Adulteration and Substitution in Indian Medicinal Plants: An Overview

Abstract

Ayurveda is a system of Indian traditional form of alternative medicine. In 20th and 21 century due to side effects ofrnsynthetic drugs, there is an increasing interest in Ayurvedic proprietary medicines. At present the adulteration andrnSubstitution of the herbal drugs is the burning problem in herbal industry and it has caused a major advancement inrnthe research on commercial natural products. The deforestation and extinction of many species and incorrectrnidentification of many plants has resulted in adulteration and substitution of raw drugs. The future development ofrnanalysis of herbs is largely depended upon reliable methodologies for correct identification, standardization andrnquality assurance of Ayurvedic drugs. This article throws light on the concepts of substitution given by ourrnpreceptors and analyzes these with the present day prevailing trend of adulteration and substitution