From the times immemorial, human being is using herbs (other than those such as foods, vegetables and fruits) for protecting health or treating diseases. Much before the evolution of Ayurveda, Indians used the herbs for their therapeutic values. Centuries of research work could enlighten the medical researchers towards devising, various processing methodologies and convert them into convenient dosage forms.

From the study of the available literature it appears that the scientific work on formulating therapeutic dosage forms from herbs must have started somewhere around the time of Charak Samhita (Approx. 1500 BC). Similarly the endeavours to design the herbo-mineral/metallic formulations (Rasoushadhis) must have started somewhere around 1000 BC as an innovative concept of providing maximum benefits in minimum possible dosage. Pharmaceutical procedures, as simple as preparing an infusion or decoction and as complicated as converting a liquid metal into a solidified form or manufacturing herbo-metallic compounds by sublimation, distillation processes were all developed by the creative scientists upto 16th century AD. The list of classical Ayurvedic formulations comprises of more than 10,000 products and includes remedial measures for the diseases of almost all the systems.

The indefatigable efforts of medical and para-medical researchers have undoubtedly revolutionised the process of evolution in designing newer dosage forms in last 50 years or so, complemented by the scientific advances in the field physics, chemistry, engineering and bio-technology.

In Ayurvrda phamacognosy has great importance. The ancient books recommend, the type of plants to be used & the locations from where these should be procured. Ayurveda also states the parts of plants that should be used and its methodology. In modern times also it is recognized that no two similar plants from two different locations can have same phytochemistry. Korean red ginseng is the fine example of the routinely used medicinal plant in the modern medicine. Selection of right herb is therefore very important while formulating an Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurveda has also prescribed the method of manufacturing. Ayurveda prescribes methods for purification of various herbs. This practice is followed to eliminate the ill effects of unwanted components from the herbs. Just a physical washing with water does not purify the plant or the herbs; it may just clean it from the dust and the dirt attached to it. The plant or the herb needs to be treated in a particular fashion to devoid it from the undesired components. Only when the manufacturer follows these specific methods, one can expect right kind of formulation.

Various methods of extractions have been well documented in the ancient literature. Generally the extracts used in Ayurvedic medicines are aqueous extracts. The modern methods of extractions can be based on extractions with the help of alcohol. Many of he formulations in Ayurveda are based upon extracts; therefore method of extraction assumes greater importance in Ayurvedic formulations.

Usually Ayurvedic formulations have multiple ingredients. These are generally essential, because, in Ayurveda, all the ingredients provided in the formulations have specific actions and in the combinations its not just one or two active ingredients, but the formulation in totality is considered active. Some of the ingredients in the formulation need special treatment, Bhavana, and this again is a special technique, that makes the formulation effective.

The instrumentation and modern pharmaceutics has contributed for advancement of the Ayurvedic medicines. Standardization of the extracts has been possible due to the modern technology. Markers have been developed and the chromatographs have become an important tool for the manufacturer to provide consistency in the formulations, batch after batch. Modern QC techniques are of great help to ensure QA.

The principles of pharmaceutics help in developing better product. Be it a tablet or a capsule or a liquid oral formulation. Friability, disintegration time have a role to play when the shift from age-old method of manufacturing to the modern method takes place. Oral liquids become more palatable to ensure the patient compliance. Local applications are more acceptable and are of aesthetic value. The packaging has not only added the cosmetic elegance, but has also enhanced the product life and quality.

Unfortunately there is no specific treatment in the modern medicine for the cure of certain disease conditions. For example there is no formulation that can cure Jaundice in the modern medicine, however Ayurveda has specific formulations that can treat this dreaded condition. Ayurveda has formulations that can take care of diabetes. Cardioprotectives from Ayurveda are well documented. Ayurveda has well established and accepted rejunavators, vitalisers and anti ageing drugs just to name the few. Ayurveda thus in this modern times is a new hope for the better quality of life, in this mad world.

Click here for our Herbal Product List