Fake Ashoka Bark Being Used In Ayurvedic Medicines

Ghaziabad : Scientists of the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy examined Ashoka bark available in the market. Out of these, more than 15 percent were found to be fake.

Apart from making Ayurvedic medicines, people also use these plants for Ayurvedic treatment at home. In this, Ashoka bark was found to be fake. It is used in many diseases including stomach related diseases, skin diseases, piles, bone related diseases, leucorrhoea.

The Commission’s Chief Scientist Dr. Jayanti A. said that many plants available in the market were brought to the Commission’s laboratory for examination. During the investigation, Ashoka bark available in the market was found to be fake.

She said that Ashoka bark is used by big companies for the manufacture of Ayurvedic medicines. Many times complaints were made by regional officials about this. After this, the Commission’s team examined the Ashoka bark used in markets and companies. Medicines of many big companies have also been examined, in whose samples the use of fake bark has been detected. In this regard, the government as well as the Bureau of Standards have been informed. So that fake plants and medicines can be recovered in time.

Drug inspectors are being trained in the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy on how to identify fake medicines and medicinal plants available in the market. So that people’s health is not compromised. During the five-day training programme, apart from identifying plants, they are also given information about their use and application.

Ashoka flowers also cure diseases. The red flowers of Ashoka tree are also a storehouse of medicinal properties. Ashoka tree flowers are a boon for curing skin diseases. It is effective in treating female infertility, uterine disorder, dysentery and various skin diseases. Applying some henna leaves and coconut oil mixed with Ashoka tree flowers provides relief from skin diseases.

Source : Amar Ujala