Edited by Dr Dilip Ghosh- Advisor and Executive Board Member, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA); Dr Prasad Thakurdesai, Chief Scientific Officer, Indus Biotech
A 23-chapter book titled ‘Fenugreek- Traditional and Modern Uses’ was launched by Ayush Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha in the presence of Dr Dilip Ghosh, Advisor and Executive Board Member, Health Foods and Dietary Supplements Association (HADSA) and other dignitaries of the government and industry, in New Delhi on 26 September. The book has been published by CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group.
Dr Ghosh has edited this book along with Dr Prasad Thakurdesai, Chief Scientific Officer, Indus Biotech. The book is a compilation of scientific studies carried out by various researchers globally on medical applications of fenugreek seed-based products. It covers relevant evidence for the traditional and modern medicinal applications of fenugreek and its constituents to provide good nutrients, maintain health, prevent diseases and manage disorders.
During the book launch, Kotecha said, “For standardization of Indian medicines and Homoeopathy in the country, the government has established Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) under the Ministry of AYUSH. The Pharmacopoeial standards are basic need to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathic medicines.”
He also indicated to the industry to strengthen the branding of ayurveda. “There is a huge brand value of ayurveda, with Siddha and Unani also now building up. For example, Siddha is more popular in countries like Malaysia, while Cuba is planning to implement ayurveda as system”, he added.
According to this newly launched book, fenugreek with its phyto-constituents such as bioactive amino acids, alkaloids, glycosides, soluble fibres and phenolic compounds, could be a good candidate for ayurvedic drugs. Multiple research evidences have been discussed in this book to validate the potential of fenugreek as an herbal drug.
As a nutraceutical specialist, Dr Ghosh mentioned that he is working on a series of books on botanicals. Along with Ayush Ministry, Dr Ghosh is currently compiling his work on the use of integrated medicine in neuroscience.