Unit I

• Definition of herb
• Herbal medicine
• Herbal medicinal product
• Herbal drug preparation
• Source of herbs
• Selection
• Identification, and authentication of herbal drugs
• Processing of herbal raw material
• Herbal drugs industry
• Present scope and future prospects
• Industries and institutions involved in work on medicinal
and aromatic plants in India
 Herbs as raw materials
Medicinal plant: Any plant that in one or
more of its organs contain substances that can
be used for therapeutic purposes or as a
precursor for pharmaco-chemical semi
synthesis.
Herbal drug (or substance): Herbal drug is the part
of the medicinal plant used for therapeutic purposes.
According to the European Pharmacopoeia “ Herbal
drugs are mainly whole, fragmented or cut plants,
plant parts, algae, fungi, lichens in an unprocessed
state, usually in dried form but sometimes fresh”.
• Certain exudates that have not been subjected
to a specific treatment are also considered to be
herbal drugs (substances).
• Herbal drugs (substances) are precisely defined
by the plant part used and the botanical name
according to the binomial system (genus, species,
variety and author).
How to write Biologocal source ?????/
It consists of dried inner bark of shoots of coppiced
trees of Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees. (family
Lauraceae).
• From an herbal substance, different herbal
preparations can be made.
• Herbal medicinal product: Any medicinal
product, exclusively containing as active
substances one or more herbal substances or
one or more herbal preparations, or one or
more such herbal substances in combination with
one or more such herbal preparations.
• Active ingredient: The chemical compound(s) of
an herbal drug or herbal drug preparation that
contribute(s) to its pharmacological activity or its
therapeutic effects.
 Definitions
• Herbal (drug) preparation: Preparations obtained by subjecting
herbal substances to treatments such as extraction, distillation,
expression, fractionation, purification, concentration or
fermentation. These include comminuted powdered herbal
substances, tinctures, extracts, essential oils, expressed juices and
processed exudates.
• Herbal remedy: Any herbal product used with therapeutic
purposes. The meaning of herbal remedy is very close to that of
herbal medicinal product, but differs from the last in the fact that
the term is not subjected to drug regulations.
 Definitions
• Herbal Teas: Consist exclusively of one or more herbal
substance(s) intended for oral aqueous preparations by means of
decoction, infusion or maceration. This preparation is prepared
immediately before use. Herbal teas are usually supplied in bulk
form or in sachets.
• Marker: Markers are chemically defined constituents or groups of
constituents of an herbal substance, herbal preparation or herbal
medicinal product, which are of interest for control purposes
independent of whether they have any therapeutic activity.
 Definitions
• Markers serve to calculate the quantity of herbal
substance(s) or herbal preparation(s) in the herbal medicinal
product if the marker has been quantitatively determined in the
herbal substance or herbal preparation.
• There are two categories of markers: – Analytical markers
are constituents or groups of constituents that serve solely for
analytical purposes. – Active markers are constituents or
groups of constituents, which are generally accepted to
contribute to the therapeutic /Pharmacological activity.
 Source of herbs
• Crude herbal drugs are the drugs, which are
obtained from natural sources like plant,
animals or mineral used as they occur in nature
without any processing except, collection,
drying and size reduction.
• Major sources of crude drugs are plants
(opium, garlic, pepper, digitalis and
cinnamon etc), animals (honey, shark liver
oil) and minerals (bentonite, shilajit).
 Source of herbs
1. Wild 2. Cultivated
1. Wild source : Most of the herbs are obtained
from wild source such as FORESTS, PLAINS, RIVER
BANKS and MOUNTAINS.
This source is suitable for herbs which are in
abundance in nature.
Advantages:
• Herbs from wild source are easy to obtain
• Economical
• Less time consuming
 Wild source
Disadvantages
• Quality of collected herbs can not be
predicted to various environmental changes
and age of plants
• Non-uniformity in yield and growth of plant
• Continuous collection leads to depletion of
raw material from wild cause endanger to
species and ecological imbalance
Wild source
 2. Cultivated source of herbs
Systematically growing herbs by applying MODERN
SCIETIFIC TECHNIQUES.
Advantages
• Ensured quality and purity
• Better yield, more profit
• Ensure regular supply of raw material (Crop planning)
• Application of latest technology (Tissue culture,
genetic engineering, hybridization and germplasm) is
possible to increase yield, growth rate and pest
management
Cultivated source
Cultivated source
Cultivated source
 Selection, Identification and
Authentication of herbs
Selection of herbs: The species/ botanical variety
selected for cultivation should be same as specified
in official Pharmacopoeia/Monographs. In case of
newly introduced plants, the variety selected
should be identified and documented.
1. Randomized approach 2. Ecological approach
3. Chemosystematic 4. Ethno-guided
 Randomized selection of herbs
• Approach without any criteria
• Selection and collection of plant species
according to availability
• Generally this approach is followed in region
with high biodiversity and probability of
finding novel substance.
• This is useful to explore the potential of wild
source of herbs.
 Ecological selection of herbs
• Based upon field observations and
interactions between organisms in their
ecological environment
• In this approach we select herbs by comparing
amount of secondary metabolites and
biological activities of different parts of plants.
Or by comparing in different species
 Chemosystematic selection of herbs
• System created by Prof. Otto Richard Gottlieb
(1982)
• This approach includes selection of a species
from a Family or Genus, for which some
previous PHYTOCHEMICAL knowledge of
atleast one species of Family/Genus is known.
 Ethno-guided selection of herbs
• Selection according to traditional knowledge
and suggestion of specific populations
(community/Tribes).
 Identification and Authentication of
Herbs
• Herbal materials may vary in composition and
properties unlike conventional pharmaceutical
products
• Herbal material with poor and substandard
quality leads to decrease in clinical effects of
finished product.
Correct identification and quality assurance of
herbal raw material is therefore an essential
requirement for safety and efficacy.
Collection & Authentication of Plants
 Identification and Authentication of
Herbs
Identification tests should be specific for herbal
material and generally combination of three or
more
1. Macroscopic characters
2. Microscopic characters
3. Physicochemical methods
4. Phytochemical investigations
5. Chromatography
6. Spectroscopy
 Identification and Authentication of
Herbs
• Authentication is especially useful in case of
herbal drugs that are frequently
substituted/ adulterated with other
varieties which are morphologically and
chemically impossible to differentiate
• Primary step in the identification and
authentication of herbal material involves
classical botanical methodologies for
collection and documentation
 Identification and Authentication of
Herbs
• The species, subspecies, genus, variety, family,
part used etc. of the plant should be verified
by a Qualified Botanist and specimens should
be kept in Herbarium of institute
 Identification and Authentication of
Herbs
Morphological study: Macroscopic identity of herbal materials
is based on shape, size, colour, surface characteristics, texture,
fracture characteristics and appearance of the cut surface.
However, since these characteristics are judged subjectively and
substitutes or adulterants may closely resemble the genuine
material, it is often necessary to substantiate the findings by
microscopy and/or physicochemical analysis.
Visual inspection provides the simplest and quickest means by
which to establish identity, purity and quality.
 Identification and Authentication of Herbs
Points to be remembered during macroscopy

• However, judgement must be exercised when considering odour

and taste, owing to variability in assessment from person to
person or by the same person at different times. (Valerian)

• Wrinkled and contracted leaves, herbs or flowers should be

softened and stretched flat. Certain fruits and seeds may also
require softening before dissection and observation of internal
characteristics. No other preliminary treatment is required.
 Identification and Authentication of
Herbs
Microscopical study: Microscopic inspection of herbal
materials is indispensable for the identification of broken
or powdered materials; the specimen may have to be
treated with chemical reagents. An examination by
microscopy alone cannot always provide complete
identification, though when used in association with other
analytical methods it can frequently supply invaluable
supporting evidence.
 Microscopy
• Powdered microscopy: Place 1 or 2 drops of water,
glycerol/ethanol or chloral hydrate on a glass slide
• Moisten the tip of a needle with water and dip into the
powder
• Transfer a small quantity of the material that adheres to
the needle tip into the drop of fluid on the slide.
• Stir thoroughly, but carefully, and apply a cover-glass.
Press lightly on the cover-glass with the handle of the
needle, and remove excess fluid from the margin of the
cover-glass with a strip of filter-paper.
 Microscopy
• Sections: Select representative pieces of the
material being examined and cut into suitable
lengths, one end of which is softened and
smoothed.
• Prepare cross or transverse sections by cutting
with a razor blade or microtome at a right angle to
the longitudinal axis of the material.
• Prepare longitudinal sections by cutting in parallel
with the longitudinal axis, either in a radial
direction (radial section) or in a tangential
direction (tangential section).
Identification and differentiation of various Starches with the help of
microscopy.

Potato- flattened ovoid, straiated, hilum eccentric Maize- simple, angular, hilum central

Rice- simple or comp., polyhedral-sharp angles Wheat- mostly simple, faint straiations
 Leaf constants
Palisade ratio: Average number of palisade cells beneath each epidermal cell. It can be
determined with powderd drug also.

D. lanata 2.5-6.5
D. purpurea 3.7-4.2
Vein-islet number: The number of vein-islets per square mm of the leaf surface midway between
the midrib and margin.
Datura stramonium 12-16
D. metel 19-22
Stomata number: Number of stomata per sq. mm of epidermis of the leaf.
Stomata index: The percentage which the number of stomata form to the total number of
epidermal cells; each stomata being counted as one cell.
D. Metel …. Upper 16.3-17, lower 16.8-22.8
D. Stramonium 13.6-20 14.4-15.4
Trichomes: These are other important diagnostic characters
for microscopic identification of herbal drug. Trichomes are
epidermal appendages present on most of the aerial parts of
the plants. Trichomes may be present throughout the life of an
organ or may soon fall off. The walls are thick due to cellulose
deposition or may be lignified. They are highly variable in
structure and function.
Functions: protect plant from external heat – reduce the rate
of transpiration.
excrete water, volatile oil (peppermint)
Calcium oxalate crystals: Excretory products of plant metabolism.
Occur in different forms – provide valuable information for identification of crude herbal drugs in
entire or powdered form.
Types: 1. Cubical (Prisms): cubical in shape, height, width and length is equal. Also have three equal
axis, at right angle to one another.
Eg. Senna, Glycyrrhiza
2. Rhombic (Diamond): same as cubical but unequal length.
Eg. Kurchi bark, Mimosa pudica
3. Tetragonal: three axis at right angles to one another. Two lateral axis are equal while third is shorter
or longer (vertical/principal axis).
Eg. Hyoscyamus, Onion
4. Monoclinic: All three axis are unequal. Lateral two are right angle to each other. Principal axis is
right angles to lateral axis. They shine more than tetragonal.
Eg. Veratrum, Oak galls
5. Acicular (Raphides): Excessively long slender with pointed ends and found in bundles.
Eg. Cinnamon, Gentian, Andrographis.
Calcium oxalate crystals conti……

6. Rosettes (Clusters): Aggregate crystals – resembles rose flower hence the name.
Eg. Clove, Arjuna
7. Microsphenoidal (Sandy): Minute deltoid, arrow shaped occupy full cell.
Eg. Cinchona, Tobacco.
Lycopodium spore method (Quantitative Microscopy)
The pioneering work in quantitative microscopy using lycopodium as reference standard was carried
out by Wallis and co-workers. The spores of lycopodium are very characteristics in shape and
exceptionally uniform in size (25µm). This analytical technique is of great significance for powdered
herbal drugs, especially when chemical methods fail.
Lycopodium powder contains on an average 94000 spores per mg. A powdered drug can be
eveluated by this method if it contains:
•Well defined particles which may be counted – pollen/starch grains
•Single layered cells or tissues
•Object of uniform thickness.
Lycopodium spore method
 WILL BE ADDED SOON………
1. Physicochemical methods
2. Phytochemical investigations
3. Chromatography
4. Spectroscopy
 Processing of herbal raw material by standard
operating procedures

Processing is a unique process in the preparation of

herbal materials from medicinal plant and plant parts and
has been practiced as a material specific procedure.
Historically, this process is as old as that of the use of
medicinal plants for the alleviation of human ailments.
When the medicinal plant and its parts are obtained
through wild collection or cultivation under GACP for
medicinal plants, they must be subjected to a series of good
practice of post-harvest processing procedures in order to
ensure the maximum safety, efficacy and desired
therapeutic outcome. The exact processing procedures may
vary from one herbal material to another.
Three major categories of processing are
involved:
Primary Secondary
Special processes
 Processing of herbal raw material by standard operating procedures…Conti……

• Primary processing encompasses the immediate post-harvest

treatments accorded to herbs obtained from cultivation or by

wild crafting or field collection intended to free them from

foreign matters and other contaminants.

• This includes, for example, the procedures of garbling (sorting),

washing, and drying. For herbal materials that are used without

further processing, the primary processing may also include

cutting, sectioning, and comminution.

 Processing of herbal raw material by standard operating procedures…Conti……

• Secondary processing is the next step concerned with

converting the primary processed herbs into herbal
materials by various additional procedures, including, for
example, aging/sweating; baking/roasting; boiling/steaming;
and stir-frying.
• Special processing is an extension of the secondary process,
which employs a specialized method to treat selected herbs to
reduce their toxicity or to alter and modify their therapeutic
activity.
Examples of herbs so processed include Aconitum and
Euphorbia species.
 Processing of herbal raw material by standard operating procedures…Conti……

Garbling (Sorting): The garbling process serves as the first step to

ensure the purity and cleanness of the medicinal plant materials.

After the bulk amount of the desired plant part is harvested or

collected, all extraneous and unwanted matters including dirt (e.g.
soil, dust, mud), impurities (e.g. insects, rotten tissues), and residual
non-medicinal parts must be separated from the medicinal
part(s).

Although sorting may be done by mechanical means in some cases, it is

usually performed by hand operation. Only suitably trained staff
should carry out this work.
 Processing of herbal raw material by standard operating procedures…Conti……

Washing: After sorting, the medicinal plant materials should be

cleaned well to remove remaining soil, dirt, dust, and other
unwanted matters from the surface. They, especially roots,
rhizomes and tubers, are commonly washed with clean water,
dried soon after harvest/collection. During the washing
process, scraping and brushing may be necessary. It is
generally recommended not to soak the medicinal plant
materials in water for an unnecessarily long period of time.
Change water frequently as required.
Parboiling (Blanching): After washing, certain raw medicinal

plant materials may undergo a parboiling or blanching process

in which they are put into boiling water for a brief period of

time without being fully cooked. Such a heating procedure

may serve several purposes, such as improving storage life of

the processed materials by gelatinizing the starch and

preventing mould/insect contamination, and facilitating

further processing such as removal of the seed coat of

almonds.
Leaching: Some impurities can be removed by the action of
running water over the raw medicinal plant materials. The
length of leaching has to be controlled in order to prevent
excessive loss of other ingredients.

Drying: The final moisture content for dried herbal materials

varies depending on the tissue structure, but should generally
be below 12%. Proper drying involves control of temperature,
humidity and air flow.
 Sun-drying: Most medicinal plant materials can be dried in
open-air under direct sunshine, provided the climate is suitable
for such a practice.

The duration of the drying process depends largely on the

physical structure of the medicinal plant material and the
weather condition.

In the case of natural drying in the open air, medicinal plant

materials should be spread out in thin layers on drying frames
and kept away from possible contaminations such as vehicle
exhaust, heavy dusts,
and rain, as well as protected from insects, rodents, birds and other
pests, livestock and domestic animals. The drying frames should
be located at a sufficient height above the ground. Efforts should
be made to achieve uniform drying within the shortest period of
time to avoid mould formation.

Shade-drying: Some medicinal plant materials can be dried in the

shade with or without artificial air flow to avoid direct exposure to
strong sunlight. The drying process is slow, but it is preferred to
maintain colour of leaves and flowers. It also preserve most of the
volatile and aromatic components from being evaporated.
Artificial drying: Drying by artificial heat is more rapid than
open-air drying and is often necessary on rainy days or in
regions where the humidity is high. Medicinal plant materials
may be dried by means of ovens, stoves, belt driers, other
heating devices or with open fires. As much as possible, the
temperature should be kept below 60 °C.
Cutting, sectioning, and comminution: When thoroughly
dried, the herbal materials are processed by cutting and
sectioning into convenient sizes and shapes for storage, direct
use as decoction pieces, and/or further processed for the
manufacture of finished herbal products
The aging process refers to storing the herbal materials for a
period of time after being harvested or collected from the field
prior to use. It is generally done under the sun or in the shade
for up to a year, depending on the specific herbal material.
During the process of aging, excessive water is evaporated and
enzymatic reactions (such as hydrolysis of the glycone
portion from glycosides) may occur to alter the chemical
composition of the herbal material.
For example, cascara bark should be aged for at least one
year (or artificially heated to speed up the process) prior to use
in medicinal preparations, for the purpose of minimising the
strong irritating effects that may cause vomiting and upset
stomach.

A similar process known as sweating involves keeping the

herbal materials at a temperature of 45-65 °C with high
humidity for an extended period of time, from one week to a
couple of months, depending on the plant species. The herbal
materials are usually densely stacked between woollen
blankets or other kinds of cloth.
The sweating process is considered a hydrolytic and oxidative
process in which some of the chemical ingredients within the
herbal materials are hydrolysed and/or oxidized.
For example, vanilla beans (Vanilla planifolia) are well
known to undergo repeated sweating between woollen
blankets in the sun during the day and packing in wool-
covered boxes at night for about two months, during which
the vanilla pods lose up to 80% of weight and take on the
characteristic colour and odour of the commercial drug.
Baking/Roasting: The baking/roasting process is a dry-

heating procedure using indirect, diffused heat, where the

herbal materials are put in a heating device, often embedded

in bran or magnesium silicate (talc) powder to ensure even

heating on the entire surface at an elevated temperature for

a period of time. Some herbal materials are wrapped in

moistened papers during the roasting process. The exact

temperature used and duration of baking/roasting vary from

one herbal material to another.

Some are baked or roasted until the surface colour turns
yellowish brown; some may be further heated until charred.

For example, the processing procedure of nutmeg.

Boiling/Steaming: The boiling process involves cooking the

plant materials in water or another liquid solvents such as
vinegar, wine, milk or animal urine.

In the steaming process, herbal materials are kept separate

from the boiling water but have direct contact with the steam,
resulting in a moist texture to the herbal materials.
Eg. Boiling the rhizome of Acorus calamus in cow’s
urine can enhance its anti-convulsant activity.
Stir-frying: Stir-frying is a process in which the herbal
materials are put in a pot or frying pan, continuously
stirred or tossed for a period of time under heating,
until the external colour changes, charred, or even
carbonized.
Example, liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root and
rhizome with honey for the preparation of decoction
slides.
Fumigation: Fumigation by sulphur dioxide
has been employed in post-harvest handling of
some medicinal herbs for the purpose of
preserving colour, improving fresh-looking
appearance, bleaching, preventing the growth
of insect and overcoming decays caused by
moulds.
Detoxification:
Aconite (Aconitum species) root, even after having
undergone general processing, is an extremely lethal
substance and should not be taken in the crude form. The
specific process generally involves boiling in water or
steaming, or both, to significantly reduce the content of
aconitine and related alkaloids.
Nux-vomica seeds are specifically processed by frying or
boiling in water or other media such as cow’s milk and
ghee to reduce the contents of its toxic ingredients,
strychnine and brucine.
Enhancement or modification of therapeutic
properties:

Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Fresh ginseng is

converted to red ginseng through a series of
repeated steaming procedures to afford a
product with altered pharmacological actions
or differing therapeutic effects.
 Present scope and future prospects of herbal drug industry

Present of Herbal Industry

•Source of new chemical compounds
•Choice of today’s human race
•Play a significant role in the livelihoods of the rural poor population
•A high trade status of natural plant products at global, national as well as
regional level can improve the economy of a nation
•It is estimated that 25% people of the most of the countries depend on the plant
resources for their livelihood.
•About 80% of the people living in developing countries depend on non-timber
plant products, the most used being medicines and edibles.
•India is a major exporter of medicinal plants and is estimated that raw materials
and drug from medicinal plants of 860 million are exported annually from India.
 Present scope and future prospects
of herbal drug industry
• . Choice of today’s human race

Livelihoods of
the rural
poor population
 Present scope and future prospects
of herbal drug industry
• It is estimated that 25% people of the most of
the countries depend on the plant resources for
their livelihood.
• About 80% of the people living in developing
countries depend on non-timber plant products,
the most used being medicines and edibles.
 Present scope and future prospects
of herbal drug industry
• Herbal drugs encompass the combination of practices of
indigenous systems of medicine and several therapeutic
experiences of many previous generations. Herbal drugs
are reported to be successfully used to cure skin
diseases, TB, diabetes, hepatic disorders, HT, mental
disorders, cancer, AIDS and other infectious diseases.
• Countries like India, China, South America and Egypt
are still using several plant based remedies for treating
such ailments.
 Present scope and future prospects
of herbal drug industry
• According to WHO 60 % of world population
relies on herbal drug and about 80%
population of developing nation depends
almost totally on herbal drugs.
• WHO has stated that trade in medicine plants,
herbal raw material and herbal drugs is growing
at annual growth rate about 15%.
• The increasing popularity and acceptability of
herbal drugs is belief that all natural products are
safer, cheaper and commonly available.
 Present scope and future prospects
of herbal drug industry

Source of
new chemical compounds
 Indian Herbal Market
More than 70% of Indian
population still use non-
allopathic systems of medicine
(AYUSH & Naturopathy)

There are around 2400 plant

species in India, used as herbal
drug raw material.
The ‘Herbal Industry Biz’ revealed that
currently Indian Herbal Market size is 70 B.
USD

Indian export of herbal raw material and

medicine is 36 B. USD
 Indian Herbal Market
Indian Herbal market is the
fastest growing market

It contributes 20% to CAGR

(Compound Annual Growth
Rate) and 25% to export,
according to Assocham
(Associated Chambers of
Commerce & Industry of
India)
 Why Indian Herbal Market Growing
Faster ????
Cheap
Skilled
Labor
manpower

Richest heritage of
traditional medicinal
systems – most of people
prefer herbal medicines
because of cultural values
as well
 Why Indian Herbal Market Growing
Faster ????
Variety of agro-climatic
conditions
– An ideal place for
most of plants.

India have 25% of the

World’s Biodiversity
• However there are also some concern are
associated with herbal drug regarding its
pharmacognosy and standardization compared
with conventional drugs.
• For the last 2 decades research efforts shave
been intensified in both developed and
developing countries to scientifically evaluate
using clinical studies and validate the herbal
drug. Hence considering the great future
perspectives in herbal medicine.
 Plant based institutions in India
• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
constituent laboratories
• CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow
• CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine
(CSIR-IIIM), Jammu
• CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology
(CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat
• CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bio resource
Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur
 Role of research institutions
• Survey, collection and inventorization of
medicinal and aromatic plants from different
phytogeographical regions of India
• Development of improved varieties
• Development of agro technologies and
processing technologies for economically
important medicinal and aromatic plants and
their value addition.
• The laboratories are disseminating the
technologies among farmers and entrepreneurs
through training-cum-demonstration programs.
 Plant based institutions in India
Research Councils working under Department of AYUSH,
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
(CCRAS)
• Central Council for Research in Unani Medicines
(CCRUM)
• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH)
have been conducting studies through surveys and
explorations to collect information regarding availability
of medicinal and aromatic plants / herbs in various States
and have documented information in this regard.
 Herbal drug preparation such as aspirin from willow bark, digoxin from foxglove,
quinine from cinchona bark and morphine from opium poppy

Refer to hard copy or book mentioned below

Physiochemical and phytochemical studies of herbs

Refer text book of Pharmacognosy by CK Kokate
Indian of medicine

ayurveda, siddha,
unani and homeopathy
 Ayurveda- Science of life
Ayurveda has been the medicine system of Indus valley civilization.
There are evidences that prove it has been in practice in 6th &
7th century B.C.
Ayurveda system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian
subcontinent. Globalized and modernized practices derived from
Ayurveda traditions are a type of alternative medicine. In countries
beyond India, Ayurveda therapies and practices have been integrated
in general wellness applications and in some cases in medical use.
 History
The main classical Ayurveda texts begin with
accounts of the transmission of medical
knowledge from the Gods to sages, and then
to human physicians.
In Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta's Compendium)
Sushruta wrote that Dhanvantari, Hindu god
of Ayurveda, taught medicine to a group of
physicians, including Sushruta.
 Ayurveda evolved over 5000 years ago in the
far reaches of Himalayas, from the deep
wisdom of spiritually enlightened prophets or
Rishis.
It is based on the interaction of body, mind and
spirit.
 Definition
• Panchamahabhutas: Acc. to ayur., all objects
in the universe, including human body, are
composed of five basic elements.
Earth
Water
Fire
Air
Vacuum (ether)
• The balance of these elements in different
proportions is prerequisite for structure and
function of the body matrix and its parts.
• The growth and development of body matrix
depends on its nutrition i.e., FOOD.
• Food is also composed of five elements, which
replenish these elements of body after the
action of bio-fire (agni).
• Tissues are the structural entities.
• Humours are physiological entities.
• Tissues and humours are derived from
different combinations and permutations of the
FIVE ELEMENTS.
 Humours of microcosm
Doshas: Acc. to Ayurveda diseased conditions
are due to disorder in three principal humours
in body, known as doshas namely wind, bile
and phlegm.
These fluids are present in the whole
microcosm of man.
For proper digestion, these three humours must
be in proper proportions.
 Composition of Doshas
• Vatta (Wind): Space + Air……the air principle
• Pitta (Bile): Fire + Water……. The fire principle
• Kapha (Phlegm): Water + Earth…the water p..

All of us are born with a specific balance of tri-

doshas. The proportions are largely determined
by the balance of doshas in our parents at the time
of conception. Which in turn determine our body
type, temperament and susceptibility to illness.
 What happen if humours disturbed ?

• If wind (vata) predominates – the

bowels become costive.
• If Bile (Pitta) is in excess – the
bowels loose
• If Phlegm (Kapha) excess –
bowels normal
 Vata
• Movement of body depends upon Vata.
• There are 5 types of Vata depending upon
functions they perform in organism:
1. Udana
2. Prana
3. Samana
4. Apana
5. Vyana
 Prana…..Flow of Energy
• If Prana i.e., flow of energy is interrupted there
may be illness.
• The flow of energy is relayed via the seven
Chakras (psychic energy centres).
• These centres are located on various points
along the spinal column – from crown of head
to tailbone.
Chakras (Psychic Energy Centres)
 Pitta
• Hot, yellow, bitter liquid but acidic when vitiated,
light and oily.
• It maintains body heat.
Types of Pitta:
1. Pachaka
2. Ranjaka
3. Sadhaka
4. Alochaka
5. Bharajaka
 Kapha
• White, heavy oleaginous, viscid, cooling
liquid.
• Usually sweet but salty when defective.
• It is associated with Energy.
Types
1. Kledana 2. Bhodaka 3. Trepaka
4. Sleshmaka 5. Avalambaka
 Dhatus
These are seven essential parts of body
Type
Rasa (Lymph/Body fluid)
Rakta (Blood)
Mansa (Flesh/Muscular tissue)
Medas (Fat/Adipose tissue)
Asthi (Bone)
Majja (Bone marrow and nervous tissue)
Shukrana (Generative tissue (including semen and
ovum constituents, stem cells))
 Treatment
• According to Ayurveda – The main aim
of treatment is to avoid causative factors
responsible for disequilibrium of the
body matrix.
• The therapeutic procedure in Ayurvedic
system of medicines is known as
Panchakarma.
 Panchakarma Stages
1. The Poorva Karma
2. The Pradhana Karma
3. The Paschata Karma
The Poorva Karma
• It is first stage
• Involves preliminary procedures – like
preparation (counselling) of patients,
medicines and equipments.
 Types of Poorva Karma
1. Pachana (Digestion therapy): It is carried
out by using general deepana and pachana
drugs like digestive peya, choorna, quatha,
vati etc.
2. Snehana (oleation therapy): It includes
abhyanga (The ayurvedic oil massage)
Types of Poorva Karma…conti…
bahya
("outside“/"external." Bahya pranayama
breathing technique and one of the vital
breathing exercises)
 Types of Poorva Karma…conti…
3. Svedana (Sudation): It includes - induced
sweating with or without the use of heat.
a) angani b) sagni
 Types of Pradhana Karma
It is second stage of therapy.
Involves actual administration of drug.
Types
1. Vamana (Emesis): induced excretion of
doshas from the mouth.
2. Virechana (Purgation): induced defecation.
3. Basti (enema): administration of drug via
urinary bladder is called basti karma.
 Types of Pradhana Karma…conti…
4. Nasya/Shirovechana (nasal infusion):
administration of drugs through nostrils.

5. Raktamokshana/Asravisruthi: blood-letting.
 Types of Paschata Karma
• Procedures followed after Pardhana karma is called Paschata
Karma.
• These are rehabilitative measures i.e., diet, follow up
medicines and daily routine changes.
Types
1. Samsararjana karma: restoration of digestive powers with
specific diet.

2. Rasayanadi karma: administration of rasayana and

vajeekarana drugs.

3. Shamana prayoga: administration of medicines to treat the

particular disease after process of elimination – follow up
therapy.
 Siddha…The oldest system
The Siddha System of Medicine (Traditional Tamil System of
medicine), which has been prevalent in the ancient Tamil land,
is the oldest of all other medical systems in the world. Its
origin goes back to B.C 10,000 to B.C 4,000.

The roots of the ancient Siddha System are inter twined with
the mythology and culture of the ancient Tamil civilization.
Mythically, the origin of Siddha is attributed
to Lord Siva, who is supposed to have handed
it down to his consort Parvathi (Shakthi), who
in turn passed on the sacred knowledge to
Nandi, from whom it was transmitted to the
first of "Siddhars". Siddha is a Tamil word
derived from "siddhi" -- attaining perfection in
life or heavenly bliss.
The system is said to have emerged in antiquity, from
the highly evolved consciousness of the Siddhars.

The clarified intellect and heightened intuition of the

Siddhars, resulting from their yogic powers, enabled
them to explore the world around them and exploit its
natural resources for the sake of humanity.
Their findings on the characteristics of plants,
metals, minerals and animal products and their
knowledge of the properties of drugs, its
purification, processing, fixing dosage,
toxicity, antidote and clinical application.
 GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF
SIDDHA

• According to the Siddha system, the individual is a

microcosm of the universe.

• The human body consists of the five primordial

elements-earth (Nilam), water (Neer), fire
(Neeruppu), air (Kattru) and space (Veli).

• The three humours- vatha, pitta and kapha and

seven physical constituents.
• Food is the basic building material of the
human body and gets processed into
humours, tissues and wastes. "Food itself
is medicine and medicine itself is food"
• The equilibrium of humours is considered
as health and its disturbance
or imbalance leads to a diseased state
• Siddha is a comprehensive system that places
equal emphasis on the body, mind and spirit and
strives to restore the innate harmony of the
individual.

• Treatment is aimed at restoring balance to the

mind-body system. Diet and lifestyle play a major
role not only in maintaining health but also in
curing diseases.
 Drugs used by the Siddhars can be classified into
three groups:
Thaavaram (herbal product)
Thaathu (inorganic substances)
Jangamam (animal products)

Siddhahars classified diseases in various categories

which accounted for 4448 diseases in human
body.
 UNIQUE DIAGNOSTIC
METHODOLOGY
The diagnostic methodology in Siddha
treatment is unique as it is made purely on the
basis of the clinical acumen of the physician.
The pulse, skin, tongue, complexion, speech,
eye, stools and urine are examined.
This approach is collectively known as "Eight
types of examination"; and among the eight,
the examination of pulse is very important in
confirming the diagnosis.
Ayurveda
Sidha
Unani System of Medicine
 Unani System of Medicine
• Unani medicine refers to a tradition of Greeco-Arabic
medicine which is based on the teachings of Greek
physician Buqrat (Hippocrates; 460-370 BC) and
Roman physician Jalinoos (Galen).
• Developed into an elaborate medical system by Arab
and Persian physicians such as Al Razi (Rhazes),
Ibnesina (Avicenna), Al Zahrawi and Ibn Nafis.
• It is a popular form of traditional medicine widely
practiced in South Asia and draws on the ancient
traditional systems of medicine of China, Egypt, India,
Iraq, Persia and Syria.
• Hippocrates freed medicine from the realm of
superstition and magic and described as
science.
• He established that the disease was a natural
process and symptoms were the reaction of the
body to the disease.
• The name Unani, derived from a Greek word
‘Ionian’ means the knowledge of the states of
the human body in health and illness (decline
of health)
 Principles of Unani Medicine
• According to the Unani literature Tabiyat is
considered the supreme planner of our body
that creates the healthy environment within the
body and prepare to fight against the disease.
• The tabiyat may be defined as the sum total of
structural, functional and psychological
character of the human being. If tabiyat is
strong, then a man does not suffer from a
disease easily.
• If it weakens, a man becomes prone to disease
easily.
• The tabiyat comprises seven principles which
are called Umoore Tabaiyah.
• According to the Unani discipline, the human
body is contains seven natural and basic
components called Umoore Tabaiyah that are
responsible for the existence of the human
body and are considered responsible for the
maintenance of health.
• The loss of any one of these component
would lead to death of individual.
These are as follows:
1. Arkan or Anasir (Element)
2. Mizaj (Temperament)
3. Akhlat (Humours-Body Fluids)
4. Aaza (Organs)
5. Arwah (Vital Spirit)
6. Quwa (Faculties Or Powers)
7. Afaal (Functions)
• The human body has four primary body fluids
which obtain from the food and various hormones
and enzymes.
• These fluids are –DUM (Blood), BALGHAM
(Phlegm) SAFRA (Yellow bile) and SAUDA
(Black bile), constituted by initiation of different
proportion of all four arkan (Elements). ARZ
(Earth), MAA (Water), NAR (Fire) and HAWA
(Air)
• Dum is hot and wet in temperament,
• Balgham is cold and wet,
• Safra is hot and dry and
• Sauda is cold and dry
Concept of Health and Disease - Unani
• Health is equilibrium of akhlat (humours) in
the body (quality and quantity)
• Disease occurs due to disturbances in the
equilibrium quantity and quality of akhlat.
• There is always a cause behind the origin of a
disease.
• Unani medicine has established a very
comprehensive system of classification of asbab
(cause) which almost cover all prevalent causes
of all disease under various categories.
• Asbab-e-Dakhilia (internal causes)
• Asbab-e-Kharjiya (external causes) this is very
important group of causes and encompasses
almost all causes, emotional, physical, chemical,
microbes etc.
• These factors are called six essential factors
(Asbab-e sitta-zarooriya):
1. Air
2. Foods and drinks
3. Movement and response of the body
4. Sleep and wakefulness
5.Excretion
6. Retention
 Principles of Diagnosis
• Muaina-nabz (feeling of pulse)
• Mushahida-e-bolwabaraz (examination of
urine and faeces)
• Finally assessment of mizaj are the most
distinguished tools for the diagnosis of a
disease.
• The treatment is broadly divided into three
courses of therapies.
1. Ilajbil-tadbeer (regimental therapy)
2. Ilajbil-dawa (pharmacotherapy)
3. Ilajbil-yad/Jarahat (surgical therapy)
Naturally occurring drugs, mostly herbs are used.
 Homeopathy

• Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) was

dissatisfied by the medical practices of that time.
Therefore, he made efforts to develop a method of
healing which would be safe, gentle, and effective.
• He believed that human beings have an innate
capacity for healing themselves and that the
symptoms of disease reflect the individuals
struggle to overcome his illness.
 Homeopathy
• The word Homeopathy is derived from two
Greek words,
• Homios

and pathos meaning .

 What is Homeopathy…
• Treating disease with prescribed remedies in
minute doses.
• Remedies must be capable of producing
symptoms similar to disease when taken by
healthy one.
• It is based on law Similia Similibus Curantur
i.e., like are cured by likes.
• Its natural and well-proven.
 Principles and Laws
• Law of Similars: Law of cure. It demonstrates that the
selected remedy is able to produce a set of symptoms in a
healthy person similar to that observed in patient. Let like
be treated by likes.
• Law of Single Remedy: Directs the practitioner to choose
and administer such a single remedy which is most similar
to the symptoms complex of the sick person.
• Law of Minimum Dose: dose must be minimum to avoid
toxic effects on body. Remedy must act as a triggering and
catalytic agent to stimulate and strengthen the defence
mechanism of body. It does not need to be repeated
frequently.
 Principles of Diagnosis

• Considers tongue as a map that corresponds to

different parts of the body. The tip is connected
to the heart; the sides are connected to the
liver; the centre to the spleen and the back to
the kidney.
 Key features of Homeopathy
1. Two basic principles:
a. Treatment of like with like.
b. Use of the minimum effective dose.
2. Homeopathic drugs are called “Remedies”.
3. A process of multiple dilutions and successions
are used to prepare homeopathic remedies.
Process is called dynamization/potentisation.
4. The greater the number of stages of
potentisation, the greater the therapeutic
potential of the remedy.
 Key features of Homeopathy
5. Scales of potencies:
a. Decimal
b. Centesimal with 1000 C represented as 1M
c. LM (1 in 50000)
6. Methods of remedy preparation:
a. Multiple vial method.
b. Single vial method.
7. The starting solution is called mother tincture.
8. The insoluble substances are made soluble by
trituration, grinding and mixing with lactose powder.
 Key features of Homeopathy
9. The potency selection is related to number of
axes:
a. Acute/chronic
b. Physical/emotional
c. The vitality of the patient.
d. The prescriber’s fear of aggravation.
e. The confidence of the prescriber.
10. The process of cure have four main axes:
a. From the most important organs to less
important organs.
b. From inside to outside.
c. From top to bottom.
 Preparation and standardization of
ayurvedic formulations
Churnas
• Churnas are powdered preparations of drug used
for oral administration.
1. Simple churnas: contain only one medicament.
2. Compound churnas: more than one
medicaments.
Method of preparation
• Herb is thoroughly cleaned, properly dried and
reduced to fine powder
 Churnas conti……
• In case of compound churnas each herb is
separately powdered, sieved, weighed and
mixed together.
• Churnas must be stored in air-tight containers.
• They are usually taken as such or mixed with
sugar, honey, milk or water.
Examples: Triphala and lavanbaskar churna
 Standardization of Churnas
Organoleptic evaluation:
• Colour
• Odour
• Taste

Microscopic evaluation

Physical evaluation:
• Loss on drying at 105°c
• Total ash
• Acid insoluble ash
• Water soluble extractive
• pH
 Standardization of Churnas…conti..
Qualitative analysis
• TLC • HPTLC & HPLC

Phytochemical evaluation

Particle size :
• Churna : 80-120 mesh.
• Kwatha Churna : 40-60 mesh.

Microbial contamination
• Total aerobic count
• Enterobacteria count
• Total fungal count
Standardization of Churnas…conti…
Test for specific pathogen
• E.coli • Salmonella spp. • Pseudomonas

Pesticide residue:
Methods : Extraction & Purification Pesticides:
• Organochlorine pesticide • Organophosphorus
pasticides
• Tast for aflatoxins by TLC:- B1,B2,G1,G2
• Shelf life
 Gutika/vati
• Solid unit dosage forms, prepared in the form of
tablets/pills.

• Prepared by compression with machine or hand.

Method

• Herbs are dried, cleaned and finely powdered

separately.

• Minerals are made into bhasmas.

• Finely powdered medicaments and additives are
mixed to a uniform mass and moistened.

• Mass is kneaded with syrup/extract of herbs and

converted into uniform moist mass.
 Gutika….conti….
• Then moist mass is rolled into uniform
cylindrical pencils, which are then divided into
a number of uniform pieces.
• Each piece is then converted into a pill, by
rolling in between fingers.
• The final pill mass should not stick to the
fingers when rolled.
• Then pills are dried in shade and stored in air-
tight containers.
• They can be used up to 2 years.
• Pills containing minerals can be used for an
indefinite period.
 Standardization of Gutika
Physical evaluation:
• Ash value
• Acid insoluble ash
• Water insoluble ash
• Alcohol soluble extractive
• pH
• Volatile oil
• Melting temperature
• Loss on drying
 Standardization of Gutika
Pharmaceutical parameters
1. Hardness
2. Uniformity in weight
3. Uniformity in diameter
4. Friability test
5. Dissolution time
6. Disintegration time
• Disintegration test :
Apparatus: Disintegration test apparatus
 Standardization of Gutika
Friability test : how much mechanical stress
tablets are able to withstand during their
manufacturing , distributing and handling

• Hardness: how much force is needed to break .

• Uniformity of weight:
Apparatus: Analytical balance
Asava and Arishta
 Asava and Arishta
• Arishtas and asavas are self-generated herbal
fermentations of traditional Ayurvedic system.
• They are alcoholic medicaments prepared by
allowing the herbal juices or their decoctions to
undergo fermentation with the addition of sugars.
• Asavas are made with decoctions of herbs in
boiling water
• while arishta are prepared by directly using
fresh herbal juices.
 Asava and Arishta
• Fermentation of both preparations is brought
about by the addition of a source of sugar
(jaggery) with dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa)
flowers.
• Many contain additional spices for improving
their assimilation.
• They are moderately alcoholic (up to 12% by
volume)
 Asava and Arishta
• Mostly sweetish with slight acidity and
agreeable aroma.
• These medicinal wines have several
advantages, like better keeping quality,
enhanced therapeutic properties.
• Improvement in the efficiency of extraction
of drug molecules from the herbs and
improvement in drug delivery into the
human body sites.
Preparation of Arishtas and asavas
• Powdered ingredients coarsley and prepare decoction.
• Filter decoction and place in fermentation vessel.
• Add required quantity of sugar (along with dhataki).
• Cover vessel with earthen lid tightly, maintain constant
temperature throughout the process.
• After completion of fermentation, decant fluid and
strained after 3 days.
• When suspended particles settle down, strain again and
bottled
Preparation of Arishtas and asavas
• Preparation of asavas is similar except that the sugar
(jaggery) is dissolved in water, boiled, cooled and
poured into the fermentation vessel.

• Only then add fine powder of drug to vessel.

During autumn and summer seasons, fermentation

takes place in 6 days. In winter, it takes 10 days.
During rainy season and spring, fermentation
takes place in 8 days. The fermentation vessel is
left undisturbed for a month and then opened. The
medicine is filtered and taken for use.
 Standardization of Asava and Arishta
1. Description
2. Colour
3. Odour
4. pH
5. Specific gravity at 25°C
6. Boiling point
7. Refractive index
8. Optical rotation
9. Viscosity
 Standardization of Asava and Arishta
10. Total solids
11. Alcohol content
12. Reducing sugar
13. Non- reducing sugar
14. TLC/HPTLC/ GC-MS (any one or all)
15. Test for methanol
16. Total acidity
 Standardization of Asava and Arishta
17. Test for heavy/toxic metals Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic
(Limits as per ASU Pharmacopoeia)
18. Pesticide residue Organo chlorine pesticides, organ
phosphorus pesticides, pyrethroids (Limits as per ASU
Pharmacopoeia)
19. Microbial contamination Total viable aerobic count
Enterobacteriaceae Total fungal count (Limits as per ASU
Pharmacopoeia)
20. Test for specific pathogen Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp.,
Staphyloccocus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Limits as
per ASU Pharmacopoeia)
21. Aflatoxins ( B1,B2,G1 G2 ) (Limits as per ASU Pharmacopoeia)
22. Shelf life
 Standardization of Asava and Arishta
Determination of the alcohol content of asava and
arishta
1. Distillation method
• Take 25 ml sample, add equal volume of water and distil.
• Collect distillate 2 ml less than the original volume taken
(23 ml).
• Add water to make it 25 ml.
• Adjust the temperature to 250C and find specific
gravity/refractive index.
• From alcoholometric table find the percentage of alcohol.
 2. Gas Chromatographic Method
Apparatus: a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame-
ionization detector.
Specification of apparatus:
• a 4-mm × 1.8-m glass column packed with 100- to 120-mesh
chromatographic column packing support S3,
Carrier: Nitrogen or Helium
Pre-conditioning: Prior to use, condition the column overnight at
235° with a slow flow of carrier gas.
The column temperature is maintained at 120°
The injection port and detector temperatures are maintained at
210°.
Adjust the carrier flow and temperature so that
acetonitrile, the internal standard, elutes in 5 to 10
minutes.
 Gas Chromatographic Method
Solutions Test stock preparation: Dilute the
specimen under examination stepwise with water
to obtain a solution containing approximately 2%
(v/v) of alcohol.
Test preparation: Pipet 5 mL each of the Test stock
preparation and the Acetonitrile RS into a 50-mL
volumetric flask, dilute with water to volume, and
mix.
Standard preparation: Pipet 5 mL each of Alcohol
RS and Acetonitrile RS., into a 50-mL volumetric
flask, dilute with water to volume, and mix.
 Gas Chromatographic Method
Procedure: Inject about 5 µl each of the Test preparation and the
Standard preparation, in duplicate, into the gas chromatograph,
record the chromatograms, and determine the peak response
ratios.
Calculate the percentage of alcohol (v/v) in the specimen under
test according to the formula:
Result = CD(RU/RS)
C = labeled concentration of USP Alcohol Determination—
Alcohol RS
D = dilution factor (the ratio of the volume of the Test stock
preparation to the volume of the specimen taken)
RU = peak response ratio obtained from the Test preparation
RS = peak response ratio obtained from the Standard preparation
 Bhasma
• Ayurvedic metallic/mineral preparation,
treated with herbal juices or decoction and
exposed for certain quantum of heat as
per puta system of Ayurveda
• Bhasma are claimed to be biologically
produced nanoparticles, which are prescribed
with several other medicines of Ayurveda.
• Widely recommended for the treatment of
many disease conditions.
 TYPES OF BHASMA

1. Metal-based Bhasma
2. Mineral-based Bhasma
3. Herbal Bhasma.
Examples: Swarn Bhasma
Abhraka Bhasma
Bhasma preparation
• Various steps involved in
the preparation of bhasma(or bhasmikaran) are:
• Shodhana -Purification,
• Maran̻a - Powdering,
• Chalana- Stirring,
• Dhavana - Washing,
• Galana- Filtering,
• Puttana- Heating,
• Mardana- Triturating,
• Bhavana- Coating with herbal extract,
 Method of preparation
First stage (sodhana)
Bhasmas are prepared from purified minerals, metals and marine
and animal products.
• In Ayurveda, the process of purifiction is called sodhana.
• It includes Chemical purification and medicinal purification.
Chemical purification: It is only elimination of foreign matters.
Medicinal purification includes:
(a) elimination of harmful matter from the drug
(b) Modification of undesirable physical properties of the
drug
(c) conversion of some of the characteristics of the drugs
(d) the enhancement of the therapeutic action
 Types of sodhana
Samanya sodhana
Applicable to a large number of metals
It consists of heating the thin sheets of the metals and
quenching them in specified liquid(Taila Gom£tra etc.)

Visesya sodhana
Applicable only to certain drugs and in certain preparations.

Second stage (Marana)

Purified drug is put into a khalva (stone mortar and pestle)
and ground with juices of the specified plant for prescribed
time period.
Then small cakes are made.
 Marana….conti….
The size and thickness of the cakes depend on
the heaviness of the drug, The heavier the
drug, the thinner are the cakes.
These cakes are dried well under sunlight and
placed in one single layer in a shallow earthen
plate and closed with another plate.
The edge is sealed with clay-smeared cloth in
seven consecutive layers and dried.
 Marana….conti….
A pit is dug in an open place. The diameter and
the depth of the pit depends on the metal or
mineral that is to be incinerated (specified in
monograph).
Half of the pit is filled with cow dung cakes. The
sealed earthen container is placed in it and the
remaining space is filled with more cow dung
cakes.
 Marana….conti….
Fire is put on all four sides and in the middle of the pit.
When the burning is over, it is allowed to cool itself
completely.
The earthen container is removed, the seal is opened and
the contents are taken out.
The medicine is ground into a fine powder in a khalva.
This process of triturating with the juice, making cake and
giving Puthas, is repeated as many times as
prescribed in the texts or till the expected quality of
the product is attained.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oyBnwbDtCo&list=
WL&index=2&t=0s
 Standardization of Bhasmas
TEST Parameters
1. Description
2. Colour
3. Odour
4. Taste
5. pH (1% aqueous extract)
6. Loss on drying at 1050C /Moisture content
7. Particle size
8. Total ash
9. Acid -insoluble ash
10. Sulphated ash
 Standardization of Bhasmas
11. Water- soluble extractive
12. Alcohol- soluble extractive
13. Assay for element (s) (if available)
14. IR/XRF/XPS/XRD/SEM/EDX/AFM (As per requirement)
15. Nishchandrica (Lusterless)
16. Rekha pumatva (Fine enough to enter within lines of
finger)
17. Varitara (Floats on water)
18. Nirthoom (Smokeless)
19. Niswadu (Tasteless)
20. Apumar Bhav (Irreversible)
21. Shelf life
AVALEHA OR LEHA AND Paka
• A semi-solid preparation of drugs
• Prepared with addition of jaggery,
sugar or sugar-candy and boiled with
prescribed drug juice or decoction.

Also known as Modaka, Gudah,

Khanda, Rasayana, Leha etc.
 Method of preparation

• Jaggery, sugar or sugar-candy is dissolved in the

liquid and strained to remove the foreign
particles.
• This solution is boiled over a moderate fire.
• When this is thready (when pressed between two
fingers or when it sinks in water without getting
easily dissolved) it should be removed from the
fire.
• Fine powders of drugs are then added in small
quantities and stirred continuously and vigorously
to form a homogenous mixture.
 Method of preparation (Leha)
Ghee or oil, if mentioned, is added while the preparation is and
mixed well.
Honey, if mentioned is added when the preparation is
and mixed well.
Characteristics:
The Lehya should neither be hard nor be a thick fluid.
When pulp of the drugs is added and ghee or oil is present in
the preparation, this can be rolled between the fingers.
Growth of fungus over it or fermentation is, among others,
signs of deterioration.
When metals are mentioned, of the metals are
used.
 Leha
Preservation and Storage: The Lehya should
be kept in glass or porcelain jars.
It can also be kept in a metal container which
 Standardization of Leha
TEST Parameters
1. Description
2. Colour
3. Odour
4. Taste
5. Consistency
6. Loss on drying/Moisture content
7. Total ash
8. Acid- insoluble ash
 Standardization of Leha…conti..
9. Alcohol- soluble extractive
10. Water -soluble extractive
11. pH (10% aqueous extract)
12. Total acidity
13. Specific gravity at 25°C
14. Total solid content
15. Fat content
16. Reducing sugar/ Non-reducing sugar
17. Total sugars
 Standardization of Leha…conti..
18. Assay for major ingredients/Major constituents of
main ingredients
19. TLC/HPTLC/HPLC/LC-MS (any one or all)
20. Test for heavy/toxic metals
Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Arsenic (Limits as per ASU
Pharmacopoeia)
21. Pesticide residue Organochlorine pesticides,
organophosphorus pesticides, pyrethroids
(Limits as per ASU Pharmacopoeia)
 Standardization of Leha…conti…
22. Microbial contamination
Total viable aerobic count, Enterobacteriaceae, Total
fungal count
(Limits as per ASU Pharmacopoeia)
23. Test for specific pathogen
Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphyloccocus aureus,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Limits as per ASU
Pharmacopoeia)
24. Aflatoxins (Limits as per ASU Pharmacopoeia)
( Bi,B2,Gi G2 )
25. Shelf life
Herbal drug and herb food interactions
• The main aim of every system of medicine is –
“preservation of normal health and curing the
diseased one”.
• The main focus – “patient safety and benefits”.

with respect to
Alternative medicine and Ayurveda is increasing
reports of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) related to
herbal medicine.
This may be due to increase in number of people taking herbal
products either as a medicine or as a nutritional supplement.
 Misbelief for natural products – leads
to interactions
• There is misbelief

• Such reports my be due to ignorance or

negligence.
• Interactions may be synergistic, decreased,
antagonistic action or increase in the
bioavailability.
 Common causes of interactions
• Both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic
mechanisms responsible for interactions.

• A decrease amount of the absorption of drug

from GIT to blood stream my be due to binding of
herb components to drug.

• Or by stimulating the production and activity of

enzymes.
Lack of knowledge and evidence…lead
to interactions
• Most of natural products are a complex
mixture of unknown chemical constituents,
combination products composed of multiple
natural products complicate the matter
further.
• Manufacturing process, misidentification and
lack in quality control also increase
interactions.
 Facts

• A total of 32 drugs interacting with herbal

medicines in human.

• Most of them are substrates for cytochrome

P450s (CYPs) and P-glycoprotien (Pgp).

• Many of these drugs have narrow therapeutic

indices.
• Cytochrome P450 enzyme is not an enzyme with only
one type.
• P450 1, 2 and 3 (CYP1, CYP2 and CYP3) genes are
involved in coding the enzymes which are responsible for
the drug metabolism.
• Especially CYP3 type codes the enzymes that are
responsible for the pre-systemic elimination of orally
administered drugs.
Drug metabolism by different CYP450 enzymes
HOW DRUGS REACT IN THE BODY

Disintegration Dissolution Absorption Drug in

the blood
and the
body

112
 Classification of Interactions
The interactions mentioned in Ayurveda can be
categorized into:
1. Herb-Herb interaction:
• Piper betel is contraindicated while taking
Garcinia morella
• Basella alba along with Sesamum indicum
2. Herb-Food interaction:
• Combination of Payasa (milk preparation) and
Mantha (gruel) is contraindicated
• Wine with steamed grains
• Radish, garlic and bitter gourd with milk
3. Herb-animal origin drug interaction:
• Kapotamamsa (meat of pigeon) is
contraindicated with Sarshapataila (Brassica
alba).
• Pork is contraindicated with Narikelataila (oil
of Coccus nucifera),
• Equal quantity of Madhu (Honey) with Ghritha
(Ghee/purified butter) is contraindicated and
this has been proved to produce toxic effect by
combination
4. Disease related interaction:
• Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) contraindicated in
pregnancy, malnourished, anorexia after
bloodletting
 Common example of drug-food
interaction
• Green vegetables (especially broccoli, spinach,
peas, cabbage, and cucumbers) were found to
have a measurable impact on anticoagulant
therapy.
• The main active ingredient in the green
vegetables is vitamin K.
• It has coagulation promoting qualities that
overcome the effects of the anticoagulant
drug, thus making the therapy less effective
Side effects and interactions of some
common HERBS
1. Hypercium (St. John's Wort )
In Germany extracts of Hypericum
perforatum, commonly called St. John's
wort, are among the most widely prescribed
antidepressants, accounting for over 25% of
antidepressant prescriptions.
HISTORY…….FACTS …..?
 Hypericum
• Synonyms: St. John’s wort, Goat weed, Bassant.
• B.S: dried aerial parts of the plant known as
Hypericum perforatum, family Hypericaceae
collected during flowering season.
• Active therapeutic constituent – hypericin (0.3%)
• Uses: Antidepressant, neuralgia, sciatica and
menopausal neurosis.
• Also used against HIV and hepa-C virus.
 Hypericum - interactions
• Cause serotonin syndrome when used in combination
with SSRIs (seratraline, paroxetine)
• Pharmacokinetic interactions:
Increase metabolism of digoxin and theophyline – drug
effect gets reduces.
• Pharmacodynamic interactions:
Induction of serotonin syndrome - As hypericum is,
MAO-inhibitor and SSRIs-inhibitor and it increases drug
toxicity of Busipirone, sertraline and paroxetine.
 Hypericum - interactions
• Hypericum peroratum decreases the blood
concentrations of cyclosporine, midazolam,
digoxin, tacrolimus, amitriptyline, indinavir,
warfarin, phenprocoumon and theophylline.
• Cases have been reported where decreased
cyclosporine concentrations led to organ
rejection.
• Hypericum also led to bleeding when used with
anticoagulents
• Unplanned pregnancies when used along with
contraceptives.
 Study of kava-kava and their possible
side effects
Hard drugs………

B.S: Extract of dried roots of Piper

methysticum, Piperaceae.
Active constituents:
kavalactones including kavain, dihydrokavain,
methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin
 kava
• Uses: remedy for sleeplessness, to reduce
anxiety and used in menopausal symptoms.
• Various commercial preparations of kava-
kava, such as capsules, tinctures and fluid
extracts, have been available in Europe and
the USA.
• Kava beverage has a long history of
consumption in the South Pacific and has an
important role in traditional community
ceremonies.
 kava
• In recent times, it has become more widely
consumed as a recreational beverage in both
the South Pacific islander community as well
as in the wider international community.
• Within these communities, kava is considered
to be a safe and enjoyable beverage, based on
a long tradition of use and little evidence of
harm.
 Side effects of kava-kava
• High levels of consumption of kava beverage
can result in scaly skin rash, weight loss,
nausea, loss of appetite and indigestion. But
reversible upon cessation of kava use.
• Other possible effects include sore red eyes,
laziness, loss of libido (sex drive/desire) and
general poor health.
Traditional preparation vs standardized
extracts
• High doses of kava lactones have been reported
to cause hepatotoxicity.
• Lactones are usually metabolised in the liver by
the CYPs and the serum by lactone hydrolases as
dose of kava lactones in standardised extracts is
over 30 times that found in the traditional
aqueous extract, the enzymatic detoxification
pathways are likely to become saturated, leading
to hepato toxic effects.
 Kava-kava interactions (p’dynamics)
• Alcohol: Combined use of alcohol and kava
extract can have additive sedative effects.
Regarding cognitive function, kava has been
shown to have additive cognitive impairments
while taken with alcohol when compared to
taking placebo and alcohol alone.
• Anxiolytics: Kava may have potential additive
CNS depressant effects like sedation and
anxiolytic effects when taken along with CNS
depressants [benzodiazepines and barbiturates]-
Increases drug effect and induce semi comatose
state.
 Kava-kava interactions (p’dynamics)
• Dopamine agonist- levodopa: One of levodopa’s
chronic side effects that Parkinson’s patients
experience is the "on-off phenomenon" of motor
fluctuations where there will be periods of
oscillations between "on" where the patient
experiences symptomatic relief and "off" where
the therapeutic effect wears off early. When
taking levodopa and kava together, it has been
shown that there is an increased frequency of
“off-period". Decreases drug effect.
Study of ginkobiloba and their possible
side effects
• Synonyms: Maiden hair tree, kew tree.
• B.S: Dried leaves of Ginkgo biloba.
Ginkgoaceae.

Oldest living tree. Living fossil.

Active constituents: ginkgolides (3.1%),

bilobalide (2.9%), flavonoids (24%)
 Ginkgo - uses
• Traditionally for asthma.
• Tinnitus, dizziness, emotional depression.
• In Alzheimer’s disease because of
improvement of cognition and
neuromodulatory effects.
• In treatment of many metabolic and vascular
disorders.
 Ginkgo - interactions
• Ginkgo should be used with caution when
combined with other herbs known to increase
bleeding (e.g. garlic, ginseng, ginger).
• Warfarin, ibuprofen and aspirin (antiplatelet
action) is used as anticoagulant. Ginkgo also
slow blood clotting. Taking ginkgo along with
these drugs might increase the chances of
bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your
blood checked regularly. The dose of your
drug might need to be changed
 Ginkgo - interactions
• Taking ginkgo along with St. John's wort, other
herbs and fluoxetine might cause you to feel
irritated, nervous, jittery, and excited. This is
called hypomania. It's not known if this is a
concern when just ginkgo is taken with
fluoxetine.
 Ginkgo - interactions
• Some medications are changed and broken
down by the liver. Ginkgo might increase how
quickly the liver breaks down some
medications. Taking ginkgo with these
medications might decrease drug effects.
Examples: amitriptyline, diazepam,
lansoprazole, omeprazole, phenytoin.
 Study of ginseng and their possible
side effects
Synonyms: Panax, ninjin, pannag

B.S: dried roots of various species of Panax

belonging to family Araliaceae.

Active constiuents: saponin glycosides having

protopanaxadiol and protopanaxatriol as
aglycone part.
 Ginseng - uses
• Adaptogen and restorative tonic

• Used in fatigue, liver diseases.

• Infertility, menopause, erectile dysfunction

• As adjuvant in cold and flu.

 Ginseng - interactions
• Avoid using ginseng together with other
herbal/health supplements that can lower
blood sugar, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum etc.
• Avoid use of ginseng with
immunosuppressants such as azathioprine,
cyclosporine, tacrolimus, prednisone other
glucocorticoids.
 Ginseng - interactions
• Ginseng reduces the blood concentration of
alcohol and warfarin.
• Induced mania when used concomitantly with
phenelzine.
• But ginseng increased the efficacy of influenza
vaccine.
Nutraceuticals
 Nutraceuticals(definition)
Term coined by Dr Stephen in 1989
“Nutrition” + “Pharmaceutical”- a food or
food product provides health and therapeutic
benefits including prevention and treatment.
In short – it is defined as food stuff that
provides health benefits.
These are non-specific biological therapies
which promotes wellness, prevent
malignancy and control symptoms.
 General aspects
• They are not subjected to the same testing
and regulations as pharmaceuticals.

• As per the Food Safety Standard Act,2006

Nutraceuticals are part of food and should
not be considered as form of pharmaceuticals
or drug formulation.
 Why nutraceuticals ? General aspects
• Awareness that prevention is better than cure.
• People especially of younger generation are
becoming progressively more health
conscious.
• Gradual shift towards natural ingredients.
• Unnourished population.
• Malnutrition due to Increased work stress,
busy schedule.
 Why nutraceuticals ? General aspects
• High cost of health care with the expensive
disease-treatment approach.
• Chronic diseases without effective medicines.
So there is great demand of alternative
beneficial products like dietary supplement,
functional food and nutraceuticals by people
as well as researchers to explore therapeutic
values.
 Why nutraceuticals ? General aspects
• Globally, Nutraceuticals market is going to
experience huge growth in the next years. Key
developed & health-conscious nations are
primarily driving this.

• Alongside, disposable income of general

population is also increasing exponentially in
many developing nations including India.
 Market Scenario of Nutraceuticals
• Globally, US and Japan are the most
developed markets.
• India, China and Brazil are developing nations
which show huge potential for the
nutraceuticals market.
• India and China have emerged as a key
sourcing destination for natural ingredients.
• The global market is around USD 250 B in
2018.
 Market Scenario of Nutraceuticals
• Nutraceutical foods were the largest market
segment in 2007 worth USD 39.9 B.
• And increased to approx. USD 56.7 B in 2013.
• Nutraceuticals supplements have second highest
market share, generating USD 39 B in 2007.
• And increased to approx. USD 48.8 B in 2013.
• N- beverages fastest growing segment and
increased exceptionally in 2013 (38.4B IN 2007
and 71.3B in 2013)
BOOM IN NUTRACEUTICALS
• 1999…………..38B
• 2002……………47B

• 2010……………140B
• 2014…………….172B

• EXPECTED
• 2019……………..MORE THAN 250B
Cause of huge rise in Indian market
• By 2020, the world will have 1 billion populations
of 60+ ages. 70% of this population live in
developed nations & balance 30% in developing
nations. …….(WHY?)…..higher avg. life span

• Nutraceutical demand will grow at a steady rate

in developed nations. Developing nations with
their progressive disposable income will see a
sudden surge in growth in the upcoming years.
Cause of huge rise in Indian market

• The Indian Nutraceuticals market is expected

to grow from $ 4 Bn in 2015 to $ 10 Bn in
2022. This represents a huge growth of 21%
growth annually.
• Entry of Patanjali in Ayurvedic products
market has further fueled the growth in the
recent years.
Big players of US
European - players

Bayer

Unilever
Dragon of China
Indian – tigers
 Growth of nutraceuticals in India
• Transformation in food habits, less physical
work, more of desk jobs have made Indians
more vulnerable to lifestyle ailments.

• The average urban & semi-urban Indian is

becoming more conscious about health &
fitness. This is providing a massive growth
opportunity for Nutraceuticals in India.
 Growth of nutraceuticals in India
• The entire category of Nutraceuticals is
divided into Functional Foods, Functional
Beverages & Dietary Supplements.

• Functional Food & Beverages account for

around 35% of the market in India and will
experience higher growth in India in the next
few years to come
 Classification of nutraceuticals
Functional foods:
• Omega fatty acid fortified food
• Probiotic fortified food
• Branded iodinated salt
• Branded wheat flour
Functional beverages:
• Energy drinks
• Sports drinks
• Fortified drinks
 Classification of nutraceuticals
Dietary supplements:
• Vitamins and minerals
• Herbal supplements
• Protein supplements
• Chavanprash
 Detail study of market regarding
nutraceuticals, specifically in India

• Growing children needs Functional food

and beverage supplement to be able to
perform well in academics and extra-
curricular well
• Younger Age-groups 15-25 & 25-35 are
stronger targets either due to active
lifestyle or specific needs
 Detail study of market regarding
nutraceuticals, specifically in India

• Pregnant and lactating mothers need to

supplement their nutrition need
• Ages 60+ group are specifically vulnerable
to Diabetes, Bone related diseases and other
ailments and needs special preventive
protection through Nutraceuticals.
 Types of products of nutraceuticals
available in the market
1. Cognitive health
2. Anti-aging
3. Bone and joint health
4. Teeth health
5. Muscle development
6. Cardiovascular diseases
7. Blood pressure control
 Types of products of nutraceuticals
available in the market

8. Cholesterol control
9. Weight control
10. Restorative products
11. Immnomodulators
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of diabetes
• Diabetes mellitus – oldest disorder to mankind

• Diabetes mellitus – abnormal high level of blood

glucose.

• In spite of scientific advances allopathic medicines –

no permanent cure is there

• Allopathic medicines only cause hypoglycaemia – not

curative in nature.

• Available Hypoglycaemic are not able to prevent Co

morbidities.
 Nutraceutical supplements
Nutraceutics Action
L-carnitine Promotion of insulin sensitivity and
hypolipidemic actions

α-Lipoic acid Treatment of diabetic neuropathy and

degenerative neuronal disease

Berberine Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic actions

ω-3 Anti-arrhythmic effect and decrease of

triglycerides
 Source of L-carnitine
• Carnitine - Mainly animal products.
• Red meat has the highest levels. A 4-ounce beef
steak has an estimated 56 mg to 162 mg of
carnitine.
• Carnitine is also found in smaller amounts in
chicken, milk and dairy products, fish, beans, and
avocado.
• Vegans tend to get less carnitine from foods, but
their bodies usually produce enough anyway.
 Source of alpha-Lipoic acid
• Yeast, liver, kidney, spinach, broccoli, and
potatoes are good sources of alpha-lipoic acid.
It is also made in the laboratory for use as
medicine.
Source of Berberine
• Tinospora cordifolia
• Berberis aristata
 Source of omega-3
• Fishes and marine products.
• Walnut
• Soyabean (roasted)
• Flaxseeds
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) ranks among the
most common health-related and economic
issues worldwide.
• Dietary factors are important contributors to
cardiovascular risk, either directly, or through
their effects on other cardiovascular risk
factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia
and diabetes mellitus.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
• Several foods and dietary supplements have
been shown to protect against the
development of CVD.
• Nutraceuticals in the form of dietary fibres,
anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins
and minerals – recommended along with
physical exercise for prvention and treatment
of CVD.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
Polyphenols: (flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes
and lignans) Phytochemicals with widespread
distribution in foods of plant origin are hypothesized to
impart health benefits.
• Found in fruits, vegetables, cereal and legumes, tea,
coffee, wine, cocoa,grapes and grape derivatives, cocoa
and tea are of interest in the prevention of CVD.
• Resveratrol - the most extensively studied grape-
derived stilbene contained mainly in grapes.
• However, resveratrol is common to a variety of
species including cranberries, blueberries, peanuts,
and Japanese knotweed.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
• Flavonoids : block ACE ( angotensin-
converting enzyme) that raises BP.
• Block suicide enzyme cyclooxygenase that
breaks down PGs – thus prevent platelet
aggregation.
• Also protect and strengthen capillaries.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
Spirulina - blue-green microalga
(Cyanobacterium).
Rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals,
carotenoids, and phycocyanins and has a very
long history of use as a human foodstuff with
no apparent concerns over safety
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
Sterols/stanols: (phytosterols) –
• Identified in a range of plant products including
various fruits and vegetables, cereals, seeds and
nuts.
• Their biological activity results from their
molecular structural similarity to cholesterol.
• Compete with dietary cholesterol by blocking
the uptake as well facilitating excretion from
body.
Eg. Buckwheat
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of CVS diseases
• Milk, fish and eggs are important animal
sources of nutraceuticals (protiens and EFAs) –
help in reducing BP, bad cholesterol (TG, LDL,
VLDL) and clots.
• Nutritional value of egg is due to GLA
(gamma-linolenic acid).
• Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of cancer
• Current cancer treatments, such as
chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, induce
unintended side effects
• Emerging studies suggest that some plant-based
agents may impact cellular and molecular
processes underlying tumor progression.
• However, some of these molecules might also
play an antagonistic activity against classic
therapeutic agents.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of cancer
• Healthy lifestyle and diet – prevent
malignancies
• People who consumes high amount of lutien-
rich foods like chicken, eggs, spinach,
tomatoes, oranges, broccoli and leafy veg.
experience lowest incidence of colon cancer.
• Phyto-estrogens (hormonal activity) –
recommended for prevention of
prostate/breast cancer.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of cancer
• Citrus flavonoids – act as anti-oxidants and
prevent malignancies.
• Lycopene (tomatoes, carrot, grapes,
watermelon, guava, pink grapefruit and
papaya) – potent anti-oxidant and oxygen
quencher.
• Soya foods (dietary source of isoflavones) –
inhibit prostate cancer cell growth.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of cancer
• Tannins (blackberries, blueberries,
cranberries, grapes, lentils, tea and wine) –
detoxify carcinogens and scavenge free
radicals.
• Ellagic acid (strawberries, cranberries,
walnuts, pomegrants, red raspberry seeds) –
used in alternative medicines to prevent
cancer.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of cancer
• Pectin – soluble fibre (apple, citrus) – prevent
prostate cancer metastasis by inhibiting the
cancer cells adhering to other body cells.
• Curcumin, brassica crops are powerful
inducers of liver cytochromes thus lower risks
of pulmonary and colorectal cancers.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic
functional disorder of the gastrointestinal
tract and is one of the most commonly
diagnosed gastrointestinal diseases.

The pathophysiology of IBS is complex and

treatments are often symptom-specific.

The most common therapeutic approaches for

IBS include education and reassurance,
lifestyles (especially nutrition-based
interventions)
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of IBS
Peripherally acting medications (which
typically target motility)
Centrally acting medications (which target
visceral hypersensitivity and pain)
Psychological interventions (which aim to
reduce the effects of stress or symptom-
specific anxiety).
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of IBS
A beneficial dietary approach might include
the following measures:
• a diet low in fermentable saccharides and
polyols, limitation or exclusion of gas-
producing foods and/or lactose and gluten
and fiber supplementation in selected cases.
• New therapeutic agents, namely nutraceutics,
are also an interesting option in the
management of IBS patients.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of IBS
Prebiotics
• non-digestible food ingredients
• Promotes the growth/activity of bacteria in
GIT.
• Soybeans, inulin sources, raw oats, unrefined
wheat, barley and yacon.
• Some of oligosaccharides (breast milk)-
increased immunity in infants towards IBS.
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of IBS
Probiotics
• Live microorganisms in adequate amounts
confer health benefits on the host.
• LAB and bifidobacteria
• Certain yeasts and bacilli
• Consumed as part of fermented foods with
specially added active live cultures (yogurt,
soy yogurt and dietary supplements)
Role of nutraceuticals in the treatment
of IBS
• CASPEROME is a purified extract rich in
triterpenoid acids from the gum resin
of Boswellia serrata.
• Supplementation with a lecithin-based
delivery form of Boswellia serrata extract
(Casperome) controls symptoms of mild
Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
 Nutraceuticals for other gastro-
intestinal diseases
• Psyllium, a dietary fibre, valuable in
management of IBS, inflammatory bowel,
ulcerative colitis, colon cancer and
constipation.
• Moringa oleifera have high nutritional value
and various parts of plant are used as anti-
inflammatory, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective,
antibacterial and anti-spasmodic.
 Nutraceuticals for other gastro-
intestinal diseases
• C. annuum – carminative, appetizer,
stomachic.
• Carum carvi, Z. officinale, Trigonella foenum
graecum – carminative, digestive, food
supplement, promote milk secretion.
• G. glabra – antispasmodic.
• E. officinalis – in Diarrhea, laxative.
• Momordica charantia, Daucus carota –
stomachic, carminative
 Alfalfa as health food

• Alfalfa - Medicago sativa

• Flowering perennial plant resembling clover, but a
member of the legume family.
• Propagated by honey bees.
• (Best fodder)
• Humans love alfalfa too!
• a super food, alfalfa appears most grocery stores,
especially health food stores.
• Alfalfa is eaten only as the sprout form, not the
entire plant.
Alfalfa sprout
 Alfalfa as health food
• Alfalfa - extensively used as animal feed, due to
its fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins, chlorophylls,
and carotenoid content.
• Be a good source of phenolic compounds such as
quercetin, kaempferol and phytoestrogens.
• The therapeutic benefits are due to phenolic
compounds.
• Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects are
also attributed to antioxidant action of flavonoids
and other phenolic compounds
 Alfalfa as health food
• Alfalfa leaf extract enriched with vitamin C can
be used as a dietary supplement for
malnutrition, ischemic disease, and different
disorders of the digestive tract.
• It also strengthens and enhances immunity.
• Raw material to manufacture products for
human consumption
 Chicory as health food
• Chicory (Cichorium intybus) a typical vegetable
indigenous to Europe and North and Western
America, has gained attention for its content of
phytochemicals with potential nutraceutical
effects, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and
anthocyanins.
• Red chicory have high content of anthocyanin
pigments which adds to beneficial health or
nutraceutical effects (visual capacity, brain
cognitive function, obesity, cardiovascular risk,
and cancer prevention)
 Chicory as health food
• Chicory is also known as blue sailor's succory,
coffeeweed, sugarloaf, wild succory, and witloof.
• Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
• The leaves of young plants are used as pot herbs.
• Leaves of older plants, when blanched, are used
like celery.
• Chicory roots are boiled and eaten with butter.
• Roasted roots are ground and brewed to add a
bitter, mellow taste to coffee and tea or used as a
substitute for coffee.
 Chicory as health food
• In Indian texts, whole plant chicory is used as a
heart, digestive, stomach, and liver tonic, as well
as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Use of chicory for stomach problems and as an
appetite stimulant is recognized by the German
Commission E.
• Chicory-derived inulin (a naturally occurring
polysaccharide) has been investigated for its
potential as a prebiotic and laxative; efficacy of
chicory extract has been studied in osteoarthritis.
 Chicory as health food
• Typical doses of the herb in traditional use
were 3 to 5 g/day.
Side Effects
• Skin reactions, occupational allergy, asthma,
and severe, whole-body allergic reaction have
been reported.
 Ginger as health food

• Ginger has been widely used since ancient

times for its digestive effects.
• Maintain healthy gut flora, aid in digestion,
and soothe the digestive tract.
• Modern scientific research has also
demonstrated that ginger can help promote
cardiovascular, metabolic, and joint health and
provides relief from occasional motion
sickness.
 Ginger as health food non-genetically modified

• The active compounds in ginger are gingerols, shogaols, zingerone,

and volatile oils.
Commercial preparation
• Ginger ALL - Rich source of ginger’s polyphenols in a composition
that’s closest to that found naturally.
• supercritical CO2 extraction technology to concentrate the active
compounds from ginger without the use of harsh solvents and little
environmental impact.

• Ginger ALL high-potency ginger contains 30% bioactives and a

minimum of 25% gingerols in a single, concentrated soft gel.
• One Carlson Ginger ALL 80 mg soft gel provides a similar dose as
two capsules of ginger root powder. Ginger ALL is non-GMO and
allergen-free.
 Ginger as health food
• Adrak pak (ayurveda preparation)
• Cough lozenges, syrups
• Green tea
• The well known and commercially available
products of ginger are powdered, pickled,
candied, crystallized, preserved ginger and
ginger essential oils/ oleoresin.
 Ginger as health food
• The harvesting of ginger also depends upon its
final use. Mostly, for the fresh consumption
ginger rhizome is harvested after 5 months at
immature stage.

• If the ultimate objective is to prepare powder,

extract and essential oil from the rhizome then it
is harvested at fully mature stage at the age of 8-
9 months for the application in food and
pharmaceutical products.
 Ginger as health food
• The pink colored common product of ginger is
pickle of ginger in vinegar.
• Crystallized ginger is cooked in sugar syrup
and coated with granulated sugar.
• Ginger is also a good source of different
nutraceutical components that’s why now a
day’s ginger extract and essential oil is gaining
much fame in nutraceutical food products and
pharmaceutical industry
 Garlic as health food

• The Soviet army relied heavily on garlic

during World Wars I, and II where it earned
the name “Russian penicillin.”
• During the great Plague epidemic, some
herbalists avoided the deadly disease by
eating large amounts of garlic and wearing
garlic strands around their necks.
 Garlic as health food
• Garlic and its preparations have been widely
recognized as agents for prevention and
treatment of cardiovascular and other
metabolic diseases, atherosclerosis,
hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, hypertension and
diabetes
 Future-WHAT NEXT ON GARLIC?
• Effectiveness in controlling other dreadful
diseases such as HIV-infection and hepatitis.
• Benefits rendered against cardiovascular
problems and carcinoma
• Since alliinase is the key enzyme causing
oxidation of alliin to release alliin sulfoxides, the
stability of this enzyme during processing is
essential for garlic products for their commercial
reality.
• The upsurge of research in the area of
biotechnology with protocols already developed
for genetic transformation of garlic.
 Fenugreek as health food
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a
legume and it has been used as a spice
throughout the world to enhance the sensory
quality of foods.
• It is known for its medicinal qualities such as
antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic,
hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, and
immunological activities.
• Beside its medicinal value, it is also used as a part
of various food product developments as food
stabilizer, adhesive, and emulsifying agent.
 Fenugreek preparations
• Seeds -Bread
• Fenugreek seeds, leaves - Biscuits
• Seeds Extruded product
• Fenugreek gum Extruded products
• Seed, leaves - Culinary use (color, flavor,
aroma)
• Leaves and seeds Spice and seasoning
 Fenugreek preparations
• Seeds, leaves - Organoleptic character improver
• Seed Maple syrup and artificial flavoring
• Seed (Mixed with flour for bread, yellow dye)
food,
• Seed Dietary fiber, galactomannan
• Seed Curries, condiments, pickles, chutneys as a
flavoring
• Seed Food stabilizer, adhesive and emulsifying
agent
Fenugreek preparations
 Honey, ginseng, amla, ashwagandha
• Biological source and nutraceutical uses (min.
2 uses)
• Marketed preparations.
 Herbal cosmeceuticals
• Preparations consisting herbal
ingredients/phytochemicals to serves as
cosmetics for the care of body and its parts by
providing essential nutrients for biological
functions.
• It is combination of cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals available as OTC products.
• Herbal cosmeceuticals industry is driving growth
in “Beauty business” in India (annual growth rate
7%)
 Herbal cosmeceuticals
• As compared to synthetic cosmetics, herbal
products are mild, biodegradable and less toxic.
• Nutricosmetics: Emerging type of health and
beauty aids that impart benefits of nutraceutical
ingredients with elegance, good feel and delivery
systems of cosmetics.
• Composed of herbs and spices which maintain
and enhance human beauty.
• Examples: sunscreen, anti-aging, moisturising,
anti-oxidant, anti-cellulite and anti-microbials
 Herbal cosmeceuticals
• Neurocosmetics: Influence neurons present
in skin and alleviate mood along with anti-
aging and anti wrinkle effects.
• Research is in progress to enhance these
properties – NDDS (liposomes, phytosomes,
transfersomes, nano-emolsions,
nanoparticles, microemulsions, nanocrystals
and cubosomes) and amino acids like Tyrosine
derivatives (anti-aging)
Classification of herbal cosmeceuticals
Skin
Cream, Lip balm, Powder, lotion, Sunscreen and
Sunburn products, Face pack, Deodorant and
Antiperspirants, Bath preparation
Hair
Shampoo, Hair oil/tonic/colorants
Oral
Dentifrices
Classification of herbal cosmeceuticals
Shaving
Shaving preparation, After shave
Lip
Lipsticks, Lip gloss, Lip liner
Eye
Shadow, Brow pencils, Liner, Mascara
Nail
Lacquer, Remover
 Refer to hard copy …..for

• sources and description of raw materials of

herbal origin used via, fixed oils, waxes, gums,
colors, perfumes, protective agents, bleaching
agents, antioxidants in products such as skin
care, hair care, oral hygiene products
 UNIT 4
BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURE
BASIC STEPS OF ORGANIC FARMING
TECHNIQUES OF ORGANIC FARMING
1. ZERO CULTIVATION/NO TILL FARMING
CROP ROTATION
INTEGRATED WEED MANAGEMENT
Growing the right crop on the
 Both the protein and its genetic material are regulated
by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the plant
itself is not regulated.

 The production of transgenic plants that express

insecticidal delta endotoxins derived from the soil
bacterium. Bacillus thuringiensis was first
commercialized in US in 1996
 Eg plant growth regulators, substance that repel or attract pests, such as pheromones
 Neem tops the list of 2400 plant species that have pesticidal properties and is regarded as
the most reliable source of eco-friendly biopesticidal property
 Neem products are effective against more than 350 species of anthropods, 12 species of
nematodes, 15 species of fungi3 viruses and 2 snails
 Neem seed kernel extract was found most effective in reducing the larval population of
Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea and pod damage
PHEROMONES: These are chemicals emitted by living organisms used to
send messages to animals usually of the opposite sex of the same species
Regulatory Affairs