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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Unit-1, Herbs as raw materials :, Definition of herb, herbal medicine, herbal medicinal product, herbal drug preparation Source of, Herbs Selection, identification and authentication of herbal materials Processing of herbal raw, material., Biodynamic Agriculture :, Good agricultural practices in cultivation of medicinal plants including Organic farming. Pest, and Pest management in medicinal plants: Biopesticides/Bioinsecticides., Indian Systems of Medicine:, a) Basic principles involved in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy b) Preparation and, standardization of Ayurvedic formulations viz Aristas and Asawas, Ghutika,Churna, Lehya and, Bhasma., Herbs are plants with little to no wood tissue. They are often aromatic, and the leaves can be, used to flavor food., Shrubs are plants with multiple wood stems growing from a common center, while trees usually, have a single woody stem., Tree is a woody perennial plant, typically having a single stem or trunk growing to a, considerable height and bearing lateral branches at some distance from the ground (e.g. Mango)., What are Herbs?, They are small plants with a green and tender stem. These plants have a green colored, delicate, stem with very few branches. These plants have very less strength in their stem and can be easily, uprooted from the soil. They contain an adequate and essential amount of nutritional benefits, including vitamins and minerals. Basil, garlic, mint, and tomato are a few examples of herbs, around us., What are Shrubs?, They are tall or medium-sized plants with the woody stem, with several branches. These plants, have a hard, flexible and strong root system with a well developed woody stem with several, branches. Hibiscus, jasmine lemon, and rose are some of the common shrubs around us., Difference between Herbs and Shrubs, Here are some interesting differences between Herbs and Shrubs., HERBS, , SHRUBS, , Are smaller than the shrubs., , Are taller and grow in meters., , Have a single stem., , Have multiple branches., , Have delicate and thin tissue., , Have strong and wood tissue., , Annual, biennial, and perennial., , Mainly perennial, , Have non-woody and soft stem., , Have thick and hard stem., , 1
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , These stems have no branches., , Have branches at their bases., , Herbs are called as rootstock., , Shrubs are referred to as the woody, plant., , Examples include- Rice, Wheat,, Onion, Grass, etc., , Examples include- Orange, Rose Peach,, Lavender, etc., , Herbal medicine (also herbalism) is the study of botany and the use of medicinal plants. Plants, have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history, and such, traditional medicine is still widely practiced today., Common Medicinal Herbs, Here some of the more common medicinal herbs. Most herbs have not been completely tested to, see how well they work or to see if they interact with other herbs, supplements, medicines, or, foods. Products added to herbal preparations may also cause interactions. Be aware that "natural", does not mean "safe." It's important to tell your healthcare providers about any herb or dietary, supplement you are using., Garlic (Cloves, root), Garlic is used for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. It has antimicrobial effects. Reports, from small, short-term, and poorly described studies show that it may cause small reductions in, total and LDL cholesterol. But German research results on garlic's cholesterol-lowering effect, have been distorted for a positive effect, the FDA says. Researchers are currently exploring, garlic's possible role in preventing cancer. The FDA considers garlic safe. It should not be used, with warfarin, because large amounts of garlic may affect clotting. For the same reason, large, amounts should not be taken before dental procedures or surgery., Ginger (Root), Ginger is used to ease nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests that ginger can relieve, nausea caused by pregnancy or chemotherapy. Other areas under investigation are in surgery and, for nausea caused by motion. Reported side effects include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea., Gingko (Leaf), Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis,, fatigue, and tinnitus. It is also used to improve memory and to prevent dementia and other brain, disorders. Some studies have supported its slight effectiveness. But exactly how gingko works, isn't understood. Only extract from leaves should be used. Seeds contain ginkgo toxin. This toxin, can cause seizures and, in large amounts, death. Because some information suggests that ginkgo, can increase the risk of bleeding, it should not be used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, medicines, anticoagulants, anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic antidepressants., Ginseng(Root), Ginseng is used as a tonic and aphrodisiac, even as a cure-all. Research is uncertain how well it, works, partly because of the difficulty in defining "vitality" and "quality of life." There is a large, variation in the quality of ginseng sold. Side effects are high blood pressure and tachycardia. It's, considered safe by the FDA, but shouldn't be used with warfarin, heparin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medicines, estrogens, corticosteroids, or digoxin. People with diabetes should not, use ginseng., Herbal Medicinal Products, , 2
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Herbal medicinal products are medicinal products where the active ingredient consists, exclusively of herbal substances or herbal preparations., Definitions, The term herbal substance denotes whole or parts of plants, algae, fungi and lichens. The, material is usually dried but sometimes fresh, and is defined by specifying the species' full, scientific name and the plant part used. Herbal preparations, such as powders, extracts, distillates, and press juices, are products obtained by processing herbal substances., What are herbal health products?, Herbal products are medicines derived from plants. They are used as supplements to, improve health and well being, and may be used for other therapeutic purposes. Herbal, products are available as tablets, capsules, powders, extracts, teas and so on., Some common medicinal plants having nutraceutical potential and their primary use in, traditional medicine., , Plant name, , Asparagus, racemosus Willd, , Common name, , Shatavari, , Uses, A potent Ayurvedic rejuvenative. It supplies many, female hormones and mostly recommended for those, women who have hysterectomies. It also helps to, maintain urinary tract and strengthens the immune, system and also purifies the blood., , Commiphora, mukul Engl., , Guggul, , A major ingredient in joint and immunocare and, regarded as a remedy in Ayurvedic medicine; it, increase white blood cell count to possess strong, immuno-modulating properties. It also protects, against the common cold as well as used in various, other conditions like lower cholesterol and, triglycerides, while maintaining the HDL to LDL, ratio., , Cyperus, scariosus Br., , Nagarmusta, , Useful in supporting healthy genitourinary system, and have hepatoprotective properties., , Glycyrrhiza, glabra L., , Yashtimadhu,, Licorice, , It is a versatile medicine in India and China, for, gastrointestinal health. It is a mild laxative, soothes, and tones the mucous membranes, and relieves, , 3
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , muscle spasms. It is an antioxidant, cancer, protecting, botanical boosting, and certain immune, functions such as interferon production. Its mode of, action is as an antimutagen, preventing damage to, genetic material that can eventually result in cancer., , Gymnema, sylvestre R. Br., , Gurmarar, , Its Sanskrit name means literally “sugar destroyer,”, has a glycolytic action, and reduces the strength of a, glucose solution. It has been used in Ayurveda to, regulate sugar metabolism for several centuries. It, increases insulin production, regeneration of pancreas, cells, and the site of insulin production. Another, property is abolishing the taste of sugar, so that, Gurmarar has been effective to suppress and, neutralize the craving for sweets., , Nimba, Neem, , It has strong health alleviating activity, used as a, tonic and astringent that promotes healing. The, extract has antispasmodic action. Its usage in, Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years has, proved its detoxifying properties. It has shown most, beneficial effects for the circulatory, digestive,, respiratory, and urinary systems., , Momordica, charantia L., , Karela, Bitter, melon, , Karela has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine., It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be, similar to bovine insulin, and has a strong sugar, regulating effect by suppressing the neural responses, to sweet taste stimuli., , Mucuna, pruriens Baker, , Kiwanch,, Kapikachchhu,, Cow-itch plant, , It is a good natural source of L. dopa. In the, Ayurvedic system it is reported as an effective tonic, for nervous system. Studies have demonstrated its, usefulness maintaining optimum performance of the, nervous system., , Nardostachys, jatamansi DC., , Jatamansi, Musk, root, , Jatamansi is a relaxing plant, effectiveness for mental, health. It is used in various Ayurvedic formulations, as a potent ingredient. It has been shown effective in, maintaining a restful sleep and with many, , Melia, azadirachta L., , 4
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , menopausal symptoms., , Piper longum L., , Pippali, Indian, Long Pepper, , Pippali is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive, and the respiratory systems and has a rejuvenating, effect on lungs. It plays an important role in release, of metabolic heat energy. This effect is the result of, increased thyroid hormone level in the body. Pippali, a typical Ayurvedic complementary component, whose benefit is to increase the bioavailability and, enhance absorption of the other active ingredients., , Piper nigrum L., , Maricha, Black, pepper, , The black pepper is one of the most important spices, which is widely used to amplify the body's ability to, absorb nutrients contained in the food and aid the, digestive process., , Haritaki, , Haritaki is a safe and effective purgative,, expectorant, and tonic. It is an important ingredient, of the classical Ayurvedic formulation “Triphala”, which has a combination of three fruits. Tiphalpha is, an important Ayurvedic medicine, which promotes, health through successive steps of purification and, detoxification. It is known to have strong, antimutagenic activity, because of its very rich, content vitamin C., , Ashwagandha, , In Ayurvedic medicines Ashwagandha holds a place, similar to Ginseng in traditional Chinese medicinal, therapies. It is also called the “Indian Ginseng.” It, has been used for thousands of years as a popular, remedy in Ayurvedic systems for many conditions. It, is one of the best health tonics and restorative agents, that have been used to treat general debility., , Sunthi, Ginger, , Ginger is considered an adjuvant in many Ayurvedic, formulas in which it enhances absorption and, prevents gastrointestinal side effects. It is a very, common spice which is used in Ayurvedic medicine, to improve digestion and to prevent nausea. These, , Terminalia, chebula Retz., , Withania, somnifera (L.), Dunal, , Zingiber, officinale Rosc, , 5
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Wild source: the plants are obtained from the wild source such as forest, plains, river, bank, etc. where they are found in wild form. Collection from wild sources is, suitable for plants which are abundant in nature and are easily available.obtaing herbs, from wild sources is easy, economical, less time consuming, decreased cost of labour,, however it also offer various disadvantage such as quality of the plants can not be, predicted due to various environmental changes. The plants will not be uniform in, their growthand yielding characteristic. Modern scientific techniques cannot be, applied to increase the yield as well as quality. If the plants are obtained continuously, from wild sourcefor prolonged periods it nay lead to depletion of raw materials from, the wild., Cultivated source:in the recent time , the medicinal plants have been systematically, cultivated by applying modern scientific techniques.obtaining herb from cultivated, sources offer various advantages which are as follows:, Quality and purity is ensured., Better yield and more profit, Ensure regular supply of raw materials, Application of modern scientific technique is possible., Steps involved in the selection, identification and processing of herbal raw, materials:herbs are subjected to various stages , starting from their selection ,, identification, cultivation, collection, storage and processing until the final product is, formed., The detailed steps involved in the processing of herbal drugs are discussed below:, , , , , , , Steps involved in processing of herbal drugs, Selection of herbs, Identification and authentication, Cultivation of herbs, Collection of herbs, Processing of herbal raw materials, , A) Selection of herbs: the species or botanical variety selected for cultivation should, be the same as specified in the official pharmacopoeia or national documents.in, case of newly introduced medicinal plants , the variety selected for cultivation, should be identified and documented., B) Identification and authentication: botanical identity- the species, sub species ,, genus, variety etc of the plant for cultivation should be verified from a qualified, botanist/ institute and recorded., Specimens: in case of a new plant with medicinal properties whose identity is not, known , a specimen of the plant should submitted to a regional / national, herbarium for identification and documentation., Seeds and other propagation materials: the suppliers of Seeds and other, propagation materialsshould specify all the necessary information relating to the, identity , quality as well as their breeding history. The seeds and propagation, materials should be free from contamination and diseases in order to promote, healthy plant growth., , 14
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , C) Cultivation of medicinal plants: cultivation of medicinal plants requires, intensive care and management as various factors such as environment , soil, irrigation , pest etc play a vital role. These factors vary from one plant to, another,scientific documented methods should be followed, if no data available ,, traditional method should be adapted and a systemic method should be developed, through research. Good agricultural practices in cultivation and conservation, agriculture which aim to improve , conserve and make more efficient use of, natural resources., D) Collection of herbs: for the collection of medicinal plants a proper time should, be selected . herbs are selected for collection at a stage when they yield maximum, amount of chemical constituents. Skilled labour should be employed as they are, trained to identify and select the herb at a proper stage. The age of plant also plays, a vital factor for their selection. Diseased plant should be rejected. Season of, collection should also be given due consideration while selecting the plant for, collection., E) Processing of herbal raw materials: Processing of herbal raw materials involves, various stages from which the crude drugs undergo after harvesting . it can be, classified into primary and secondary processing which are further subcategorized, as follows:, Processing of herbal raw materials:, a) Primary processing- 1-garbling 2- washing 3- parboiling 4- leaching, 5- drying, b) secondary processing- 1- cutting / sectioning 2- aging/ sweating 3baking/ roasting 4- boiling/ stemaing 5- stir fryinf 6- fumigation 7- extraction, a) Primary processing:it includes simple procedures by which the herbs are, prepared like sorting of different parts , garbling, cleaning, drying etc. the, details of these processes are as follows:, garblins(sorting): these process help in ensuring thr purity and cleanliness of, the harvested material . dirt like soil, dust, impurities like insect , dead tissue, and residual non medicinal plants are separated from the raw materials. The, process depends on the part of the plant to be prepared . the process may, involved procedures such as removing dirt and foreign substances , discarding, damaged parts, peeling of barks ,sieving, trimming, removal of hairsfrom, roots, removal of seeds from fruits, stripping of leaves from stems. This may, be done by mechanical means but ijn some cases it is usually performed, manually by hands., Washing: after garbling the herbal raw materials should be cleaned well to, remove the traces of remaining soil , dirt and other impurities from the, surface.the roots , rhizomes and tubers are washed with cleanj water.during, the washing process scrapping and brushing may be necessary., Parboiling(blanching): after washing certain herbal raw materials need to, undergo parboiling process in which they are put in boiling water for a swhort, period . this may help in improving the storage life of the raw materials and, prevent insect/mould contamination., , 15
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Leaching: some impurities can be removed by subjecting the plant material, under running water known as leaching. However, the duration of leaching, should be controlled to prevent the loss of chemical constituents present in the, drug., Drying: it is depending o0n the drug and nature of ingredients, different, drying methods can be used which are as follows:, 1-Natural drying: Sun drying- most herbal raw material can be dried in open, air under direct sunshine provided the climate is suitable.the duration of, drying process depends on the physical structure of the plant materials and, weather condition.the plant material should be spread out in thin layers, care, should be taken to prevent contamination by dust, impurities.while drying the, plant material should also be protected from insect , birds, rodents, pest and, other domestic animals., Shade drying: some medicinal plant cannot be exposed to directly sun light ,, hence need to be dried under shade.the drying bprocess is slow but help in, minimizing loss of colour , volatile oils and aromatic component from being, evaporated., 2- Artificial drying: drying by artificial heat is more rapid than open air drying, and is necessary in rainy season and regions where there is high humidity., b) Secondary processing: it refers to the steps applied to herbs in addition to, primary processing. the following processes are carried out in the secondary, processing of herbal raw materials., Cutting, sectioning and communition: after thoroughly drying , the herbal, material are processed by cutting and sectioning in to smaller size which bare, convenient for storge as well as extraction. It may be small particles, coarse, powder, or fine powder., Aging/ sweating: ageing refer to storing the raw material for for a specified, time after harvesting. It is generally done under sun or in shade for up to a, year. Eg- cascara bark should be aged for at least one year prior to use in, mechanical preparation to reduce its irritant effect., Sweating is done by subjecting the herbal materials at a temp between 45 to, 65 C with high humidity for a period rangimg from one3 week to few month., The herbal material are stacked between woolen blankets or other kind of, cloth. The sweating process is considered a hydrolytic and oxidative process, in which some of the chemical ingredients of the herbs are hydrolysed or, oxidized., Eg- vanilla beans are subjected to sweating between woolen blankets for, about 2 months during which they lose up to 80% of weight and develop a, characteristic desirable colour and odour., , 16
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Baking/roasting: it is a process of drug heating where the herbal materials are heated in ovens., The temperature of heating and duration of baking /roasting vary from one herbal material to, another until a drug develop a specific colour. Ex. Nutmeg is roasted till they turn to yellowish, brown colour., Boiling/steaming: in the boiling process the drug is cooked in water or any other liqoid solvent, such as vinegar, wine, milk or animal urine. Ex. Acorus calamus rhizome is boiled in cow urine, to enhance its anticonvulsant effect., In the steaming process the herbal material is kept in contact with steam using a steamer, resulting in development of moist texture., Stir frying:it is process in which the herbal materials are put in a pot of frying pan and, continuously stirred for a specific period under heat until external colour changes or evev, carbonized. To facilitate uniform heating , the drug material can be admixed with sand, talc or, clay., Fumigation: sometimes the harvested raw materials are subjected to fumes, fumigation with, sulphur dioxide is commonly employed for some medicinal herb for the purpose of preserving, colour, improved appearance, bleaching and preventing the growth of insects and moulds., Extraction of herbal materials:, Extraction is a process of separation in which the chemical constituents present in plant and, tissues are removed by using selective solvent which is called as menstruum.herbal extract, include infusions, decoctions, fluid extract, tinctures and powder extract. The herbal preparation, so obtained may be ready for use as medicinal agent or it may be further processed to finish, product such as tablets, capsules and pills., iInfusion : it is a liquid preparation obtained by extracting herbal materials with either, cold or hot water without boiling . other solvent may also be used., iiDecoction : it is a liquid preparation obtained by boiling the herbal materials with, water ., iiiFluid extract: it is a liquid preparation obtained by maceration or percolation of herbal, materials in alcohol. The ratio will be one part of liquid contain one part of herbs, (1:1)., ivTinctures : it is dilute alcoholic extract of herbal materials typically made up of 1 part, of herbal material with 5 to 10 part of solvent., vPowdered extract: it is a form of herbal preparation which is processed in to herbal, dried , granulated or powdered materials., Indian Systems of Medicine :, The Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H) consist of Ayurveda, Siddha,, Unani and Homoeopathy, and therapies such as Yoga and Naturopathy. Some of, these systems are indigenous and others have over the years become a part of Indian tradition., 1-Ayurveda:, Ayurveda is one of the oldest system of medicine originated from india., The word Ayurveda is made of two parts Ayu +Veda. Ayu means life & Veda, means knowledge .Thus Ayurveda means “Science of life”., In this system disease are cured by using drugs ,diets ,exercise and surgery., Body (Sharira) ,Mind (manas) and Soul (Atma) are the tripod of life in which, equal attention should be given for the achievement of sound health., , 17
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Ayurveda classifies the body in to 3 basic biological elements which are known as, Vata, Pitta and Kapha.These element originate from 5 basic elements Airs, (Vayu), Energy (Tej), Space (Akash), Water (Jal), And Soil (Dhrti)., The biochemical combination of space & water forms vata,, Pitta is composed of energy and water, kapha is derived from combination of, water & soil.These three doshas are regulators of cell function in different ways &, thus help in maintaining health.According to Ayurveda all the universal object are, made up of Panchbhuta .It is based on tridosha theory., 2-Homeopathic System:, This system of medicine was discovered by German Pharmacist Samuel, Hahnemann ., In this system only its symptoms are responsible for the cure of disease because, there is no normal and natural method of diagnosis of disease., Here started the treatment of disease with a low dose of drug which is responsible, for the production of similar symptoms in normal man., according to homeopathic medicinal system a person will not suffer from any, disease till the potency or immunity governing the body is powerful and strong., Hahnemann worked on cinchona for cure of malaria because its symptoms are, similar to malaria in normal human being ., No side effects are observed in Homeopathic system of medicine., 3-Unani system of medicine:, , 1234567-, , The Unani system of medicine was introduced in India in 10 th centuary A.D., The book Kitb tafsir isma –al-Aqaqir is translated by Manaka ,a popular Indian, physician ,from Sanskrit to Arabic that deals with a list of Indian herbs and drugs., The Unani system of medicine is based on ancient principal. This system comes, under the Tibbi discipline., Tibbi discipline is based on the elemental principle ,these are : Al-nar (fine) , Alhawa (air) ,Al-ma (water) and Al-ardh(Earth) ., according to Tibb , human body is made of seven natural components such as :, Al-arkan (Elements), Al-akhalt (Body fluid), Al-a’za (Organs), Al.arwah (vital spirit), Al-at’al (function), Al-mizaj (Temperature), Al-quwa (Power ), All of these are known as Al-umur Al-tabiyah.These are very important for the life, and loss of any one of them may cause disease., , Preparation and standardization of ayurvedic formulation:, Ayurvedic formulation can be categorise in to 4 types based on their physical nature of, doses forms., , 18
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , 1234-, , Solid doses forms- vati, ghutica, Semisolid doses forms- leha, kalka, Liquid doses forms- arisras, asavas, Powder doses forms- bhasmas, churanas, Arisras, Asavas: they are also known as preparations containing self generated, alcohol(alcoholic preparations). They are prepared by adding powdered drug or its, decoction into a solution of sugar or jiggery. It is then fermented for a specified time, during which alcohol is generated, which facilitates extraction of active principles, present in the drugs. The self generated alcohol also acts as a preservatives., Both arista and asava are self generating alcoholic preparation s, but they differ in, their method of preparation. Aristas are prepared by extracting the powered drug in, the form of decoctionand then added to the solution of sugar or jiggery.asavas are, prepared by directly adding the powdered drug into the solution of sugar or jiggery,, the remaing process of preparation remains the same., , Method Of Preparation Of Aristas:, The crude drugs are coarsely powdered and decoction (kashaya) is prepared and, filtered. Other ingredients are mixed with the decoction and these content are added, to a solution of sugar or jaggeryor honey. It is then boiled, cooled and transferred to, wooden barrels or pots. The mouth of the container is covered with an earthen lid and, the edges are sealed with clay smeared cloth which is wound in seven consecutive, layers. The container is kept in an underground cellar or a heap of paddy in order to, ensure a constant temperature is maintained during the process of fermentation. After, the specified period , the lid is removedand the contenrs are examined to ensure that, the process of fermentation (sandhana) has been completed . the fluid is filtered and, stored., Method Of Preparation Of Asavas:, The drug is finely powered and mixed with other ingredients and these contents are, adde3d to a solution of sugar or jiggery or honey. Mixed well. It is then boiled,, cooled and transferred to wooden barrels or pots. The mouth of the container is, covered with earhen lid and the edges are sealed with clay smeared cloth which is, wound in seven consecutive layers.the container is kept in an underground ccellar or a, heap of paddy in order to ensure a constant temperature is maintained during the, process of fermentation.after the specified period , the lid is removed and the contents, are examined to ensure that the process of fermentation has been completated. The, fluid is filtered and stored., Standardization parameters for aristas and asavas:, , , , , , , , Aristas and asavas should be clear without any froth or foam at the top., It should not become sour upon standing., It should have a characteristic aromatic and alcoholic odour., There should be no effefvescence produced., Examples: aristas- ashokarista, dasmularista , ashwagandhaarista., Asavas: arvindasava, kumaryasava, vasakasava., , 19
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , Vati & ghutika (tablets & pills):, These are medicines in the form of tablets (vati) and pills (ghutika) . they contain, single or combinations of herbal, mineral or animal drugs., Method of preparation:, the drugs are dried and finely powered , mineral drugs are converted in to, calcinatedproducts (bhasmas) or any other form as specified. As per the mentioned, formula , the drugs and other ingredients are mixed togrther and made in to a soft, paste with specified liquids. It is then properly ground and made into vati (tablets) or, ghutikas (pills)., Standardization parameters for vati and ghutikas:, , , , , , , Vati and ghutika should be stable up to 2 years after preparation., If they contain only mineral ingredients , they can be used indefinitely., They should not loss their original colour , odour, taste and form upon storage., If they contain sugar/salt, they should be protected from moisture., Eg. Vati-gandhaka vati, sankha vati., Ghutika: pranda gutika, lasunadi gutika., Churana:, they contain single or combinations of drugs along with other ingredients in a, powdered form ., Method of preparation: drugs and other ingredients mentioned in the formula are, separately dried, finely powdered and sieved to get uniform size particles , they are, mixed to get a uniform powder., Standardization parameters for churna:, Churna should be free flowing powder and should not adhere or, become moist., Churanas are stable upto one year if they are stored properly ., Finer the powder better is its potency and therapeutic value., Eg, triphala churana, drakshadi churana, sudarshan churana., LEHA/ AVALEHA:, They are semisolid preparations made by boiling the powdered, drugs/extract with a solution of sugar or jaggery., Method of preparation:sugar/jaggery is dissolved in liquid, it is boiled and filtered. The, powered drug/ extract along with other ingredients are added with continous stirring to form a, homogenous semisolid mass .if necessary ghee or oil is also added while the preparation is hot., Standardization parameters for leha:, , , , , , It should neither become hard neither liquefy., There should be no growth of fungus over it., It should not change its colour, odour and taste., They can be used up to one year if properly stored., Eg. Draksavaleha, vasavaleha, bilvadileha., , 20
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , BHASMA: These Are Powered Form Of Drug prepared by calcinations(heating the solid in air, to change its original form.) of metals, minerals or animal productsby a special process in closed, crucibles or in pits covered with cow dung., Method of preparation: they are prepared in two stages:, 1-sodhana- it is process of purification of metals, mineralsby heating them and, immersing in specific liquid. This is done to remove its toxicity., 2- Marana- this is the second stage of preparing bhasmas, in which the puried, drugsobtained from sodhana process are ground and mixed with plants/ extracts as, specified. After specified time , small cakes are made and dried in sunlight. The dried, cakes are kept in earthen vessel , sealed with clay smeared cloth and kept in a pit, covered with cow dung and the fire is put on all the sides. After heating for a, specified period , the content are removed and ground into a fine powder and stored., Standardization parameters for bhasmas:, , , , bhasmas are grey, whitish, yelloeish or black coloured poeders. They, should not change their colouron storase., They are highly stable for long periods and should not losetheir, potency., Eg. Suvarna bhasma, shankha bhasma,, , Biodynamic agriculture:, Organic agriculture (OA) is a production system which avoids or excludes the use of synthetic, preparation-artificial fertilizers, pesticides, growth accelerators and fodder additives. As an, alternative to these means, OA applies a number of modern preventive methods to maintain the, natural soil fertility and non-chemical control of weeds, pests and diseases such as: - Alternating, sowing of crops (with leguminous crops inclusive) - Suited use of manure - Stimulating the, populations of useful insects (entomophages and pathogens for the pests) - Vegetation, associations (combined cultivation of two or more crops in one and the same place) - Use of, mechanical methods for weed control., Use of sustainable plant varieties and livestock breeds that are well adapted to the relevant, environmental conditions. These environment-friendly processes, above mentioned, are based on, natural cycles and ensure the sustainability of soil life, its structure and the suitable balance of, useful microorganisms. However, negative aspects: the crop yields from OA generally are lower, than those of conventional (industrial) agriculture and also, the conventional agriculture the, prime cost of organic products is higher than those of industrial agriculture (IFOAM, 2007)., Organic agriculture means a farming system which produces healthful and quality products, improve the quality of life, preserve the organic diversity, improvement of the soil structure and, balance soil inhabiting microorganisms; without any application of synthetic product. The above, mentioned principles and processes are followed as the main principles of International, Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), which are: 1. Production of enough, high quality and nutritious food., 2. Organic farming, pastoral and wild harvest systems should fit the cycles and ecological, balances in nature. Organic management must be adapted to local conditions, ecology, culture, and scale. 3. Maintenance of natural soil fertility 4. Inputs should be reduced by reuse, recycling, and efficient management of materials and energy in order to maintain and improve, , 21
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , environmental quality and conserve resources. 5. Organic agriculture should provide everyone, involved with a good quality of life, and contribute to food sovereignty and reduction of poverty, 6. Practitioners of organic agriculture can enhance efficiency and increase productivity, but this, should not be at the risk of health and well-being. Consequently, any harmful action should be, stopped (IFOAM, 2007)., Principals and guideline for good agriculture practices (GAP) of medicinal plants:, The guideline describe for GAP are intended to streamline the cultivation of medicinal plants, per the well regulated methods and follow a systematic way in cultivation process as it is, important for production of good quality plant materials. The various stages of processing which, are included in GAP are following:, 1-Seed and propagation materials:, The seeding materials are to be identified botanically , including plant variety, chemo, type and its origin., The material used should be 100% traceable., The above same rule applies to vegetative materials as well., 2- cultivation:, depending on the method of cultivation growers should be allow to follow different, standard operating procedures for cultivation., Care should be taken to avoid environmental disturbances., 3- soil of fertilization:, Medicinal and aromatic plants should not be grown in soil that are contaminated by, sludge., The soil should also not contaminated by heavy metals, pesticidal residues and other, unnatural chemicals., 4- irrigation:, irrigation should be minimized as much as possible and only applied as per, need of plant., Irrigation water should be free from contaminations, such as faeces, heavy, metals , pesticides, herbicides, and other hazardous substances., 5- Crop maintenance:, Tillage (preparation of land for growing crops) should be adapted to enable, good plant growth and must be carried out whenever required., Pesticide and herbicide should be avoided as for as possible., The use of Pesticide and herbicide has to be documented., 6- Harvesting :, Harvesting should be done when plants are in their best quality and quantity., 7- Primary processiong:, It includes step such as washing, drying, freezing etc., 8- Packaging:, the product should be packed in clean dry, preferably new sacs, bags or cases., The label must be clear , permanently fixed and made from non toxic, materials., 9- Storage and transport:, , 22
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , , , Packaged dried materials and essential oil should be store in dry , well aerated, building in which temperature fluctuations are controlled and good aeration is, provided., Fresh product should be stored between 1-5◦C , while frozen product should, be stored below -18 C or below -20 C for long term storage., National regulations on transport have to be followed., 10- Staff requirement:, Personnel involved in the good agriculture practice should receive adequate, training and education related to the nature of the work being carried out., 11- Documentation:, All the propagation materials and steps in the production process must be, documented., 12- Quality assurance:, in order to ensure good quality of the produced crude drug , it is extremely, advisable to educate all personnel dealing with the crop at various stages., , Pest and pest management in medicinal plants:, Pest is an undesired animal or plant which causes loss of cultivated plants. The different type of, pest infecting medicinal plants are as follows:, types of pest: 1- fungi/viruses, 2- insects, 3- weeds, 4-non insect pest, 1- fungi/viruses: ex. Ascochyta atropae causes necrosis of leaf. Cercospora atropae produces, leaf spot disease., 2- insects; ex- flea beetle, flies moth, cutworms, grass hoppers, spiders, termites etc. also, produce significant loss of plants., 3- weeds: a weeds is an undesired plants , it can produce losses more than any other pest, or, diseases. They cause depletion and shortage of nutrients, water, light, space to the cultivated, plant. – parthenium, ragweed, varnish tree etc., 4-non insect pest: they are further sub classified as follows:, - Vertebrates: animals like monkey, rats, rabbits, squirrels, birds, pigs etc., - Invertebrates : animals like crabs, snails, mites, nematodes etc., Methods of pest control:, different techniques are followed to achieve pest control effectively., These methods are following: 1- mechanical method: 2- agricultural method. 3- Biological, method 4- chemical method, 1- mechanical method: it includes simple techniques like hand picking, pruming, burning ,, using of pest trapes, collection and destruction of eggs, larvae and insects. Construction of, concrete ware houses to protect from rodents and animals . rats and mouse traps are also used., 2- agricultural method: it includes various methods such as crop rotation, intercropping,, solarisation, etc. production of insect and pest resistance plants through genetic engineering, technique is another approach., , 23
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HERBAL DRUG TECHNOLOGY, , YPM, , 3- Biological method: this method involves combating of pest with other living organisms such, as employment of cats to combat rats and squirrels, employment of birds to combat insects., Some chemical substances produced by female insects such as sex attractants, which can be use, to lure male insects and prevent reproduction., 5- Chemical Method: pest are controlled using chemical pesticide , which include, insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, rodenticide, however these chemical substances are, highly toxic to human beings. Improper use of these chemical pesticides may lead to, toxic effect on human and animals. Ex.- rodenticide- arsenic trioxide., Insecticide- malathion, parathion, methoxychlor., Fungicides- chlorophenols, quaternary ammonium compounds etc., Herbicides: 2,4 dichloro phenoxy acetic acid, calcium arsenate etc., Biopesticide / bioinsecticide for pest management:, These are pesticide obtained from natural sources like microorganisms, plants,, animals, insects and certain minerals. They offer enormous advantages over chemical, pesticides, which are as follows:, Advantages of biopestcides over chemical pesticides:, They are non toxic to plant as well as humans., They are biodegradable and do not leave any toxic residues., They are less expansive and can be grown along with the cultivated medicinal, plant., They are eco friendly and do not affect soil fertility., They are safe to handle and use., Types of biopesticides:, They can be depending on their sources as follows:, 1-microbial, 2- biochemical, 3- plant pesticides, 1-microbial : they consist of microorganisms , microbial pesticide can control, different kinds of pest and relatively specific for its target pest.it is reported, that some fungi are used to control weeds and insects., 2- biochemical pesticide: these are naturally occurring chemical substances, which are obtained from insects and animals which have the ability to control, the pests by non toxic mechanism. These include substances like insect sex, pheromones., 3- plant pesticides: various plant are reported to poses pesticidal and, insecticidal properties. they can be grown along with cultivated plants to, combat insects and can be used in powdered form or the constituents can be, extracted from them and used to spray on the crops . ex. Neem, tobacco,, pyrethrum, derris, ryania., , 24
