SHIFTING PARADIGM FOR VALIDATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN INDIAN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

The use of herbal drugs for the prevention and treatment of various health ailments has been in practice from time immemorial. Scientific validation and documentation of indigenous knowledge to work on patenting and research based on literature are necessary for the growth of Indian system of medicine. The Indian government has taken several initiatives for promotion and development of medicinal plants. Traditional medicine plays an inevitable role in drug discovery and development. Most of the therapeutically useful molecules used in the present day are inspired by traditional medicine. Several thrust areas of research need to be focused to develop scientifically validated data on their quality, safety and efficacy, to improve the consumer's need of modern days. The products developed through validation will be of immense use for the betterment of healthcare and will help the industries to compete with their products to export to other counties. A paradigm shift is required for the promotion and development of traditional medicine, which can significantly convey the important task in economic growth. An attempt has been made through this article to highlight the major thrust areas and challenges in medicinal plant research and development.