Contribution of Dravyaguna to Herbal Materia Medica

Dravyaguna is essentially compilation of ancient Indian medical knowledge. Dravyaguna has made significant contribution to the Herbal Materia Medica. The term ‘Herbal Materia Medica’ covers global medicinal plants and is not restricted to one or other traditional systems of medicine. Dravyaguna coupled with ‘Reverse Pharmacology’ can act as powerful tool for discovering cost-effective and potent medicines

Scientific Publications in Herbals

The herbal system of medicine, popularly known as Phytotherapy, is rapidly developing as an independent subject. Specialties subjects like Medicinal botany or Pharmaceutical botany, Medicinal Phytochemistry, Ethno pharmacology and Phytopharmacotherapy are emerging. Several studies have reported growing popularity of herbal medicine. There is increased awareness about herbal medicine among masses. Authorities including Central Council of Indian Medicine (C.C.I.M.) and department of Ayurveda, Yunani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) in India, American Herbal Product Association (A.H.P.A.) in America, German Commission in Germany, Therapeutic Goods Administration (T.G.A.) in Australia and European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) in U.K. are playing pivotal role in establishing scientific basis of herbal medicine

Herbal Medicine–Dream Unresolved

Herbal drugs have provided us with potent weapons like atropine, codeine, taxol, vincristine and vinblastine. In the modern scenario, diseases are becoming drug-resistant and scientists are studying possible roles of plant based drugs for screening life saving drugs. The herbal system of medicine is a full fledged system of medicine and it can not be ruled out as quackery. Backing up this system is the fact that ancient findings and documentation have through the centuries provided us with leads on the development of life-saving drugs

A Short Note on Designing Curriculum for Medicinal Phytochemistry

Phytochemistry is defined as study of chemical composition of medicinal plants or phyto-drugs. Phytochemistry is significant subject of Pharmacognosy curriculum. Today we can witness explosive growth of herbal drug industry. Standardized herbal extracts and phytochemicals are in high demand for applied research as well as commercial use. The phytochemistry course taught in pharmacy schools deals with process of isolation, purification and pre-clinical studies of herbal extracts and phytochemicals

Traditional Indian Medicine--the Curtain Raiser

The purpose of this write up is not to promote or rebuke modern medical science or Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) but to address critical issue related to the future of TIM

A Note on Variation of Active Principles in Indian Medicinal Plants and TIM Formulations

The active principles or constituents (phytochemicals) in medicinal plants are chemical compounds known as secondary plant products. Some secondary products discourage herbivores; others inhibit bacterial or fungal pathogens. Active principles in medicinal plants may affect health, but are not-essential nutrients as our diet does not require them to sustain life in the same way as vitamins and minerals

Ethics in Herbal Medicine

With increasing number of patients consulting herbal medicine practitioners, herbal clinical practice will be of more relevance in future. The need of the hour is to take herbal medicine with an open mind. Herbal product claims, supported by scientific evidence should be used in clinical practice with confidence. This will enhance the physician-patient compliance and provide the much needed support to herbal clinical practice

A Note on the Status of Ayurvedic and Herbal Studies in India

The purpose of the short communication is to make Ayurvedic professionals aware about chances of enhancing career prospects. We neither want to rebuke or promote any course but keeping in mind the demand of people for Ayurvedic/herbal drug industry, such type of critical contributions are essential

Review of Ethnomedicinal Uses and Pharmacology of \u3cem\u3eEvolvulus alsinoides\u3c/em\u3e Linn.

Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Convolvulaceae) is used as nootropic or brain-tonic in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda and Unani. The plant is used by certain ethnic races across India, Africa and Philippines to cure fever, cough and cold, venereal diseases, azoospermia, adenitis, and depression. Pre-clinical (in vivo and vitro) investigations have demonstrated anti-amnesic, antistress (adaptogenic), antimicrobial and gastro protective activity. Although clinical-studies are warranted for potential use of E. alsinoides in treating dementia, pre-clinical research has justified the ancient claim of ‘brain-tonic.\u27 The review summarizes ethno medicinal uses and pharmacological investigations carried on the medicinal plant