Modern concept of storage and packaging of raw herbs used in ayurveda

Abstract

Herbal medicines are referred as Herbalism or Botanical Medicine or Phytomedicines. With the increasing use of Herbal Medicines, its marketing and safety has become a major concern for health authorities. The WHO estimates that 4 billion people about 80 % of world population use Herbal Medicines for some kind of primary healthcare The WHO developed a strategy on traditional medicines for the period 2002-2005. One of the major objectives was to promote safety, efficacy and quality of Traditional Medicine. The safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic herbal medicine can be achieved by proper Storage and Handling of herbs for various Ayurvedic Dosage Forms. The storage and handling of raw Ayurvedic Herbal drugs can be improved by emphasizing on good storage house for storage of herbs, packaging of raw herbs, testing of raw herbs as per API format, removal of microbes from raw herbs, processes of sterilization and tips for good storage of herbs etc. The assessment of quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal plants can be established and improved by regulating the storage, packaging and handling of raw herbs for various Ayurvedic herbal drugs which is the most important aspect in this direction. The standardization of storage, packaging and handling of raw herbal drug results in highly safe, effective and quality herbal products which would accelerate the global acceptance of Indian system of Medicine.