In the Western scientific paradigm it is customary to identify a traditional therapy and medicine, isolate the active ingredient, standardize the potency and clinically test its safety and efficacy outside of the remedy’s traditional use. What needs to be studied is the authentic cultural treatment as a system of healing, not whether an isolated compound can be grafted into our modern medical system. We need to study the difference between an ingredient’s chemical identification and its physiological medicinal and / or toxic properties. The first study should be whether a therapy and its medicines are toxic as traditionally used. Then follow with a study of its efficacy.

Some Ayurvedic formulations contain herbs that are natural forms of drugs or substances generally considered toxic in their customary forms. We need to study Ayurvedic remedies, formulations, and therapies in a way that satisfies our Western scientific method while preserving those therapeutic elements considered important by Ayurveda. We should not simply study isolated compounds but the medicines, therapies and medical system as a whole.

There are unique preparations in Ayurveda that intentionally combine specially prepared minerals with botanicals for the purpose of increasing the effect of the botanicals. It is these formulas that are the most suspect to our Western eyes as they often contain mercury, lead and / or other ingredients that have been proven to be toxic in forms we are familiar with. These Ayurvedic formulas have long and complicated preparation methods often lasting months or even years. They are believed to have amazing curative powers in the treatment of uncontrolled ailments of modern era, but are they toxic as well? They are traditionally believed to be safe when properly prescribed, prepared and taken. They address serious medical problems like cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, kidney problems, mental and brain function disorders, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophies and other serious Neuro-muscular diseases, etc. But it is important that we insure and determine proper preparation and whether there is any risk of toxicity when prepared and used properly. The preparations with lead and mercury are not currently approved by the US FDA and therefore can not be used by people in the United States until proper studies are done.

In the West they have very high standards for purity and the means to test for it. It could be said that they have these high standards because they can test for positive identification of ingredients and the presence of unwanted substances. It is especially important to consider the possibility that indigenous medicines may be prepared in ways that western scientists do not fully understand and the difference between medicine and poison may not be uncovered by modern chemical analysis, no matter how sophisticated. They must also establish uniform testing protocols for heavy metals in Dietary Supplements that include sample preparation, testing methodology and acceptable daily dose.

In summary, Ayurveda uses hundreds of substances therapeutically. It is important to assess Ayurvedic herbal medicines according to Western scientific standards and investigate them for levels of toxicity and contamination that are unacceptable. We must also differentiate between products that are manufactured in the USA under FDA guidelines and regulations and those that are manufactured in other countries never intended for export and brought into USA. At the same time, we must, keep a scientific and open mind about the Ayurvedic preparations and medicines that have intentional ingredients we have come to regard as toxic by Allopathic standards but which have undergone special preparatory procedures that have yet to be documented by Western scientific standards. It may be that these very medicines hold the promise of cure for diseases modern Western medicine is currently unable to adequately address.

- An article by  Mukesh D Jain, Bhilai (mjainbhilai@gmail.com) as provided to AyurvedNews.com

Hon. President of AYUSH Academy of Ayurvedic Medical Sciences & Fellow of French Association of Medical Yoga. Double graduated in Basic Sciences, Ayurveda with Modern Medicine and Surgery both from Sagar & Ravi Shanker Universities. A teacher, researcher, an author of two scientific books on Ayurveda & Yoga; On editorial board of several journals including Global Ayurveda & Light on Ayurveda Journal. Currently head of Panch Karma Clinic on Neuro-Muscular Diseases in Bhilai.

A project for Physico chemical characterization and toxicity studies of 8 widely used Bhasmas (Rasa Aushadhies) was also sanctioned under the Golden Triangle Project which is being carried out by various laboratories of CSIR i.e. Indian Institute of Toxicological Research (IITR), Lucknow, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad. Under this project, one of the reputed manufacturers of Rasa Aushadhies was chosen for manufacturing of the selected Rasa Aushadhies as per the classical texts which were made available to CSIR laboratories for physio chemical characterization and their toxicity studies. On the basis of 28 days toxicity studies, all the 8 Rasa Aushadhies have been found to be non-toxic. 90 days chronic studies are under progress. CSIR would be getting the results of this scientific research published to set at rest doubts regarding the safety of Rasa Aushadhies prepared properly as per classical texts. Further, the work of finalizing SOPs for the various herbo metallic compounds (Rasa Aushadhies) used in Ayurveda has been undertaken by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee of India. Supplementary Good Manufacturing Practices for Rasa Aushadhies have also been prepared of which draft publication has been done.

Samples of 600 Indian medicinal plants collected from the wild as well as various medicinal plant gardens in India by the Council for Scientific Research in Ayurveda and Siddha were sent to the Indian Institute of Toxicological Research (CSIR), Lucknow, Sri Ram Institute of Industrial Toxicology, New Delhi and Centre for Research in Indian Medicine, Shastra University, Thanjavur. The test reports received from these three laboratories disclose that Lead, Mercury and Arsenic have not been found in these 600 Indian medicinal plants samples above the permissible limits laid down by WHO which is 10ppm for Lead, 1ppm for Mercury and 3ppm for Arsenic. This study clearly indicates that Indian medicinal plants collected from the wild or cultivated have been found to be free from lead, mercury and arsenic contamination contrary to the claim made by Dr. Robert Saper et al in their second article “Lead, Mercury and Arsenic in US- and Indian- Manufactured Ayurvedic Medicines sold via the Internet” published in JAMA, August 27, 2008.

The bias of Dr. Saper against Ayurvedic medicines becomes very apparent from the fact that he has included even those Ayurvedic medicines being sold in USA in Table 3 of the above mentioned article in which lead is below WHO’s maximum permissible limit of 10ppm. Further, as per Dr. Saper’s article, these medicines are sold by internet which does not indicate the source of their origin. Further, some of the medicines mentioned in Table 3 of the article, namely Akangvir Ras, Agnitundi Bati, Arogyavardhini Bati are herbo metallic compounds which contain these metals as therapeutic agents after purification process. Dr. Saper has visited India and has been in touch with several Ayurveda experts and is fully aware that these herbo-metallic preparations used in Ayurvedic system of medicine contain heavy metals like lead, mercury and arsenic as therapeutic agents after proper de-toxification process and no significant adverse drug reactions have been reported regarding their use in India. Dr. Saper is also fully aware that a high level scientific research is being undertaken in India for physio chemical characterization and safety of herbo metallic preparations for Rasa Aushadhies.

It needs to be emphasized that as per the directions issued by Department of AYUSH, herbo metallic compounds are not being officially exported because of heavy metal concerns and only purely herbal Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha medicines are being exported from India with effect from 1.1.2006 after certification of heavy metals below the permissible limit by the manufacturing unit. In view of the above, the above mentioned article of Dr. Saper and his associates is seriously flawed and discloses a strong bias against Ayurvedic medicines. Indian scientists and research institutions will be responding to the issues raised by Dr. Saper, howsoever flawed they may be, through research articles based on their work on Ayurvedic medicines in due course.

“Intrinsic to the new-found love for India among various countries was not mere growth rates or that we have a most inclusive society, or that we have a huge reservoir of highly trained people,” Narayanan said while speaking at an international Ayurvedic convention.

Indians are praised across the globe for what we have given to the world – fresh hope through the medium of Ayurveda, he said. Ayurveda offered hope for incurable diseases and has few, if any, side effects, he said, adding that it was safe and above all it has an answer for diseases that other systems of medicine cannot cure, he said.

Conveying the message of Union Health Minister, Anbumani Ramdoss to the convention, Narayanan said India has a certain comparative advantage in traditional medicine, and could take full advantage of the global resurgence of interest in complementary and alternative medicines.

Ayurveda, along with other traditional system like Siddha and Unani have proven strengths in prevention and management of chronic lifestyle-related, non-communicable diseases and diseases for which there were not effective drugs in the modern system of medicine, Narayanan said.

Department of AYUSH has been set up to provide focused attention to the development of education and research and ensure optimum utilization by bringing these systems into the mainstream and gainfully utilize the vast resources, including manpower, which existed in this sector, towards enhancing the outreach of the health care system and meet the unmet health needs of India’s population, he said.

AYUSH was determined to lay maximum emphasis on up gradation of educational institutions, quality control, and standardization of drugs, promote sustainability of raw materials and greater availability of medicinal plants through conservation, cultivation, research and development and generate awareness about the efficacy of these systems domestically and internationally, Anbumani has said.

In Sanskrit language, “Ayur” means life and “Veda” is scientific scripture. Though Ayurvedic medicines are herbal-based, there are many other formulations that are organic in their composition. However, modern medicines and therapies from the West, Allopathy, in particular, have almost eclipsed the traditional concept of Ayurvedic medicines.

The City Corporation of Pune, considering these facts, with an objective to create mass awareness on the relevance of Ayurveda and related medicinal plants, has earmarked a park exclusively to nurture Ayurvedic herbs.

There are over 300 species of Ayurvedic plants grown exclusively in this garden and the authorities intend to bring in more of medicinal plants. Visitors to the park are also enlightened about identifying the plants so that if such herbs exist in their backyard garden or the neighborhood, these will be taken care of as ready means of home remedies.

“This medicinal or Ayurvedic garden is been developed with the aim to make people aware of the various medicinal plants that can be used in our homes from day to day. We’ve planted many medicinal plants that can help cure ailments at our home like sore throat, upset stomach, gastritis problems and many more. People using these plants need not visit a doctor but cure the diseases at their homes. Here there are over 300 species of Ayurvedic herbs planted here,” said Santosh, Assistant Garden Superintendent, Herbal Garden, Pune.

Ayurvedic medicines have the capability to cure many diseases. One of such plants is “Guggal” which possesses a wide range of medicinal values including the potential to cure diabetes.

The horticulture wing of Pune City Corporation has plans to plant around 500 Ayurvedic herbs in this garden. The project cost is estimated to be rupees 10 lakhs (a million rupees). Also, a spacious premise has been set up in this garden and plans are afoot to prepare Ayurvedic formulations from the grown herbs, under proper supervision. “For future, we’ve constructed one hall at the garden. So that we can install a manufacturing plant here where we can use and process these plants to make medicines. Apart from this, to provide information among the masses we’ll maintain a library with relevant and authentic reference books on medicinal plants and their benefits,” said Santosh, Assistant Garden Superintendent.

In cooperation with the Ayurvedic Vaids (doctors), the plants will be documented for ready cross-reference in the books at the library. The corporation authorities believe that this will be extremely beneficial for the people. While this Ayurvedic Park may be regarded as a feather in the cap of Pune’s local administrative body, it is worthwhile to mention that the Corporation has also developed several other parks dedicated to varieties of flora and fauna.

“All DRF scientists engaged in generic (off-patent) oncology drug development business have been shifted to Dabur Pharma. DRF will now focus purely on drug discovery programmes,” DRF Chairman Anand Burman said. He declined to divulge the details of the ongoing collaborative research programmes due to confidentiality clauses, but hinted that at least one research is in the area of oncology.

According to him, continuing drug research, even after selling off their drug company, makes sense as DRF has been fashioned as an independent research entity.

While over 100 scientists moved out of DRF to be part of the research team of Dabur Pharma, majority of other scientists conducting research in areas like Ayurveda, Phytopharma, biotechnology, personal care products and food were shifted from DRF to Dabur India’s in-house research wing. DRF is now left with its drug discovery scientists and pursues at least three drug discovery programmes in collaboration with foreign universities and companies.

Though the Dabur Pharma website lists out the contract research services offered by DRF, Burman said the promoters are yet to take a final view on the future research programmes of DRF.

Fresenius, which closed Dabur acquisition on August 11, has acquired the rights for all existing products that have come out of DRF. “All discoveries that have been commercialized have gone to Fresenius, besides the patented nanotechnology-based drug delivery system and the entire team of scientists engaged in generic drug discovery research at DRF. Fresenius will continue at the same location for a short period,” Burman said.

Sarat, though a diploma holder, is a regular reader of palm-leaf books. He started preparing medicines way back in 1971 after going through the directions given in the books. He has already prepared medicines for asthma, hepatitis, and piles and cured many patients.

According to him, he came across the AIDS medicine when a patient with fungus in mouth approached him for treatment recently. Sarat reportedly found the symptoms of the disease in the book and cured the patient after preparing the medicines. Later, Sarat took up the task to ascertain the name of the disease from the books.

It took him about a fortnight to go through several rare old palm-leaf books available at various places of the district and he finally found out that the disease is called Dugdha Amla Pitto (DAP). After thorough study, he found the symptoms of AIDS in DAP and then came the curable medicine.

Quoting the palm leaf books, Sarat said while the internal medicine prepared from different herbals is meant to be consumed by the patients for at least three months; the external medicine needs to be applied on the foot of the patient for six months.

Describing the details of his finding, Sarat had apprised the National AIDS Research Institute, New Delhi, and some Ayurvedic research institutes seeking further advice on the matter.

Dr.Prasher from Vedanta Ayurveda, New Delhi, an herbal organization working on AIDS, responded and asked Sarat to send the details of the writer, language and period of the palm-leaf books as well to proceed in his research.

Sarat is currently treating two HIV patients and both are showing encouraging results after taking the medicines prescribed by Sarat.

The main health care facilities are being provided through 1,200 Ayurvedic health institutions in the state. He said that school health care Programme is being associated with every Ayurvedic institution, besides a Programme to make the state anemia free. He said that ’Panchkarma’ system of treatment is being popularized in the state. He directed principal secretary and director Ayurveda to ensure active participation of Ayurvedic doctors in the implementation of all national health Programmes.

Ayurveda minister said that there is a great possibility of herbal cultivation in the state, which would generate employment opportunities to our youth of the state. He said that in this connection Swami Ramdev had already had discussions with the officers of forest, agriculture, horticulture and Ayurveda. He said that Swami Ramdev is keen to purchase herbal medicines at remunerative rates including Ghritkumari, Chhota Amla, and Amrita etc. He said that Ayurvedic doctors would be appointed in 74 community health centres. He also released a directory on the health institutions functioning in the state.

Representatives of AYUSH departments of ministry of health, government of India, eminent resource persons, Ayurveda officers and chief medical officers from all over the state are participating in the two day seminar. Bindal thanked ministry of AYUSH, Government of India for declaring HP the nodal state for the implementation of the geriatrics health care campaign in the country. He wished that this campaign should be named as long life programme for senior citizens.