though a guideline of how shelf life study of these medicines (is) to be performed while implementing the rules would have been very useful,” he added.

The ministry in the notification has specified the maximum shelf life on the basis of the formulation process, stability of active ingredients and the life period of the material that goes into formulations such as tablets, liquids, capsules and creams.

The expiry specifications are formulated on the basis of research and manufacturing process data submitted by the industry, as well as scientific validation of drugs by the Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, a Union government body that publishes the pharmacopoeia for Ayurvedic and herbal medicines.

Ranjit Puranik, secretary general of the Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association, or Adma, and chief executive of Mumbai-based Ayurveda firm Shree Dootapapeshwar Ltd, said the new rule is an effort towards modernization that would help the industry.

But, he added, some suggestions by Adma such as a longer shelf life for products based on the individual data furnished by manufacturers were not considered by the government.

“This suggestion, which will permit higher expiry date approval for export and domestic purposes on the satisfactory evidence provided by the manufacturer, was actually on the lines of the extended expiry for allopathic drugs and other types of products,” he said.


B. Anand, joint secretary, department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy, the agency responsible for implementing the quality regulation, could not be reached for comments as he was travelling.

“It’s a very progressive and positive step and is aimed at empowering the consumer,” said a spokesperson for Dabur India Ltd, which sells the Ayurvedic nutritional supplement DaburChyawanprash.

Not everyone agrees.

“Some units will be producing more than 500 products in different categories. But out of this, only 15% are income-generating products, whereas the rest 85% is prescription medicines or slow-moving products,” said D. Ramanathan, CEO of Kerala-based Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy and Hospital Ltd, and general secretary of the Ayurveda Medicine Manufacturers of India. “If these regulations are implemented, the slow-moving items will be hit hard, and slowly...will have to be withdrawn or stopped altogether.”

Source: liveMint

Relevance of Ayurvedic Holism- by Dr. B.M.Hegde

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Absence of evidence Vs Evidence of absence


By Dr. B. M. Hegde, India [ Published Date: November 2, 2009 ]

“I am easily satisfied with the very best.” – Winston Churchill
It took nearly fifteen hundred years for the medical community to realize that Galen’s hypothesis of the blood circulating from the liver, propounded in 127AD, was wrong. It was in the 17th Century, William Harvey wrote his de Motu Cordis. (1628 AD) In the field of astronomy it took five Centuries for scientists to realize the folly of Ptolemy’s hypothesis that the sun goes round the earth. Copernicus, in the 7th Century, came on the scene to show that the earth, in fact, goes round the sun! Reductionist science that we follow in medical research does not work in the dynamic human system. Still we hang on to it despite evidence to the contrary as it has become a lucrative trillion dollar business. We presume, wrongly though, that the absence of evidence is the same as evidence of absence. Therefore, we refuse to accept anything that defies the reductionist statistical deductions. Evidence based medicine today has become evidence burdened instead.


Although I have been pointing this out time and again for the last four decades, medical scientists never took me seriously. The movement gained respectability when once the Institute of Medicine report in the US clearly showed medical interventions in the hospitals as the third important cause of death next only to heart attacks and cancer and the Adverse Drug Reactions as the fourth cause. (JAMA 2000; 284: 483-485) Now there is a world wide movement for establishing the right science in medicine of Whole Person Healing. This was practiced for “times out of mind” in the ancient healing systems of Ayurveda. Newer scientific methods have been able to establish the validity of many other complementary systems of medicine like homeopathy, naturopathy, Siddha, energy medicines, faith healing, reiki, Qi gong, acupuncture, and fast wound healing methods of India and the Sufi saints, reconstituted water therapy et cetera.

The leader of the movement in the US, Professor Rustum Roy, the father of nano-science (not nanotechnology), a scientist of great repute, who had been nominated for the Nobel several times in the past. He, in his early 80s, is still the Evan Pugh professor of Solid State Emeritus at the Penn State University! Nano-science was born when, in the early 50s, Prof. Roy invented the sol-gel technique to extract nano-particles. Even now scientists in the field of nano-science use the same method. His paper on Sol-Gel technique is cited 65,000 times to date, a record of sorts! Interestingly, Prof. Roy is more interested in the Giga problems of mankind all over the world like poverty, hunger, ignorance and illnesses. He is using his scientific clout to help the poorest of the poor using his research acumen to solve those Giga problems.

Manufacturing molecules by altering the atoms is the basis of nano-science. One could make diamonds from coal and semi-conductor chips from sand. Having realized the futility of reductionist science in medicine Prof. Roy took upon himself the arduous task of scientifically validating the multitude of complementary systems of medicine personally using his rigorous scientific methods of scrutiny. Only those that passed his tests were included in the WPH movement.

His great faith in Ayurveda as the mother of all medical wisdoms made him to coax the Indian Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to organize a preliminary workshop on WHP in New Delhi some time ago. More meetings in the US followed the Delhi meet. One such was the first ever International conference on WPH for four full days at Tai Sophia Institute in Laurel, Maryland. Let us see how WPH works. In contrast to reductionism of organ based specialties, the science of Ayurveda, for example, takes into consideration the mind, body, spirit and the genome into consideration while treating patients. Ayurveda believes that all illnesses are born in the mind and grow in the body with the influence of the genes in a conducive atmosphere. For the healer it is not as important to know what disease one gets, as it is to know who gets a disease. The latter would answer the vital question that had been dogging positive sciences for ages, the answer to the question “why?”. Positive sciences could, at best, answer “how” or “how much” but not “why?” A conventional physiologist could answer how does the heart contract but not the question as to why does the heart contract? Space constraints do not permit me to go deep into the great science of Ayurveda.

Rustum Roy’s work on the structure of water (not chemistry: he is basically a chemist, though) opened the flood gates for homeopathy research. When a homeopathic drug is diluted in water thousands of times the final water might not contain any chemical entities of the drug but the drug would leave its foot prints in water by changing the structure of water. Reductionist science of water would have to be a combination of H2 and O. Both these atoms are volatile but water, a combination of the two, is far from volatile. This is the bane of reductionist science of medicine where we study a cell or an organ and project it on to the man and predict the unpredictable. This has led us to this sorry state of affairs where medicine has become a bane to society instead of the boon that it ought to be. Many scientific studies have shown the good effects of homeopathic medicines.

Hormesis, another new concept developed by Edward Calabrese, has shown how most drugs have a beneficial bio-positive effect on the body in very small doses while the same drug in larger doses (that we give in therapeutics based on the pharmacodynamic studies of reductionism) would be bio-negative. He showed it elegantly in vitamin C. Whereas the small dose of vitamin C in a tomato is bio-positive, the larger therapeutic dose, in the long run, would damage the system. It is also possible that there are hitherto unknown entities in the tomato that prevent the vitamin C to manifest its bio-negativity. This gives credence to the holistic science of Ayurveda also.

Qi gong, reiki, and even faith healing depend on the movement of bio-energy, the leptons of quantum physics, from the healer to the patient. The consciousness of the healer is as important as the vehicle that the healer uses (say a drug). Similarly, the consciousness of the patient should be more important in the final healing process. This was demonstrated by a psychiatrist from Stanford offering himself as the patient to study the quick wound healing methods of the Sufi saints in Iraq. He demonstrated that during the conference. Our own paper on Heart Rate Variability, using the latest computer two dimensional imagery and the wavelet quotient analysis, showed the principle of “mode-locking” (Edward Laurenz’s hypothesis) where organs work in tandem and not in isolation. Even the age old Placebo effect has now been scientifically shown to exist with chemical changes in the brain that could be proved by blocking the chemicals using naloxone to nullify the placebo effect.

The studies published in the leading medical journals on the power of intercessory prayer in the management of myocardial infarction does work on the principles of bio-energy transfer. In depth study of the brain by David Shannonoff Khalsa, professor of Neurobiology in San Diego, revealed extensive changes that took place in the brain during meditation. His published works on Kundalini Yoga in the management of intractable diseases like obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety states, and epilepsy are an eye opener. There is now ample evidence that the whole person healing is the future of modern medicine.

Scientific enquiry into the claims of any system of healing should be the way forward. There should be no compromise about validating the claims of all the complementary systems. The scientist’s job is to take the wheat from the chaff and put together a new system of medical care delivery, the future modern medicine, called meta-medicine, wherein the best in all those systems are incorporated without bias. David Eddy, a cardiovascular surgeon at the Stanford in the past, had already shown the role of non-linear mathematics of chaos and fractals and holism in human physiology. (www.archimedesmodel.com) Modern medicine’s quick fixes are useful in emergency care although some of those methods have not been fully authenticated. For the majority of patients in the non-emergency set up the integrated system that is conceived above would bring down the cost of medical care significantly. This would make medical care reach the unreached. This would also bring down the incidence of ADR, the fourth cause of death these days in our hospitals. Let this new system do most good to most people most of the time.

We have started the World Academy of Authentic Healing Sciences in Mangalore, with the blessings of our parent body, the Friends of Health, headed by Rustum Roy at Penn. State University, continuing the good work that the latter does in the US. We have made considerable progress in the last couple of years wherein we have authenticated many new methods of easy cure for so many hitherto difficult-to-treat ailments. We have also started a new journal, Journal of the Science of Healing Outcomes, in its second year, publishing scientific studies after due super peer review by eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureates, who are on our editorial board.

Rustum Roy is the co editor in chief of JSHO (www.thejsho.com) with me as the editor in chief. We also have another centre for research in Chennai under the able leadership of Professor CV Krishna swami, where our friends have donated money to build our own research building. All our efforts have to be funded by well meaning philanthropes since we do not accept funds from the pharmaceutical and/or medical devices industries! Hope we will be able to put together a new system of inexpensive medical care that would be a boon to the common man. Absence of evidence is not, therefore, synonymous with evidence of absence.

“The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual powers. We have guided missiles and misguided men.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. B. M. Hegde MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FRCPG, FRCPI, FACC, FAMS, is editor-in-chief of The Journal of the Science of Healing Outcomes; chairman, State Health Society’s Expert Committee, Govt. of Bihar, India, Visiting Prof. Cardiology at The Middlesex Hospital Medical School – University of London, Affiliate Prof. of Human Health – Northern Colorado University, Visiting Prof. Indian Institute of Advanced Studies – Shimla, Retd. Vice Chancellor, MAHE University – Manipal. Prof Hedge regularly gives talks on AIR, Doordarshan, BBC and Zee TV, London.

Source: Mangalorean.com

Ayurvedic Metallic Preparations are Safe...!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Dept of Ayush certifies safety of 8 bhasmas under Golden Triangle Project
Friday, October 30, 2009 08:00 IST
Nandita Vijay, Bangalore


The department of Ayush has certified 8 bhasmas to be safe for use and the details will be will be released in December. This validation of 8 bhasmas is the maiden project under the Golden Triangle project of the Central government. The project, set up with the support of the department of Ayush Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is expected to scientifically validate Ayurveda products.

The standardization, safety and toxicity studies of metallic bhasmas and mineral-based formulations including Kupipakwa Rasayanas have been a major issue for a while for the drug manufacturers, according to JSD Pani, president, Karnataka Indian Medicine Manufacturers Association. The issue of the presence of minerals and heavy metals has bogged down international marketing operations. Therefore the effort by the Ayush department will now help the industry, he added.

The Planning Commission had constituted a Working Group on Access to Health Systems in Ayush which in-turn formed five Sub-Group and one of them focused only on the standardization and Quality Control of Ayush drugs.


The Ayush department was keen to lay down pharmacopoeial standards for single and compound formulations besides carry out scientific validation of herbo-metallic compounds and address the standardization and quality control of herbal drugs. There is also a proposal to set up a Pharmacopoeial Commission for Indian Medicine under the 11th Plan which will be located in the newly constructed building of the Pharmacopoeial Laboratory of Indian Medicine, Ghaziabad. The key objective is to create an independent scientific body which will undertake laying down of pharmacopoeial standards and its revision.

The Department is likely to enforce mandatory testing of heavy metals not only for export of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines but also for sale in domestic market. Since over 80 per cent of the Ayush manufacturing units are in the small and medium scale sector, the department identified labs to test the drugs for these companies. This is because equipments like Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to test heavy metals and TLC/HPTLC/GLC to test crude drugs are expensive to be installed by many companies to test the raw materials and finished products.

Pani said that these metals have undergone extensive toxicity studies. There had been no reports of major adverse drug reaction. Standardization and quality control of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani drugs is a problem area as botanicals do not lend themselves to as precise a quality control as synthetic molecules manufactured under controlled laboratory conditions. This requires state-of-the-art research for developing chemical/biological markers/chromatogram fingerprints/standardized operating procedures and phyto-chemical characterization of bhasmas.

Now with the department of Ayush being ready with the safety data of the 8 bhasmas, this would provide a major fillip for growth for the Traditional System of Medicine industry, stated Dr GG Gangadharan, joint director (Traditional System of Medicine), Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT).

Source: PharmaBiz

A Living Legend in Ayurveda...!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Treating patients, not tourists, Kerala ayurveda centre stands apart


Kottakkal (Kerala) Oct 26 (IANS):


Ayurveda centres that promise to pamper tourists have mushroomed all over India, but a reputed 107-year-old institution in Kottakkal still strictly adheres to the philosophy of "treating patients" - while doing good business.

The here is into "treatment" and not into "entertainment" of those who arrive at the hospitals run by the centre, said P.M. Varier, chief superintendent of the famed Kottakkal Hospital it runs. It was founded by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier.

"We are not into providing ayurveda packages as offered by various resorts in the state. We treat a patient depending on the physical and mental condition. We offer time-tested treatment protocols using our own medicines," said Varier, who is also the additional chief physician at the hospital.

These treatments using the traditional Indian medical system ayurveda are specially effective for those suffering from paralysis, rheumatism, arthritis, spondylosis, other psychosomatic diseases as well as degenerative and other systemic diseases, say the many patients who throng the hospitals.

The average treatment takes 21-28 days and costs around Rs.45,000, a pittance compared to what the tourists pay at other places.

"To get admitted as an in-patient, the patient has to come to our out-patient department first and they are given a time to come back. Today the waiting period for undergoing our in-patient treatment is four months under normal circumstances," Varier said.

Arya Vaidya Sala now has four hospitals -- a 300-bed hospital and a 120-bed hospital at its headquarters here, a 45-bed one in New Delhi and one recently opened in Kochi. Located in Malappuram district, Kottakkal is 165 km from Kochi.

Apart from the hospital, the centre has 22 branches which offer out-patient treatment and 1,200 dealers that sell the 530 medicines it manufactures in two factories in the state. In Mysore, a third factory is having its trial run.

The organisation employs 2,200 people full time in the hospitals and in its 220-acre farm in Palakkad district where its grows several medicinal herbs, besides having a 40-acre gooseberry farm.

K. Muraleedharan, superintendent of the main hospital here, said the medicines include raisins from Afghanistan, 2.5 kg of gold every month, five kg of saffron from Kashmir every month and resin from forests in Gujarat.

"We use more than 4,000 tonnes of raw material a year to produce 530 formulations for the market. It includes 7,000 kg of medicinal herbs and 3,000 litres of milk every day," Muraleedharan said.

Fourteen tonnes of cardamom, 180 tonnes of ghee, 290 tonnes of honey and 750 tonnes jaggery also go into the medicines every year.

"People from 41 countries have undergone treatment here and we are growing around 10 to 15 percent every year. Last fiscal we had a turnover of Rs.160 crore. Our social commitment is such that we plough back 45 percent of our revenues into the hospital which provides free treatment. Ten percent is given to our ayurveda college," said chief legal manager K. Venugopalan.

In 2003, Arya Vaidya Sala set up the Centre for Medicinal Plants and Research (CMPR), which carries out various extension activities with village councils, where people are trained to cultivate medicinal herbs.

"This would supplement the 40 families which have been supplying us medicinal plants for several decades now. The new people are being encouraged mainly for conservation and propagation because quite a few valuable herbs are on the verge of extinction. We conduct classes and seedlings free of cost are given to them. We remunerate them when they come back with the herbs," said Reghu, a scientist with CMPR.

Source: DeccanHerald

Ayurveda, an insight into its use in daily life and in sexual health !

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Ancient ayurvedic knowledge can be your ticket to rippling muscles and abed- busting sex life. Why, then, is it not your Health Remedy No 1?

Ayurveda is to most of us something that's ours, something we claim but something we know next to nothing about. What's ' alternative medicine' to the rest of the world is- to us- what our moms or grandmoms forcefed us during fevers, sprinkled on cuts, and rubbed on our backs in the summer.


As we grow older and move to aspirin and protein supplements, we continue to use balms and herbal shampoos but forget the overall good health simple twigs and herbs can give us. Why? Is it because we seek instant gratification in our jet- age lives? Or is it because we haven't been kept in the loop about how traditional plants are a solid way to stay healthier? The answer: Both. Sure, everyone wants things " now," and there's nothing wrong with it- we have so much to do and so little time. But this is precisely why Ayurveda is more relevant today.

"Ayurveda is relevant as the shift in medicine from reductionist to holistic is taking place. Lifestyle- related immunological and noninfectious diseases have an answer only in holistic methods, not in quick fixes," says Rangesh Paramesh, BSAM, MD ( Ayurveda), and author of Ayurveda- Health Tips for Daily Use , who is also head of new product initiatives at the Bangalore- based The Himalaya Drug Company.

By "holistic" ayurvedic practitioners mean that while ayurveda may not match the " quick results" of allopathic medicines, it can effectively target the multifactorial and multi- targeted effects of a disease to evolve a long- term solution. " It treats the root cause of disease rather than focusing on the symptoms," says Anupam Dikshit, MSc, DPh, PhD, professor of ayurveda at University of Allahabad.

Here's how: ayurveda seeks to maintain (or help regain) a balance of three substances or doshas : wind/ spirit/ air ( vata ), phlegm ( kapha ) and bile (pitta). A balance in the doshas ensures that various channels in the body are free to transport fluids from one point to another. And the way to open up blocked channels is either through sweat or through herbal intervention ( or through balance and moderation, be it in terms of food, sleep, hygiene or the intake of medicine).


Look at it this way: If you bathe, clean your teeth, skin and eyes regularly, eat well and get in some exercise, you're going to be in good shape all your life. If you can't do these regularly- and none of us can- use the means as prescribed in ancient texts to make sure your pipes and tubes- nerves, arteries, veins, oesophagus and intestines- are clog- free. And these texts are ancient. " The knowledge on how to lead a long and healthy life- and fix the diseases or ailments that are obstacles- has evolved after deep discussions between sages," says Dr Rangesh. Ayurveda traces its origins to the Atharvaveda and there have been continuous additions, such as the Sushruta Samhita , written some 3,000 years ago and the Hundred Prescriptions, written by the philosopher/ doctor Nagarjuna.

Now, of course, the government's Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha ( CCRAS) monitors traditional medicine in the country. This has become important because traditional knowledge is being lost, and because a proliferation of herbal brands has made control necessary.

There are more than a million herbs and plants that ayurvedic practitioners use to create formulations. There are barks, roots, fruit, leaves, oils… an endless list of nature's bounty. Fortunately for you, there's little need to become a botanist or a gardener.

Or to grind handfuls of these before ingesting them.

Though each herb has its own specific use- from boosting your libido to blasting cholesterol- we've zeroed in on the top, most potent plants you can easily incorporate into your life to become and stay healthy, happy and muscular.

Amla


Pickle it, boil it in water and drink it up, make a chutney- this one tops the list as the most versatile fruit. Amla (also called amlaki) is rich in antioxidant polyphenols such as emblicanins, vitamin C and pectin, which help in inhibiting platelet aggregation and lowering LDL cholesterol. It is also used as a tonic to prevent ageing of skin cells and as a digestive aid because it inhibits free radical damage. Amla is an ingredient in many formulations, including chyawanprash . It has been credited with improving eyesight and regulating blood sugar levels too.


Tulsi

Mixed in everything from tea to curry, tulsi is another Indian staple. The leaves contain eugenol, which has anti- bacterial properties. Studies have also revealed that tulsi has chemicals that help in antimicrobial and antiinflammatory usage, as well as being essentially useful in respiratory tract infections. Added bonus: Chewing a couple of leaves gives you fresher breath.

Ajwain

This plant yields seeds or a powder that contains thymol, which helps against diseases of the digestive tract and to treat fever. " While travelling anywhere in the world, including India, ajwain can come to your rescue when you're not sure about the quality or source of water. Just chew one spoonful for a few minutes and it wash down with warm water," says Dr Dikshit.

Guggul


This is a resin produced by the stem of the mukul myrrh tree, and is used to counter obesity. It can also help increase a person's metabolic rate. The extract contains guggulsterones, which help raise HDL ( good) cholesterol, and lower LDL ( bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, says Dr Rangesh, apart from helping reduce platelet stickiness. It is also used as an aphrodisiac. Guggul is extremely potent in its raw form and has to be treated with cow's milk.

Ginger


Another Indian staple, this rhizome contains shogaols, zingerone and gingerols, which give it its flavour and have analgesic and antibacterial properties.

It also stimulates the production of saliva. Ginger is said to have arthritis- related pain relieving and LDL cholesterollowering properties. " It is used in two forms- fresh (known as ardraka) and dry ( known as sunthi). It is one of the principal ingredients of Trikatu, an ayurvedic preparation," says Dr Dikshit. Sunthi is also used as an aphrodisiac and libido- enhancer.

If you can incorporate at least a few of these plants into your diet, you'll be ready to name your great, great grandchildren.

Ayurveda offers effective treatment against rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, neurological disorders that affect loco- motor functions and allergic respiratory disorders," says Dr Rangesh.

Do remember that ayurveda is all about the " balance." Seek advice from a qualified practitioner who'll outline an authentic product. For your part, store any herb in a place free from contamination by air, advises Dr Dikshit.

"Ayurveda is preventive and you can see positive changes in the respiratory and digestive system, better sleep, more energy or a relaxed state of mind," he says.

But in these days of labdominant medicines, can there be an ayurvedic future? " Plant molecular biotechnology and nanotechnology help unravel the secrets of formulations.

This, in effect, will make ayurveda relevant in the treatment of new age diseases.

Advances in science have enabled us to isolate molecules to enhance their benefit," says Dr Rangesh, who believes, however, that isolating molecules in herbs can lead to a " one drug to one target relationship", which "undermines the herb's total benefit." Apart from adding these plants to your diet, what should be understood is that healthcare has to be based on integrated approaches to medicine that combine the best of conventional medicine with ayurveda. "The key to good health through ayurveda is knowledge of one's unique prakruti (constitution), and a genuine ayurvedic doctor can assess one's prakruthi with accuracy," says Shankar.

Armed with this, "one can select a diet suitable to one's constitution, plan the daily regimens suited to one's nature and gather early warning signs about the diseases one is predisposed to."

Courtesy: Mail Today

My source: India Today

Research Confirms Healing Effects of Herb Terminalia Chebula

Saturday, October 3, 2009


The Terminalia Chebula known as Haritaki is an age old Indian Herb. Its medicinal benefits are many. Research now confirms the healing properties of this herb. This article shares the findings of the research study and lists the home remedial benefits of this herb.

Knowledge Gained about Terminalia Chebula from Research:

•Extracts from the leaves of this herb were applied on the wounds of experimental rats.

•The wounds contracted at an improved rates.

•There was regrowth of skin over the wounds in short time.

•Collagen is an important component with which tissues are made.

•The Study found that the Collagen content in the tissues was high because of this herb.

•There was 40% rise in the strength of the tissues.

•Researchers believe that Antioxidants are present in this herb.

•These antioxidants are responsible for the healing properties of this herb.

•The Study also confirmed the antiseptic qualities of the herb.

•The fruits of this herb are dried and made in to fine powder.

•Intake of 3-5 gms of the powder per day provides the benefits of this herb.

•Its intake leads to no side effects.

Health Benefits of Terminalia Chebula:Ayurveda prescribes this herb in curing swellings, skin and eye diseases. It can be used as home remedy against fevers, cough, asthma and urinary diseases. Its antibiotic qualities can provide strength to the body to fight against swine flu. It is known for its proven ability to remove stagnant stool in the intestine. This herb has the ability to stop bleeding and prevent a medical condition called Hemorrhage.

Source: YgoY.com

Accreditation policy introduced for AYUSH centres in India

To boost Medical & Wellness Tourism

By Krupa Vora
New Delhi

The Department of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) under the Ministry of Health and Agriculture (MoHA) and Quality Council of India (QCI) has introduced an accreditation policy for centres practicing and offering AYUSH treatments across India. The accreditation policy is effective from October 1, 2009.


Speaking to TravelBiz Monitor, P K Jha, Director, Department of AYUSH, MoHA, said, “The accreditation policy will be applicable to centres that are strictly practicing Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, alternate forms of healing in India. The criteria for accreditation are available with QCI and they will undertake the process of providing accreditation.”

The implementation of accreditation for AYUSH centres will work as an advantage for the Medical and Wellness Tourism industries in the country. The accreditation is a proof of certain quality standards maintained by centres across India and this will help attract medical tourists, as well as leisure tourists to India. The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) is aggressively focusing on promoting India as a Medical and Wellness Tourism destination in international source markets, especially the Middle East. MoT will be hosting Medical and Wellness Tourism road shows in four Middle East countries- UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Kuwait (Kuwait city), and Qatar (Doha) this month.

“With MoT focusing on Medical and Wellness Tourism in a big way, this accreditation policy for AYUSH centres will definitely boost tourism industry as Ayurveda and Yoga form an integral part of Wellness Tourism in India. Such an act is important as it reinforces the quality and standard of services offered by these centres and in turn helps the tourism industry to attract more tourists,” opined E M Najeeb, Chairman, Air Travel Enterprise Group. Echoing similar sentiments, Pradeep Thukral, Executive Director, Indian Medical Travel Association said, “The potential and demand for alternate healing methods is immense in India. This accreditation will definitely help in boosting and capitalising the potential of alternate healing methods available in India.”

Source: Travel Biz Monitor

Related useful links:

Ayurveda Everywhere....!

Monday, September 28, 2009

East Meets West

Deana Lancaster, North Shore News
Published: Sunday, September 27, 2009

They said it wouldn't last.


When yoga and acupuncture began to gain ground on aerobics and pain medicine the naysayers called them fads, and predicted that the shift towards Eastern and complementary wellness treatments would soon go back to being the provenance of aging hippies and dropouts.

They were wrong: yoga is hotter than ever (literally and figuratively), alternative therapies like acupuncturist services and naturopathy are covered by some medical plans, and therapies from the East are even becoming popular as spa and beauty treatments. This acceptance is leading the way into a deeper understanding of Eastern philosophy and wellness.

The newest trend is actually one of the oldest: Ayurveda, the science of life.

"It's a 5,000-year-old system of medicine from India," says Linda Tang. She is the owner and creative force behind Lower Mainland-based Dream Designs, which specializes in eco-friendly bedding and clothing. She recently opened The Chakra Lounge above the West Vancouver location of Dream Designs, where customers can learn about Ayurveda, and how to apply its principles for their own health.

"It's based on the understanding of how energy flows in the human body. You can use it to heal pain; not just physical pain, but emotional pain too."

And yet, explains Surrey-based Ayurvedic practitioner Mandeep Singh, at its heart, the system is not meant to treat symptoms of illness, but to prevent them in the first place. The treatments, which include diet recommendations, herbal formulas, breathing exercises and yoga, are designed to strengthen the body and the immune system. Published studies have documented reductions in cardiovascular disease risk factors -- including blood pressure, cholesterol, and reaction to stress -- in individuals who practice Ayurvedic methods.


Developed through centuries of observations, experiments, discussions and meditations, Ayurveda is based on the view that the "great elements" that comprise nature -- earth, water, fire, air and ether -- are also seen in human beings. Health is achieved when the elements are in balance.

But it's not a one-size-fits-all remedy, says Singh, who also offers consultations and treatments at The Chakra Lounge.

Each of us is unique, with our own composition of these elements, plus we have a unique set of constantly changing life circumstances; all of which must be considered in determining natural healing approaches and recommendations for daily living. And because we each have a unique constitution, our health prescription must also be unique: diet, exercise, daily supplements and energy point massage treatments are all determined by our own constitution.

Tang said she became interested in the philosophies and treatments after having a baby. During the pregnancy she experienced back pain, pain in her hands and changes in her skin.

"And then I had a newborn, I was getting little sleep and still running a company. I was tired, fatigued all the time.

"I could go to my Western doctor, but what could they do for me? Nothing, really."

She began to look at alternative styles of medicine, and in researching Ayurveda realized that she was going through a period of imbalance. The steps she has since taken -- yoga, massage, herbs and breathing exercises -- have not only helped her to feel better, but "it's helping me to understand things better. It's a way of looking at the world."

Dream Designs' Chakra Lounge is located at 1502 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. Call 604-922-8325 or visit dreamdesigns.ca for information.

Source: North Shore News

A shift in medical studies....!

Sunday, September 27, 2009


HYDERABAD: With people switching over from traditional to alternative therapies, aspiring doctors too have changed track. Allopathy is no more the in-thing for wannabe doctors or so it seems if the rising popularity of Unani, Homeopathy and Ayurveda courses in Hyderabad is anything to go by.

Believe it or not, there are as many as 10 students vying for each seat for these courses now, while in the previous years many seats were left vacant. This year, officials of NTR University of Health Sciences say that all the 121 seats in the two Unani medical colleges are filled. Of the 211 seats for homeopathy (BHMS) 203 are filled and out of 220 seats for the Bachelor’s course in ayurveda, 205 are filled.

Though surprised, the officials are glad that such a shift has taken place. “The students are now interested in courses which will fetch them good earnings. The students who specialise in these medicines also look at them as an easy ticket to go abroad. Many know that one can earn big money with alternative therapies abroad,” N Venugopal, registrar, NTR University told ‘TOI’. While many of them have dollar dreams, there are also those who chose to stick to traditional medicine to cater to some people who still believe in the natural healing process.

“Unani is very much the most needed medicine in some parts of Hyderabad. The medicine requires knowledge in Urdu and not many people know to read and write the language now. One needs some kind of expertise to carry the tradition forward as it is in demand even now,” Venugopal said.


Students said that many of them opted for the course out of love for the subject. “I never wanted to go for an MBBS course. Unani was my first choice while my brother opted for homeopathy. There are many people who know that allopathic drugs do not give lasting solutions for diseases,’’ said Ahmed Fahad, a student of Nizamia Tibbi College. He said that he even went for coaching to clear BHUMCET to get into one of the colleges. Unlike the previous years, where there were hardly 200 students applying for the course, in 2009 admissions the number of applicants doubled.

According to others, there are more takers for alternative medicine as allopathy has failed to offer solutions for many new diseases. Besides, with various big brands in natural therapies joining the field, the career path has become very lucrative, say students.

Source: Times of India

I always used to say "the time is changing and it is the era of natural medicines/healing".... I am happy for Ayurveda.

Bravo Ayurveda !

Invention of Ayurveda medicine for H1N1

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Madras University develops herbal drug for swine flu

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 08:00 IST
Peethaambaran Kunnathoor, Chennai


The Centre for Herbal Sciences (CHS) at the University of Madras, along with Ramoni Research Foundation (RRF), Chennai has invented a new herbal drug for curing the pandemic swine flu. The drug, developed from Siddha and Ayurveda preparations, is named as 'Ayusrem'.

The scientists behind the discovery of the medicine have claimed that they have cured 10 patients contracted by H1N1 viruses and 300 people with other influenza diseases.

The research team has presented their results, formulation, clinical trials and cases of treatment before the health department officials of the state service in the presence of State health secretary.

Prof Dr Raaman, plant scientist and director of CHS and Dr K Balasubrahmanian, organic chemist and pharmacologist and CEO of RRF, the pioneers in the research team, have said the new product would be the first drug in the world developed from herbal source for such dreaded virus prevention. They have applied for patent for the new medicine.

While speaking to Pharmabiz, the doctors said the product is highly cost effective with no side effects. Ayusrem, which is in the form of capsule, is composed largely of nutraceuticals which are safer for human consumption.

The medicine contains 32 different herbal components, which are claimed to be effective in treating the swine flu. Dr Balasubrahmanian, who is also a registered Physician, said, "We have already treated more than hundred patients with cold, fever and cough. Ten of them were suffering with extreme symptoms of H1N1 flu and respiratory problems."

About clinical trials, the scientists said they have tested the drug on 300 people earlier and the results were found good. The report was sent to the DCGI.

Source: PharmaBiz

Paralysis / GBS Cure with Proper Ayurvedic Care !

Sunday, September 20, 2009

A proper and well planned Ayurveda care with patient's cooperation can result in wonders...! Read the news below...

[But, the funny thing is both news resources have named the problem differently in the same case! If it is GBS resulting in paralysis (not by 'stroke'), then the case is worth discussing and going for further controlled clinical study as there is a chance of self recovery in it.]

Source 1

MANGALORE: A youth suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has found cure in Ayurveda.


Though GBS, according to allopathic doctors is self limiting, Yashawanth (24) from Santhoshnagar, near Vamanjoor in Mangalore, developed weakness in his limbs and was unable to move for eight months. The doctors at Wenlock Hospital suggested Yashawanth to go for immunoglobulin, which cost Rs 50,000 per injection and the total cost for five days would come to Rs 2.5 lakh.

Later, he was brought to Vishwa Vaidya Ayurvedashram. Dr Srilatha Shetty claimed after four months of treatment with panchakarma, navarakili and many other ayurvedic medicines and procedures, Yashawanth is able to walk around independently and attend to his daily chores.

Yashwant, a mason, confirmed said that though he is not going for work outside, he can manage his day-to-day activities at home independently. The total treatment was free of cost including medicines. Former Vamanjoor corporator Jayaprakash Kottary helped Yashawanth's treatment.

Physicians say GBS in some people leads to respiratory problems, for which the patient needs a ventilator. ``No controlled studies has been done to check in how many cases has it led to respiratory complications," a physician added.

GBS is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process.

Source: The Times of India

Source 2


Mangalore Sept 20: A 24-year-old man from Vamanjoor near Mangalore was completely cured of whole body paralysis after undergoing a four month long Ayurvedic treatment in an Ayurveda Ashram recently.

Yashawanth, who hails from an economically backward family, developed weakness in his limbs after his return from a Shabarimala pilgrimage around 7 months ago. He consulted Dr Shrilatha Shetty, Medical Director of Vishwa Vaidya Ayurvedashram near his home, where he was advised to get emergency neurologic treatment in the city. He was treated at Government Wenlock hospital and Sri Manjunatheshwara Ayurvedic College, but to no avail, and was brought back to the Ayurvedashram after three months.

Speaking to media here on Thursday, Dr Srilatha Shetty informed that Yashawanth was given Panchakarma treatment and Navarakizhi at the Ashram, along with music therapy and massages. She described his condition as ‘Sarvanga Vatha’ in Ayurvedic terms and explained its causes, admitting that treating him was a great challenge to her. Also his treatment was completely free. Now, Yashawanth is capable of walking about on his own and performing his duties, she added.

Source: Mangalorean.com

Ayurveda Destination - India

Thursday, September 10, 2009

India has emerged as a hot destination for alternative medication by providing indigenous medicine facilities/services throughout the country, says a new report by RNCOS.

The future of alternative medicine in India is very bright. In a developing country like India, alternative medications like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy have an important role to play in alleviating diseases- both chronic and acute. The cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, efficacy, and few side effects make them invaluable and viable alternatives to modern medicine.

According to our new research report “Booming Medical Tourism in India”, in addition to the existence of modern medicine, indigenous or traditional medical practitioners are providing their services throughout the country. There are over 3,000 hospitals with over 700,000 practitioners catering to the needs of traditional Indian healthcare. Indian hotels are also entering the wellness services market by tying up with professional organizations in a range of wellness fields like Ayurvedic massages.

After thorough analysis of the industry, we have found that the Indian Ayurvedic industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 22% (2009–2012) to reach a value of over US$ 1.3 Billion by 2012 end in the backdrop of rising demand for Ayurvedic therapy and products. The Indian Ayurveda market is currently dominated by the southern markets of Kerala and Karnataka.

To boost the influx of international patients looking for alternative and low-cost treatments, the government has started issuing M (Medical) visa to patients and MX visas to the spouse accompanying him. Under these new medical visa rules, patients will have the facility to bring two attendants - spouse and blood relations. They will be allowed two entries in a year, which means a patient can change attendants.

To better gauge the future success of the medical tourism industry in India, “Booming Medical Tourism in India”, provides a complete insight in the Indian medical tourism market. It evaluates the past, present and future scenario of the medical tourism market and discusses the key factors, which are making India a favorable medical tourism destination. Both statistics and trends regarding market size, medical tourist arrivals, infrastructure, accreditations, drivers and restraints have been thoroughly discussed in the report.

Visit for FREE SAMPLE of this report

Check DISCOUNTED REPORTS on: http://www.rncos.com

About RNCOS:

RNCOS, incorporated in the year 2002, is an industry research firm. We are a team of industry experts who analyze data collected from credible sources. We provide industry insights and analysis that helps corporations to take timely and accurate business decision in today's globally competitive environment.

Source: PRMinds

Researches Prove Ayurveda Again- Moringa Leaves for Health

Sunday, September 6, 2009

NRDC ready to launch Moringa leaf powder as nutraceutical, scouts for commercialisation

Saturday, September 05, 2009 08:00 IST
Nandita Vijay, Bangalore

National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) is now ready with its research findings on Moringa or drum stick leaves powder proving to have high anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic properties.

The main research was carried out by a team at Tamil Nadu University. NRDC has been approached for commercialisation of the product for which it is on the look out for potential Indian herbal manufacturers.

Moringa contains properties which help rheumatism, arthritis and other joint disorders. It is also recommended as cardiac and circulatory stimulant. Biological studies have confirmed that the drum stick leaf has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and diuretic activities.

Many herbal manufacturers in India are already engaged in exporting Moringa leaves powder as a nutraceutical and in oil form. According to the research findings by Tamil Nadu University, the Moringa leaves can be filled in capsules. "Moringa is the Tree of Life. Doctors use it to treat diabetes in West Africa and high blood pressure in India. We have looked at developing the pure form of the powder which is natural and safe", said HK Phanikumar, consultant, business development, NRDC.

According to the Tamil Nadu University researchers, capsules formulated with Moringa leaves can be certified to prove that there are no additives. Referring to the ancient texts of Ayurveda, the researchers have proved that the Moringa powder helps to boost energy and provides the required nutrition besides rebuild weak bones, enrich anaemic blood. It has calcium content of equivalent to 4 glasses of milk, the vitamin C of 7 oranges, and the potassium of 3 bananas.

Further daily consumption of the Moringa leaf powder which is high in Vitamin A can shield against eye disease, skin disease, heart ailments, diarrhoea among others. Its vitamin C content helps in preventing colds and flu. Its high calcium content is good for strong teeth and prevention of osteoporosis. Being a source of potassium and proteins it is recommended brain and nerves functions.

The competitive advantage of the leaf is that compared to common foods, its values per 100gm. edible portion is vitamin A 6780 mcg and carrots: 1890 mcg vitamin C 220 mg and oranges: 30 mg. Calcium 440 mg and cow's milk: 120 mg. Potassium 259 mg and bananas: 88 mg. Protein 6.7 gm cow's milk: 3.2 gm.

There are several research institutes which have worked on process development of Moringa leaf. Efforts are also on to bring out value-added products to the market.

According to Phanikumar, the product is apt for Indian small and medium manufacturers of herbal products as it can be produced on large scale. With the current high level of awareness about the Moringa leaf nutrition in the market, companies can capitalise on the revenues generation opportunities not only in the domestic market but the international arena, he added.

Source: PhamaBiz

Ayurveda Wisdom Series - 3

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Branches of Ayurveda…


Classically, there are 8 main branches in the Ayurvedic Science.

They are,

1. Kayachikitsa – treating generalized ailments by giving various medicines or treatments.(General Medicine)

2. Balachikitsa / Koumarabhritya – childcare medicine (Pediatrics)

3. Graha chikitsa – treatment for diseases by unseen (microscopic?) causes.

4. Shalakya Tantra – Treatment of diseases of head and neck (includes ENT, dentistry)

5. Shalya Tantra – surgical and para surgical treatments

6. Vishachikitsa – treatments for poison and related problems.(Toxicology)

7. Rasayana chikitsa / Jaraa Chikitsa – Treatment for longer life with good health by Rejuvenation advises and procedures (includes Geriatrics)

8. Vajeekarana / Vrisha Chikitsa – Sexual medicine; for better sexual and reproductive life.

Apart from these, there are few other branches for the convenience of study and practice, like Streeroga & Prasooti tantra (similar to OBG), Rasashastra (Indian Alchemy), Bhaishajya Kalpana (Pharmacy), Dravyaguna (Pharmacology etc).

Moreover, Ayurveda is not limited to treatment of humans. It believes in protecting all living beings in the nature. So there are branches like Vrikshayurveda (for plant kingdom), Pashu ayurveda (for animals-Veterinary medicine) which includes Hasthi ayurveda (for elephants), Ashva ayurveda (for horses) and so on...


"LET NOBLE THOUGHTS COME TO US FROM ALL SIDES"
- Rigveda 1-89-i