The Ayurveda experts of the country have asked the central drug research institutions to give serious thoughts to solve the problem of metallic content in herbal drugs. Terming the development as serious, they wanted the research institutions to find a permanent solution to this problem to save the Indian Ayurvedic industry.

According to Vaid Devendra Triguna, president, National Ayurveda Congress, central organisations should come together, join hands with the industry and investigate the truth behind the alleged presence of metallic content in Ayurvedic preparations.

Speaking at the second International Ayurveda Congress here on November 11, Vaid Triguna, himself a distinguished practitioner and Padma Shree awardee, said that it was shocking to know that Ayurvedic drugs of pure vegetarian origin contained arsenic.

"Intense research on drugs, especially herbo-mineral drugs, is required to be done. Proper protocols are to be finalised. Ayurveda teaching curriculum should be revamped," said Triguna.

Vaid Triguna felt that any further delay in scientifically validating Ayurveda system of treatment could predict doom for the sector. He also wanted the central government to ensure that Ayurveda systems are properly recognised in the United States and European Union countries. Taking note of the increasing number of international conferences on Ayurveda, he suggested better coordination between the organisers of similar events to promote Ayurveda.

Dr Premvati Tewari, former dean, Ayurvedic Medical School Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi also spoke on the need for better evaluation of current practice of Ayurveda. She wanted a critical evaluation of all classical Ayurveda texts to make it more relevant to the modern times. According to her, the disease conditions of today should be looked at in the backdrop of what has been stated in classical texts. She also reminded the Ayurvedic community to ensure uniform standards and quality at every stage of drug production from the source of cultivation, collection, transportation etc. This is the only way in which India can acquire international confidence in its Ayurveda products.

Dr V P Sidhan, president, IAC 2005 exhorted Indian Ayurveda sector to be prepared to treat life style diseases in a very effective manner. Cholayil Ayurvedic Health and Research Academy organise the event in association with Gujarat Ayurveda University and Rajasthan Ayurveda University.