Ayurvedic medicines: Should standardisation be made mandatory?

Ayurveda is a holistic healing science, which comprises two words: Ayu (life) and Veda (knowledge or science). In spite of being one of the world’s oldest medical sciences, ayurveda is still struggling to cross borders. The Indian traditional medicine industry can learn a lot from Chinese traditional medicine (CTM), which has a lot in common with ayurveda and has been more successful in the international traditional medicine market. In order to be more acceptable globally, there is need for stringent quality norms and standardisation methods. Here, Rakesh Rao and A Mohankumar interact with some experts to understand the need for standardisation of ayurvedic medicines and its impact on the industry.

• Alok Saxena, director (International), Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd
• Dr Amit Agarwal, director - R&D, Natural Remedies Pvt Ltd
• Kishor D Shroff, president, Charak Pharma Pvt Ltd
• Dr Subhash Ranade, chairman, International Academy of Ayurveda
• Dr T S Murali, chief - Technical Services, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal
• Dr Vikram Naharwar, CEO, Amsar Pvt Ltd