Background: Reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is an important part of pharmacovigilance practice. Considering the significance of this area, the Ministry of AYUSH has introduced a new Central Sector scheme for promoting pharmacovigilance of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs. Being key health-care professionals, physicians, pharmacists, technicians, and nurses have immense responsibility in effective implementation of pharmacovigilance programs through the surveillance and reporting of ADRs. Objective: The present study was planned with an objective to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Ayurveda pharmacists toward pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 pretested questions about KAP regarding ADRs and pharmacovigilance in a Google form were made available to 170 Ayurveda pharmacists at their workplace by e-mail. Results: In the present study, total, 80 responses were received, yielding a response rate of 47%. Most of the participants (81.5%) had knowledge about the pharmacovigilance program for ASU&H drugs and also the location of their nearest pharmacovigilance center. At the same time, 34.6% among them were not aware that a specific format is available for reporting ADRs and only 42% had the knowledge that the Ministry of AYUSH is monitoring the pharmacovigilance program for ASU&H drugs in India. However, most of them (95.1%) thought that it was their responsibility to report ADRs and 92.6% of the participants wanted to make ADR reporting mandatory to pharmacists. More than half of the participants (55.6%) had come across ADRs at their workplace, and the majority of them (72.8%) had reported them. More than half of the pharmacists (51.9%) who were involved in the program revealed that they had faced problems while reporting ADRs at their workplace. Conclusion: Even though there was a positive attitude toward ADR reporting, limited knowledge about the importance of the program needed to be addressed through educational initiatives, regular sensitization, and awareness programs.

Introduction: Many strategies have been suggested for the prevention of COVID-19 such as the intake of certain home remedies. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of home remedies like Kadha (Decoction) consumed during covid times and document the adverse events if any due to indiscriminate use of home remedies. To document various home remedies used by the public to boost immunity. Method: About 130 patients who attended the OPD at Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Bengaluru were included in the survey by using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared to collect information regarding the intake, type, duration, and benefits of home remedies. Results: It was observed that a majority of the participants in the study were not aware of the long-term consequences of consuming a particular home remedy. Due to the fear of covid and faith in home remedies, many opted for a preventive measure. Ginger was the most frequently used drug as a home remedy and hyperacidity with heartburn was the most common untoward effect observed due to the inappropriate use of the home remedies. Conclusion: Ayurveda emphasizes diet and regimen as a part of the treatment along with Aushadha Sevana Kaala (the time of administration of medicine). When home remedies are consumed without medical supervision and without adhering to the basic principles as cautioned in Ayurvedic medicine, it is bound to cause some untoward effects. This study is a humble attempt in this direction.

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