India can see enormous growth in the herbal industry in the coming years. There is now an inter-ministerial approach to strengthen the sector with necessary initiatives. Major research institutions are also contributing to this drive. Under New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI), research is being focused on Diabetes, Hepatitis and Arthritis with the help of 30 institutions, Dr Ashok DB Vaidya, chairman- Medicinal Plants & Value Added Products Committee, Pharmexcil, told Pharmabiz.

So far, about 150 medicinal herbs have been standardised in India. Centre is also ensuring that there are sufficient number of analytical laboratories for standardization of medicinal plants and drugs. Small scale companies can use such facilities available in research institutions and Universities. Saurashtra University is seeking Department of Science and Technology (DST) grants to standardise herbs and drugs, which will also involve farmers. As of now, there are about 20 Government analytical labs in India, while University owned labs are few.

The concept of 'Natural Drugs' is fast emerging, and there has been enough attention given to this area by researchers, scientists, regulators and the Government. A separate committee has been set up involving leading researchers and scientists like Dr RA Mashelkar. These natural drugs can have origin from any of the AYUSH sectors and their safety and efficacy evaluation will be of prominence. There are estimated 20 systems of medicines in India.

When asked about the role of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), he said, it is a defensive step, which aims at protecting the country's traditional knowledge. Under this initiative, about 1000 formulations have already been digitised, another 1000 formulations will be digitised in future.

One area of concern seems to be pre-formulation research in natural products. Standardisation of herbal products is the need of the hour. Value addition in herbal products is another challenge for all the stake holders, Dr Vaidya added.

As part of the Pharmexcil's initiative, a monograph will be prepared which is export oriented and offers techno-commercial advantage. This may be ready by early 2009. The Council is planning to hold meetings to stress on the regulations and opportunities in the herbal sector in India.

He informed, the Council is also planning to educate the industry on the need to have proper labelling system that ensures all the relevant information displayed on the labels of herbal products that are mandatory, including usefulness and ingredients used.