A Study on Patented Ayurvedic Drugs in Kerala

Ayurveda medicine system has a strong background in Indian culture. Modernized practices derived from Ayurvedic culture is used as alternative medicine in the field of Ayurveda. In this system of medicine, there is a belief that, through Ayurveda protocols, any substance can be changed into valuable medicines, therefore, governments have imposed certain regulation in applicability and patenting of medicines. The provisions of intellectual property rights, especially the rights of patents have attracted many organizations into the field of Ayurveda. These organizations have started to utilize the possibilities of marketing and other commercial benefits through traditional Ayurveda knowledge. As there is growth in the Ayurveda Medicine, organisations and individuals across the globe, especially, American and European countries, are trying to exploit the benefits by patenting their Ayurvedic products.<br><br>Kerala has a strong tradition in the history of Ayurveda medicines. Most of the Keralities have been using Ayurveda products of different firms. In current scenario, the manufacturers sell their patented drugs along with traditional medicines. There has been a tremendous growth in the production of patented Ayurvedic drugs for the past ten years in Kerala. It is essential to know how the patented drugs create a market for Ayurveda industry in Kerala and also to identify the effect of patented drugs in Ayurveda industry in Kerala. The attitude of the consumer towards patented drugs is a major factor influencing the manufacturers in making patented drugs. It is necessary to investigate how far patented drugs have influenced in developing the habit of turning to Ayurveda among the people of Kerala. There are mainly nine categories of patented drugs available in Kerala. They include Syrup, Ointment, Tablet, Oil, Liquid, Lehyam, Churna, Arishta &amp; Asava and Ghee. It is relevant for the Ayurveda firms to know the kind of patented drugs used by their customers. The researcher aims to analyze promotion habits of manufacturers of patented Ayurvedic medicines and customs followed by Ayurvedic doctors while prescribing patented drugs.