It is a matter of serious concern that the number of case reports pointing at a possible association between the clinical toxicity and the use of Ayurveda formulations is increasing significantly over the years in scientific medical literature. Though most of these cases are connected with the presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic in these formulations, there are also reports suggesting toxicity due to the presence of toxic chemicals of herbal origin. In the year 2008, the Government of India took an initiative of establishing the National Pharmacovigilance Programme for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs in a structured way. However, due to lack of sustained support, this program has now become defunct. This issue is of vital importance and needs to be addressed effectively on a priority basis. In this communication, we propose the following crucial policy interventions to be introduced at different levels: a. Amendments to Drug and Cosmetic Act, b. Issuing consumer guidelines, c. Issuing prescription guidelines, d. Issuing clinical monitoring guidelines, e. Implementation of good manufacturing guidelines, f. Promoting documentation of clinical safety, g. Identifying the sources of contamination, and, h. Provision for stringent punishment. If these policy interventions are taken up and implemented, a significant positive change in the scenario can be expected in the near future.

Psoralea corylifolia Linn., known as Bākucī in various Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias, such as Nighaṇṭu, Samhitā, Rasa Grantha and Chikitsā Grantha. In these texts, this plant has been attributed with a number of synonyms depicting its morphological identifying characters and pharmacological actions. This paper provides a single hand information regarding Bākucī, its properties and actions, from available 30 Nighaṇṭu, 9 Samhitā, 16 Chikitsā Grantha, 30 Rasa Grantha, 9 books related to ethnomedicine and 4 published research articles on ethnomedicinal claims till March 2018. The study reveals that, about 63 synonyms were attributed to Bākucī to describe its botanical and pharmacological characters. Its seed has been attributed with 12 chikitsā upayogi (useful in treatment) properties like Medhya (Brain tonic), Rasāyana (Rejuvenation), Rucya etc. Bākucī has been indicated in 19 clinical conditions like Śwāsa (Dyspnoea), Kāsa (cough), Kuṣṭha (disease of skin), Kŗmi (Worm infestation) etc. Further almost all part of the plant are commonly used in folklore medicine for skin diseases as well as for snake bite and scorpion sting and aphrodisiac. Findings of this review may enrich to documentary research as well as act as detailed information about Bākucī and its usages in Āyurvedic pharmacopoeias.

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Background: Desmodium velutinum (Fabaceae) is one of the wild edible plants used traditionally to treat diarrhoea, haematuria, infertility and also externally used to treat scorpion bites. Though various parts of the plant have been used for therapeutic purpose, panchanga of the plant has not been studied for its Pharmacognostical and phytochemical characteristics in detail, following scientific parameters. Hence in the present study Desmodium velutinum whole plant has been studied for its pharmacognostical and phytochemical characters and compared with commonly used species Desmodium gangeticum. Methods: Whole plant of Desmodim velutinum was collected from Paikmal, Odisha and Desmodium gangeticum was collected from Junagarh, Gujarat in the month of November 2019 following good collection practices and shade dried. Pharmacognostical study and analytical study were performed following standard pharmacopoeial procedures. Results: Whole plant (Panchanga) of former is sweetish and latter is bitter. Powder microscopy of Desmodium gangeticum showed presence of rhomboidal crystals and lignified annular and spiral vessels. Desmodium velutinum showed presence of prismatic crystals and lignified pitted vessels. Physico-chemical analysis showed higher loss on drying in Desmodium gangeticum, and higher water soluble extractive values of Desmodium velutinum. Phytochemical estimation showed the presence of Proteins, tannins, and carbohydrates in both samples. HPTLC study showed similar Rf value 0.82 and 0.94 at 254 and 0.03 and 0.41 at 366nm. Conclusion: Basing upon the analytical and microscopic similarities Desmodium velutinum may be considered as substitute of Desmodium gangeticum