The Gujarat Ayurvedic Aushadh Manufacturers Association (GAAMA) recently sent a representation to the Department of Ayush demanding them to include the guidelines of Bhaishajya Samhita, a fundamental book on Ayurveda published by the Gujarat government as one of the recognised reference book in the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine (PCIM) The association insisted that since this book comprises of lot of important data that could be used to drive the growth of the industry it should be recognised and accepted as a book on medicinal plants for reference purpose for its use in Ayurveda.

The PCIM which was recently re constituted by the Union government from  Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia Commission (APC) to provide the Ayush sector with a strong platform to enhance its market opportunities recognises only 57 books at present. Industry feels that though these books which are recognised under the first schedule A- Ayurveda system are helpful they are not sufficient enough to fulfil the demand of the industry.

According to Prabodh Shah, president, GAAMA, there are many useful plants and plant raw materials that are outside the preview of these books which unfortunately cannot be used by the manufacturers in the country in spite of its potential. “As per the law, ayurvedic products can be manufactured only using those plants that are referred and prescribed in the 57 approved book under the schedule. This severely limits our right to innovate and manufacture products for the benefit of the patients forcing us to manufacture from only those plants mentioned in this books.”

Some time back the Department of Ayush had issued a notification stating that only those books that have been released before 1947 shall be recognised by the Department as a book of standard  for the use of manufacturers. However, Shah informs that in spite of being a very useful book, Bhaishajya Samhita which was published by the Gujarat state government around 1967 cannot be used.

Industry claims that there are many effective plant raw materials with high potential for ASU medicines that are yet to be recognised and used. Giving an instance, Shah pointed out that shivling beej and niranjan phal are some of the examples of the plants that are yet to be legally recognised for its potential.

GAAMA strongly suggested that considering the important data Bhaishajya Samhita contains it is essential to adopt and recognise this book as a recognised book of reference for the good of the industry.