The Hindu Business Line : CII meet on ayurveda research in Kochi

THE Confederation of Indian Industry, Kerala, in association with the Kerala Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd (KAPL), is organising an intellectual conclave on `Ayurvedic Research Methodology' here on Sunday.

The conclave will focus on contemporary trends in ayurvedic formulations; herbal medicines versus ayurvedic medicines; single drugs versus formulations, nutraceuticals and ayurveda; applicability of modern pharmacological research methodology to ayurvedic medicines.

Addressing a press conference here, Dr K. Anil Kumar, Convenor, Healthcare Panel, CII, said that ayurveda, the world's most eco-friendly system of medicine, is recognised as a holistic system of curative and preventive medicine, focussing on the prevention of disease through a deeper connection between the mind and the body.

The curative art of ayurveda passed down from time immemorial through sages and scholars to their disciples is today recognised by the WHO as an alternative system of medicine. To meet the increasing demand around the world and to ensure sustainability of authentic ayurveda, it is imperative to constantly upgrade research on formulations and trials for various criteria and effectiveness.

He pointed out that the world demand for herbal products is growing at the rate of 10-15 per annum with China emerging as the major exporter in the traditional market.

The global market size of herbal medicines is estimated at $62 billion whereas India's size is $814 million comprising both ayurveda and siddha products. India can also play a major role in the global herbal market if sustained efforts are made in this direction, he said. Referring to Kerala, Dr Kumar said the market size of ayurvedic medicines in the State is only a meagre Rs 200 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shivdas B. Menon, Past Chaiman, CII-Kerala, said that the intellectual conclave would begin with a lead paper followed by a discussion of eminent panellists from various disciplines. It would also develop a framework for research methodology in scientific ayurvedic formulations.

The inaugural session of the conclave includes the Vaidyan KGK Panicker Memorial lecture by Dr Narendra S. Bhatt, General Secretary, Ayurvedic Drug Manufacturers Association, Mumbai.

The valedictory function also features the KAPL merit award for the outstanding student from ayurveda colleges of Kerala, he said.

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