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922
Review Article
Murade et al. WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL
World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research
AND MEDICAL RESEARCH ISSN 2455-3301
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SCIENTIFIC GLOBALIZATION OF AYURVEDA IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR

*1Dr. Murade Sarita and 2Joshi Nitesh

1
PG Scholar, 2Guide & Asso. Professor,
Department of Swasthvritta and Yoga, Sumatibhai Shah Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Malwadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune
India-411028.

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Murade Sarita

Department of Swasthvritta and Yoga, Sumatibhai Shah Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Malwadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune India 411028.

Article Received on 01/12/2022 Article Revised on 21/12/2022 Article Accepted on 11/01/2023

ABSTARCT
Since last one and half year Ayurveda has gained limelight never before. The pressure of pandemic has led to a big
growth in the demand not only for Ayurveda medicines but for Ayurveda based nutrition and wellness food,
ayurvedic preventive healthcare products also. As customers are getting proactive about health there is increase in
tendencies like self-medication, unnecessary prolonged medication, using same medicine based on anecdotal
information without physicians‟ opinion. Mass media, availability of herbal products in food store and super
markets, medicines are made available without prescription. Lack of awareness about Ayurveda medicines too have
some side effects this and many concerns like this we are lagging behind in effective monitoring of safety, toxicity
and side effects of herbal products. According to WHO about 60% of the world‟s population relies on herbal
medicine and about 80% of the population in developing countries depends almost totally on it for their primary
health care needs. The herbal industry shares about US$100 billion with decent growth potential worldwide. There
is increasing demand due to popularity and acceptability of herbal medicine considering as a scope for upgradation
of herbal medicine. Intensifying the scientific evaluation of herbal drug through clinical validation and coming
forward as researcher instead sticking to the academics and practices only is necessary. The research has
enlightened the points which can be helpful for seeking upgradation in Ayurveda.

KEYWORDS: Herbal Medicines, Challenges, Herbal farming, Globalization.

INTRODUCTION individual. Use of single drug or relatively sufficient less

drug combinations are neglected which may cause
Ayurveda is the ancient medicine system of India.
increase in the overall cost of the treatment. Various
Ayurveda aims to maintaining health of healthy ones and
treatment modulation such as Panchakarma therapy,
curing the disease of ill.[1] It has potential to cure disease
Yoga, Naturopathy can be use equally with the main
from its root yet it has some limitations too. Although
course of the treatment. This will boost the speed of
there is gradual increase in the research work in field of
treatment and will help to reduce prolonged consumption
Ayurveda it is not enough to match the growing demand
of medicine.
of the herbal industry. Many graduate and postgraduate
either turn towards academics or to the practice, very few
To attain this upgradation there is equal need to preserve
choose to be a researcher in Ayurveda. Many
and promote the system of Ayurveda as it is most
experienced practitioners never came forward for various
comprehensive, personalized; holistic and sustainable
findings they have observe during their practice which
health system based on sound philosophical and
can be beneficial not only for new practitioners but also
scientific principle. Ayurveda is globally acclaimed for
for the upgradation of Ayurveda as a life science. We
its preventive healthcare properties and treatment of
have attained growth as pharma industry like large
many chronic lifestyle disorders. During 1980s, India
number of ready to use formulations of various tablets,
was the largest supplier of medicinal plants to the
Churn Kalpana, Kwath combinations, Asav-Arista,
European Economic community.[2] According to Indian
Ghruta, Tail, Bhasma etc., stated in Ayurvedic Samhita
Pharmaceuticals Industry Report (May, 2021)- India is
Granthas are available for prescriptions. In one way this
the largest provider of generic drugs globally. Indian
is success of our science in another way it hampering the
pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global
individualized approach of Ayurveda. These ready to use
demand for various vaccines, 40% of generic demand in
products are causing lethargy in practitioners to read and
the US and 25% of all the medicine in UK. Globally,
use other combinations stated in Samhitas and thereby
India ranks 3rd in the terms of pharmaceutical production
causing reduced quality of treatment to the very

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Murade et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

by volume and 14th by value.[3] Taking this as an Civilization has evolved, and disease patterns have
advantage this is duty of every Ayurveda enthusiastic to changed. Modern lifestyles, environmental change,
assure the scientific globalization of the herbal medicine. exposure to modern technology/chemicals, behavior/
Pandemic have done half work that Ayurveda have get mental changes, longer lifespan, and new microbial
enough attention worldwide. Rest work is to be done by infections have changed the spectrum of disease and
Ayurvedians by proving every herbal product means not deformity. Further conditions are evolving, and the
Ayurveda, it is a science itself. Also assuring the quality complexity of diseases is getting more severe. Even
of drug delivery should mate as many as scientific norms modern medicine struggles to keep pace with this
without damaging the holistic principles of Ayurveda. constant change despite having a very organized,
Scientific delivery of Ayurveda to the world is need of an dynamic, and continuous research system. Only the thirst
hour as many people relies on herbal medicine for for knowledge and through intensified research,
nutrition, health care, looking it as rejuvenating science, Ayurveda can stand strong for upcoming challenges.
prevention of disease, for cosmetics purpose and so on.
2. Coming Forward as a Researcher
Numerous drugs have entered the international market After completion of academic education many Vaidya
through exploration of ethnopharmacology and turns either towards practice or to the academic rather
traditional medicine.[4] Traditional Indian medicine and being researcher. Many drop the idea due to absence of
Chinese medicine carry many generations observations good research infrastructures and financial support to the
that have well organized and documented data. China has researchers. Less availability of jobs, low payments,
successfully prompted its own therapies and drugs like failure in earning good Ayurveda practices forces the
ginseng, ma Huang and ginko with scientific evidences practitioners to practice medicine clandestinely or even
acceptable for the global community. But unlike China working in the modern private hospital where they
„Herbal Revolution‟ by India just waiting to happen. employed as cheap workers.
According to WHO 2002, about 4 billion of people of the
world population used herbal medicine and about 80% of 3. Exchange of Knowledge
the Asian and African countries for their primary health Elder Ayurveda practitioners may have come to know
care.[5] A survey of National Medicinal Plant Board in many newer findings, observation, new effective drug
collaboration with ICFRE, Dehradun was conducted to combinations during their clinical practices. Due to lack
assess the current demand and supply scenario of of communication or due to improper documentation of
medicinal plants estimated that- 1) commercial demand these findings; there remains a knowledge gap between
of herbal raw drugs for the year 2014-15 has been Vaidyas of different generations. Bridging this
5,12000 MT 2) herbal raw drug export including extracts knowledge gap can be lifesaving as well as can upgrade
has been 1,34,000 MT 3) consumption by domestic the Ayurveda as a science.
herbal industry has been 1,95000 MT 4) Herbal raw drug
used by rural households every year was 1,67,000. About 4. Identifying the Strength and Weakness
1178 medicinal plant species recorded in the practice of Identifying the graceful area and promoting it for further
trade. Out of which 242 plant species are used in annual development as like Ayurveda medicines have proven
quantities of more than 100 MT. Above numbers are just effects on chronic diseases and many lifestyles‟ disorders
stating that India can be a global leader in the herbal effectively. Working equally on the weakened areas is
medicine category by scientific upgradation of traditional important too, like generating new modulations or
Indian medicine system. Here in this paper efforts have therapies for emergency treatment through Ayurvedic
made to put some light on opportunities that lagging medicines.
behind for the scientific upgradation of Ayurveda.
5. Validation of Basic Principles
MATERIAL AND METHOD Intensified research work needed to prove and to make
people believe that Ayurvedic basic principles have
Information from various scientific journals, research
definite scientific value; thereby it will be possible to
papers, internet media related to herbal medicine and its
promote Ayurveda as a life science.
status in global market were reviewed. Various research
articles suggesting lacunae in the development of
6. Acceptance of Ayurveda Medicines and Principles
Ayurveda and opportunities for the new researcher to
as Personalized Medicine System
filled this lacuna with the intensified research work in the
Ayurveda is based on the individualized approach while
field of Ayurveda for its sound as well as scientific
treating a disease. Keeping this in mind a good
development at global level also reviewed.
practitioner should always be ready to think differently
about the condition and happy to prepare new
1. Upgradation in Samhitas and Their Understanding
formulation suitable for patient instead of prescribing
Teaching techniques in the Ayurveda institutes must
from available options from market.
include scientific views of the classical principles rather
than sticked to textual things. More books needed that
can help to develop research wings, generating interest
and give rise to newer ideas for research topics.

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Murade et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

7. Advancement in Research Methodology 11. Factors Leading to Increased Use of Herbal

Although there is increase in the research work in Medicine for Self-Medication
Ayurvedic system of medicine in past some years, yet not The increasing use of herbs for self-medication by
sufficiently evidence based to attain the acceptance at patients or individuals is also attributed to a number of
global market. Many good literary researches have done other factors, including (I) patients' discomfort in
till date but the status of clinical research is questionable. discussing their medical issues and concern over lack of
Practitioners and post-graduation scholars should come confidentiality in handling their health information, (ii)
forward for RCTs to find various solutions on classical patients' concern over potential misdiagnosis and
chronic disorders as well newly diagnosed conditions. incorrect treatment by patients with non-specific
For understanding the mechanism of Ayurveda drugs at symptoms or general malaise, and (iii) patients' lack of
molecular level techniques like radio tracer, nuclear time to see a doctor; this is typically a factor where
imaging can be used. Bioavailability studies of the priority is placed.[8]
Ayurvedic drugs is almost the neglected area in research
field. 12. Impediments to Effective Monitoring of Herbal
Drug Safety, Toxicity, and Side Effects
8. Challenges in Regulatory status of Herbal The widespread belief that herbal medications or
Medicine treatments are extremely safe and free of side effects is
As herbal medicines are used as preventive, curative, not only false but also deceptive. It has been
nutritional supplement, food and functional food, for demonstrated that a variety of unfavourable or
various types of ailments it is important to address the unpleasant reactions can be produced by herbs, some of
safety and efficacy of the herbal drug. This can be taken which can result in fatal or life-threatening diseases,
care by understanding and following the standards severe injuries, or even death. Poisoning cases have been
provided by the WHO and regulatory bodies of the recorded in the literature in large numbers and with
member countries. The FDA bears the burden to prove absolute certainty.[10]
that an herbal medicinal product or “dietary ingredient”
is toxic or not safe for use. Additional major challenge in The majority of countries do not need any safety or
many countries is the fact that regulatory information on toxicological testing before releasing herbal medications
herbal medicines is often not shared between regulatory and associated goods onto the market. Many of these
authorities and safety monitoring or pharmacovigilance nations also lack efficient machinery to control
centers.[6] production standards and procedures. Consumers can
continue to get these natural products, without a
9. Minimizing Knowledge Gap about Herbal prescription in the majority of situations, and the dangers
Medicine of a subpar product are rarely acknowledged.[9]
There is false concept in society as well as in modern
system of medicine that Ayurveda medicines works Particularly in underdeveloped nations where a large
slowly hence have null or minimum side effects. There number of unlicensed and poorly regulated herbal items
should be removal of misunderstandings and are openly and almost completely sold on the market.
misconceptions about practical use of Ayurveda Furthermore, the widespread belief that natural goods are
medicine. For sound growth of the medicinal system not poisonous and have no side effects frequently
scientist form Ayurveda and modern must understand the encourages incorrect use and uncontrolled consumption,
each other and should help bringing awareness in the which has also led to severe poisoning and immediate
society too. health issues. This false belief does not only exist in
developing nations. It also exists in highly industrialized
10. Pharmacognostic studies of medications need to nations, where people frequently turn to "natural" items
be prioritized without having adequate knowledge of or access to
Natural remedies are becoming more and more popular, information on the risks involved, especially in the case
in both developed and developing nations. The main of excessive or long-term use.[11]
source of healthcare is herbal medication, and in certain
cultures, using herbs in traditional medicine is seen as an There is no denying the complexity of the requirements,
essential aspect of culture. Numerous of these commonly research protocols, standards, and methods needed to
used herbal medications have not been adequately assess the safety and effectiveness of herbal medicines
evaluated or regulated in their use. The selection of the compared to traditional or conventional
safest and most efficient treatments as well as the pharmaceuticals.[12]
encouragement of their prudent use become more
challenging as a result, and understanding of their 13. Constraints in Herbal Medicine Quality Control
potential harmful effects is extremely restricted. Correct identification of medicinal plant species,
Pharmacognostic investigations provide standardized particular storage, and unique sanitation and cleaning
parameters, confirm plant identification, allow for procedures for various materials are all critical
helpful alternatives, and guard against adulteration.[7] requirements for quality control of starting materials,

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Murade et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

according to good manufacturing practise (GMP) (WHO important opportunity for learning and generating
2004, 2005b).[6,13] credible evidence.[15]

The difficulty in confirming the presence of all the plants But still there are many areas where Ayurveda as a
or beginning materials is one of the main difficulties science is lacking behind. Upgradation in Ayurveda is
frequently encountered in the quality control of finished needed for its scientific acceptance as well as better
herbal medicinal products, especially combination herbal understanding worldwide. To attain this upgradation
products (WHO, 2005b).[16] So, unlike other there is equal need to preserve and promote the system of
pharmaceuticals, the overall specifications and Ayurveda as it is most comprehensive, personalized;
procedures for quality control of final herbal products holistic and sustainable health system based on sound
continue to be far more complicated (WHO, 2003, 2004, philosophical and scientific principle.
2005b). WHO continues to advocate for the
implementation of quality assurance and control Obtaining newer teaching techniques, creating curiosity
measures, such as national quality specifications and for experimental validation of various known principles
standards for herbal materials, GMP for herbal and attaining their validation should be attain academic
medicines, labeling, and licensing schemes for levels. Providing good research modules, various job
manufacturing, import, and marketing, in nations where opportunities in herbal and Ayurveda research sector will
herbal medicines are regulated, in order to ensure the help to promote the upgradation of Ayurveda as science
safety and efficacy of herbal medicines (WHO, 2003, and will quenching the thirst for curiosity of researcher.
2004, 2005b).[14,6,13]
Timely exchange of knowledge between various
14. Effect of Mass Media Advertisement of Herbal generations of Ayurveda practitioners will be excellent
Product source of upgradation in knowledge.[16] Every science
In order to promote herbal products, the media is crucial. has its grace and limitation areas. Even more polishing
People should become aware that not all herbal products grace area and successful overcoming of limitations
are related to Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine. As more areas with the help of extreme efforts in research and
people begin taking medication on their own, the quality with growing technologies looks way more possible.
of therapy has declined due to the availability of the
pharmaceutical product (such as Chyawanprash). To Treatment practices in Ayurveda based on the person -
prevent scientific concepts from being misunderstood centered point of view which gives Ayurveda exclusive
and pharmaceuticals from being misused for self- right to design specific treatment for every individual
medication, regulating bodies should be in place. according to their condition rather sticking to the
generalized approach for all.[17] Keeping this in mind it is
15. Promotion of Herbal Farming a duty of every Ayurveda practitioner to design medicine
Herbal plants should be gathered in accordance with the and treat patient as an individual and not to prescribe
season designated for that herb, according to the medicine from available sources at their comfort. This
Ayurveda Samhitas, and are most effective when grown individualized approach will help us to develop cost
from their natural habitat. Promoting herbal farming can effective treatments. This approach of practitioner will
significantly enhance the output of high-quality herbal be useful for reduced self-medication among people as
plants and be helpful for accurate plant identification they will get aware that every drug reacts differently in
with fewer chances of adulteration. Farmers need to be different conditions.
made aware of the value of herbal farming and the
different government programme available to promote it. Herbal farming is another neglected area in upgradation
of herbal drug. With herbal farming adequate availability
16. Ayurveda as a life style of specific medicine, reduction in chances of
Every Ayurveda practitioner keep advocating Ayurveda adulteration, preservation of the herbal drug from
as life science itself. But many few of the Ayurveda extinction, proper identification as well as regulatory
practitioner living Ayurveda as a life style. There is need status of the herbal drug can be achieved. Farmer should
that development of community actually living and encourage for farming according to the biodiversity of
experiencing Ayurveda as a lifestyle so we can set an medicinal plant in their region. There should be
example and no more advocacy will be needed. awareness that government is providing various schemes
for herbal farming. Under „Medicinal Plants‟ component
DICUSSION of the NAM scheme supporting market driven cultivation
of prioritized medicinal plants in identified cluster/zones
World community is facing an unprecedented pandemic
with in selected districts of States and implemented in a
situation due to Novel Corona virus since last one and
mission mode throughout the country. As per the
half year. In this crucial period Ayurveda have showed
scheme guidelines, the support is provided for:
its potential and possibilities to be employed both for
 Cultivation of prioritized medicinal plants on
prevention and treatment of covid-19. Due the situation
farmer‟s land.
Ayurveda attain much attention worldwide. Providing an

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Murade et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research

 Establishment of nurseries with backward linkages Surbharati Prakashan. Sutrasthana 30,

for raising and supply of quality planting material. Arthedashmahamuliya Adhyaya; ver, 2004; 26: 565.
 Post-harvest management with forward linkages. 2. Holley J. and Cherla K The Medicinal Plants Sector
 Primary processing, marketing infrastructure etc. in India: A Review international development
research centre, 1998.
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