Innovation in Ayurveda a Major Highlight at WAC Arogya Expo

DEHRADUN:
From a herbal smoke to a portable pulse monitoring device, products and solutions developed by leveraging cutting-edge technologies are the highlights of the Arogya Expo, the staple event at the 10th edition of the World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) that got underway at Parade Ground here today.

Another riveting product developed by a startup is the compilation of extensive Ayurveda books using artificial intelligence (AI) for commercialising ancient medicines.

Chennai-based startup NanOlife, which is registered under Startup India and Make in India initiative, has used modern technology to develop mouthwash and other products using plant extracts, Rajata Bhasma in liquid (silver nano particles) and Swarna Bhasma in liquid (gold nano particles).

Silver nano particles derived from Green nanotechnology have potent antimicrobial properties with no toxicity and they can destroy harmful microbes. Gold nano particles are known for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and rejuvenating properties.

Akshith Parmar, CEO, NanOlife, said using AI, they are compiling extensive Ayurveda books to know what else gold and silver can do in their nano form.

“There were significant results in our clinical trials of the mouthwash conducted in tobacco users. In the process of drug manufacturing, we are conjugating the gold nano particles with turmeric, amla and other ingredients,” he pointed out.

According to him, Arogya Expo is a platform for his company to seek new collaborations in healthcare and understand the different product segments in Ayurveda sector.

Mr Parmar said they have a tie-up with The Netherlands-based Dr Native for white labelling Ayurveda products.

The company has put on display Nadi Tarangini, a pulse monitoring nadi (nerve) device that accurately measures the inner health and metabolism. A patented device, it captures the nadi of a patient and prepares a report based on which the practitioner gives suggestions on yoga and diet. The report can be compared over the next visits of the patient for tracking the progress. It can be used in Ayurveda clinics, wellness centres, gym and yoga centres, and Ayurveda colleges.

The nadi reading equipment is approved by National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and it has been made mandatory in every Ayurveda colleges across the country this year. The company has supplied it to more than 20 colleges already. The device gives report on 22 nadi parameters, including Vata, Pitta and Kapha graphs.

Among the healthcare and wellness products at the expo, Nbiotic by Ayurvet Limited is meant for poultry. It is a polyherbal formulation enriched with prebiotic and essential oils which helps in promoting healthy gut, thereby improving the health and productivity of poultry.

Ministry of Ayush also has a stall at the sprawling one lakh sq.ft space expo venue where major stakeholders have put up their big stalls by leveraging digital technology.

The expo also features Nirdosh herbal smoke, which is tobacco- and nicotine-free with ingredients like basil, turmeric, cinnamon, bdellium, ajwain, tendu leaf and other herbs. Its herbal cigar comes with corn husk filler with natural ingredients.

Other major stalls representing Ayurveda pharma sector include Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal; Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala; Arya Vaidya Pharmacy, Coimbatore; Sreedhareeyam; Oushadhi; and Nagarjuna.

Kerala-based Stellite Automation and Nagpur-based Sahastraveda have showcased quaint devices for Ayurveda treatment. Delegates are making a beeline to the stalls where authentic and traditional Ayurvedic products and services are available.

The Arogya Expo is showcasing products and services from leading Ayurvedic institutions in India and abroad. The 350-plus stalls are expected to attract 150,000 visitors.

With its focal theme‘Digital Health, An Ayurveda Perspective’, the four-day event will set the stage for in-depth deliberations on leveraging new technologies to more effectively deliver solutions and reconfigure R&D projects relating to Ayurveda.

The largest international conclave of Ayurvedic practitioners, researchers, administrators, diplomats, teachers and students, thebiennial event is organised by the World Ayurveda Foundation (WAF), an initiative of Vijnana Bharati. Partnering the WAF in this mega-event are the Ayush Ministry, Government of India, the governments of Uttarakhand and some other state governments, and leading ayurvedic institutions and establishments.

More than 5500 participants are participating in the event, which includes about 350 overseas delegates from 54 countries.