THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Grandma's time-tested herbal home remedies may soon stage a comeback, giving modern medicine a run for its money. Scientists at the Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute here have zeroed in on a family of medicinal herbs found in the Western Ghats to develop a range of nutraceuticals (dietary health supplements) for pre-natal care of pregnant women and the treatment of arthritis.

As many as five different species of the Sida plant will be screened for their medicinal properties under a three-year project to be launched by the institute shortly. Funded by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, the Rs.30-lakh project is expected to help the State claim a major stake in the burgeoning global market for nutraceuticals.

Scientists drawn from the Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, Microbiology and Pharmacy groups at the institute will be involved in the project.

Global market

The global sale of nutraceuticals is estimated to have touched $ 86 billion in 1996, registering an increase of 7.5 per cent over the previous year. The sector is expected to register an incremental growth over the next five to eight years.

The report of the Ninth International Nutraceutical Conference in New York shows that dietary supplements will become an essential item, probably as an add-on therapy in all medical prescriptions in future.

In India, the concept of herbal nutraceuticals is believed to have evolved about 3,000 years back in history.

The roots, leaves, stems and seeds of the Sida plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat bronchial asthma, cold and flu, chills, headache, nasal congestion, joint pain and wheezing. It is also effective as a diuretic, cardiac stimulant and in treatment of nervous disorders and urinary infections.

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