How good are Kerala's Ayurvedic medicines? Be wary of meds from this northern state

Thrissur: The Ayurvedic Medicine Manufacturers Organisation of India has asserted that no traces of allopathic ingredients have been detected in any of the Ayurvedic medicines, including decoctions, sold anywhere in Kerala. The organisation said all products reach the market only after meeting quality standards prescribed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. To further strengthen inspections, six new inspectors have been appointed to the Ayurveda Deputy Drugs Control Department. Recruitment has been carried out at a ratio of one drug inspector for every two districts, ensuring closer scrutiny of Ayurvedic medicines across the State.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered against an Ayurvedic company after traces of allopathic substances were found in seven types of medicines it produced. The AYUSH Departments, under both the Central and State governments, have initiated action in this regard. Organisation president Dr P Ramkumar and general secretary Dr D Ramankutty warned that misleading campaigns against Ayurvedic medicines could harm the Ayurveda sector as a whole and erode public trust in Ayurvedic medicines.

Ayurvedic medicines from Rajasthan have allopathic pain killers
Some of the ayurvedic medicines imported to Kerala from Rajasthan are fake. The ingredients of allopathic painkillers were discovered in many herbal medicines from Rajasthan. Tests conducted at the drug controller’s lab revealed that ayurvedic concoctions like Shreyas Karpoora Thulasi, Abhyarishtam, Balarishtam, Kudajarishtam, Amritarishtam, Dashamoolarishtam, Avipathichoornam and Ashokarishtam contained allopathic pain killers. The medicines are marketed as natural treatments for liver disease, pain, respiratory illnesses, and for glowing skin, hair growth, and boosting immunity. 

Components of sildenafil citrate that are prescribed for pulmonary arterial hypertension, diclofenac sodium given for arthritis pain and inflammation, as well as etophylline – theophylline tablets prescribed for asthma and respiratory illnesses, were found in various ayurvedic medicines. Meanwhile, disulfiram, prescribed for treating alcohol addiction, was also found in some medicines. 

Besides, a large number of hair oils, shampoos, children’s soaps, and poor-quality tablets were seized from various districts. 22 cases have been registered in the last two years in the Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. The government is unable to explain why such poor-quality medicines are sold in the market, despite a law requiring companies to test them for quality before launch. 

Shortage of drug inspectors
The seventh Lok Sabha estimates that there should be one drug inspector to inspect 100 medical stores. However, there are only 48 drug inspectors in Kerala to collect samples from 30,000 medicine suppliers, including 24,000 medical stores and pharmacies. There is also a severe shortage of vehicles for these drug inspectors.
(With inputs from AS Ullas)