Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has recently signed a 'Research Agreement' on the project entitled 'Adaptogenic activity of standardised extract WS 1375 developed by Dr Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co KG' funded by Willmar Schwabe GmbH, Karlsruhe, Germany. The principal investigator of this project is Dr Vikas Kumar, associate professor of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University. Schwabe will spend € 18,335 (more than Rs 12 lakh) for this one year project.

Dr Kumar, a pioneer researcher in animal behaviour, says, Schwabe has given this significant task to him for evaluating WS 1375, a standardized herbal extract, for anti-stress activity in animals followed by elucidation of its mechanism of action through estimation of brain neurotransmitters as these neurotransmitters play a significant role in mental stress.

Mental stress has become a major problem of every human being mainly due to stressful ambiance and living style. Symptoms of mental stress include symptoms a general negative outlook, excessive worrying, moodiness, irritability, inability to relax, feeling overwhelmed, feeling lonely or isolated, depressed, sleeping too much or not enough and procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities.

Many countries like China, Brazil, Thailand, United States and Germany have done successful commercial transformation of their natural resources, said Dr Kumar who travelled USA, Canada, Germany and France for professional tasks. These countries earn huge foreign exchange from herbal trade. The current market value of herbal products is estimated at around US$100 billion, which is growing at 7 per cent per annum and is expected to reach US$ 3 trillion by 2050. Dr Kumar who published more than 60 papers in reputed journals, says, the outcome of this project will be utilized by Willmar Schwabe GmbH (global market leader in homoeopathy products and Phyto Pharmaceuticals) for further drug development of WS 1375 as herbal medicine for treating human mental stress. The successful completion of this collaborative research will magnetize and strengthen prospective professional ties of Schwabe with BHU for our symbiotic association, says Dr Kumar.