Ayurveda provides an integrated approach to preventing and treating illness. It believes that the mind and body are one and it influences each other. There can be no mental health without physical health, and physical without mental health.

Significant progress has been made now in the manufacturing process and standardization of raw materials. The progressive manufacturing companies of Ayurvedic and herbal healthcare products have realized the variances that are endemic to herbal products. Moisture, temperature, soil, time of plucking the herbs, use of insecticide/pesticide etc affect the herb quality and its profile. This naturally makes the production of standardized Ayurvedic products more challenging.

According to Arun Chauhan, managing director BACFO Pharmaceuticals,"Standardization of raw material will ensure the required percentage of active ingredients". He also emphasizes the importance of research & development, stringent quality controls that also take cognisance of microbial loads and heavy metals, Clinical trials and appropriate packaging, to sell Ayurveda in a scientific manner.

The manufacturing process has also undergone progressive change. The Indian government has made it mandatory for manufacturers to comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. Though a number of manufacturers are still in the process of upgrading the facility, many have complied. Some of the manufacturers have gone further to get additional quality certifications.

BACFO, has become one of the first ayurvedic manufacturer in India to get ISO 9001:2000, HACCP (Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point), WHO GMP & cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) certifications to add to the GMP certification from Indian Drug Authority. The standardization of raw material by good manufacturers has improved the efficacy of the products and also brought consistency in batch after batch.

Ayurveda has a lot to offer and India will be doing global service by promoting our traditional science aggressively, albeit scientifically. This segment can be a greater commercial success for India than the IT revolution. It needs to be seen what priority and importance does the new government give to this industry.

- The author is Sr. Executive Vice President, BACFO Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd.