Tag Archives: Branolia Chemical Works

AYUSH Industry Taking India to the World

AYUSH Industry Taking India to the World

Home to 6,600 medicinal plants, India is the second largest exporter of AYUSH and herbal products in the world. The Indian domestic market for AYUSH is estimated at Rs. 500 crores, and exports are worth Rs. 200 crores. The AYUSH industry is expected to see a double-digit growth and by 2020 provide direct employment to 1 million people directly and indirect jobs to about 25 million persons.

In recognition of the potential of AYUSH being a major driver of the Indian economy has allowed 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in AYUSH. It is now for the stakeholders in AYUSH namely the practitioners, pharma companies, AYUSH academia and AYUSH researchers and others to ensure that AYUSH reaches its full potential both in India and abroad.

We at Branolia Chemical Works for last 95 years have had consistent faith in AYUSH. A product of the Indian Independence movement, Branolia Chemical Works entered into the foray of Ayurvedic formulations when the overall public sentiment was skewed towards allopathic medicine. We have been a witness to of how slowly but surely the public sentiments and acceptability of AYUSH as an alternative curative approach has found traction. We are also thankful to our farmers who have taken to growing medicinal plants organically.

We at Branolia congratulate the AYUSH practitioners, AYUSH academia and the government for bringing up this perceptible change. The setting up of AYUSH ministry by the Government of India was a big step in mainstreaming AYUSH. Further, the present initiative of the Government of mainstreaming AYUSH practitioners into the modern medical system through a bridge course is something we applaud.

We at Branolia Chemical Works have constantly tried to bring newer products at very reasonable prices to bring the goodness of Ayurveda to the people and also provide effective formulations in the hands of the practitioners. Our newest formulation Kulleron, based on Kulekhara (H.Spinosa) has proven highly effective to counter anemia.

We will always walk with the AYUSH community and do whatever possible to see that AYUSH reaches its full potential as a curative method and as well as the driver of the Indian economy.

Branolia Chemical Works stands in solidarity with the AYUSH community. Can we count on you as well!

Positive Impact of Brahmi in Management of Schizophrenia

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), is known to Ayurveda to improve cognitive ability, memory and learning skills.

A case study of a Schizophrenia patient was presented in a scientific paper by Sarkar et al in J Ayurveda Integr Med v.3(4); Oct-Dec 2012 which alluded to positive add-on effect of Brahmi to allopathic medicine for managing Schizophrenia.

Mr. A, a 34-year-old single graduate male, presented with suspiciousness and fearfulness, wandering behavior, muttering to self, unprovoked aggression and disorganized behavior for the past 15 years. The patient was diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia.

Initially, the patient was given olanzapine tablets 10 mg/day and increased gradually up to 20 mg over a period of two weeks. There was an initial improvement in psychopathology and subsequently, it plateaued out. Subsequently, the patient was given an add-on trial of Ayurvedic drug Brahmi (500 mg) for a period of one month.

During the trial, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Scale (BPRS) scores were tracked, with a reduction in scores indicating desirable impact.

The results are summarized below:

Regimen PANSS BPRS
Pre Treatment 108 48
Post Olanzapine(10-20 mg) 2 weeks 92 38
Brahmi add on (500 mg) + Olanzapine (20 mg) 67 27

This does provide evidence of efficacy of Brahmi in the improvement of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.  The exact mechanism of effect of Brahmi on schizophrenia is not well understood. Research does provide some evidence.

  • Animal researchers have demonstrated the anti-oxidant properties of Bacopa extracts in the brain, which could potentially lead to its positive effect on mental function.
  • Bacopa monnieri has been reported to repair damaged neurons by enhancing kinase activity, restoration of synaptic activity, ultimately enhancing nerve impulse transmission in the brain.
  • The nootropic properties of Brahmi have been reported to be possibly mediated by its constituent saponins, bacosides A and B through the glutaminergic

Branolia is a Brahmi based ayurvedic tonic trusted by millions of households for over last 90 years. Backed by the ancient texts of Ayurveda and corroborated by modern day research, Brahmi has emerged as a leading herb in improving brain functioning. Branolia contains the best quality Brahmi herbs processed at its state of the art production facility.

Branolia salutes the medical researchers who give modern scientific validity to ancient Ayurvedic knowledge.

Social Media Addiction – You may be one without even knowing it

There are more than a few billion social media users worldwide, representing a global increase in the all-round increase in the number of digital users. Social network penetration worldwide is ever-increasing. In 2017, 71 percent of internet users were social network users and these figures are expected to grow. ( Data Source: https://www.statista.com).

In India, the documented number of social media users approximate to 196.02 million in 2017 which is expected to rise to 226 million in the coming year. Social networking already accounts for the maximum time spent by people online, and users aged between 15 and 19 spend at least three hours per day on average using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram- across the globe. And it is often found that social media users can’t go a few hours without checking different social media platforms before getting up in the morning. This addiction is termed as FOMO or Fear of Missing Out. Social Media is one of the most common forms of addiction afflicting the younger generation who spend too much time on social media. However, there is yet to be any official medical acknowledgment of this kind of addiction as a disorder. Mental health professionals are increasingly researching on internet addiction and they foresee this as a grave condition in the near future.

Social Media addiction becomes is a rising trend amongst the millennial and it is often observed that it prevents them from leading a normal life. It also leads them to depression, decreased self- esteem, eating disorder, a feeling of insecurity and a decrease in the level of concentration. Another associated problem is the rising cases of cyberbullying leading to suicides and other ailments.

Social media cannot be fully eradicated from our lives keeping in mind its benefits however certain steps can be taken to limit its usage among youngsters.

  • Regular exercising and meditating can strengthen muscles and boost a positive mood.
  • Spreading an awareness among children and youth about the harmful effects of overuse of social media
  • Parents and teachers should regularly monitor internet usage amongst children.
  • Schools can play an active role in advocating the safe use of internet among children
  • Parents should set up boundaries or put a limit on timings as to the use of social media

In these trying times, Branolia Chemicals have developed an ayurvedic tonic, Branolia infused with the goodness of herbs like Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Jastimadhu and some other herbs to enhance the overall functioning of the brain. Brahmi, the chief ingredient in the formulation of Branolia, is known to be used in the treatment of insomnia, epilepsy and attention deficit disorders.

The fight against social media can be won by trying to focus on the positive aspects instead of the negative and also by trying to reach out to communities for support.

 

Herbal Carrot Cake

Christmas is no fun without a good cake. The term Christmas cake was coined many years ago and various countries use different ingredients to bake a cake on Christmas.
We at Branolia Chemicals also join in the Christmas fun and cheer with our very own ‘Herbal Carrot Cake’. It is easy to bake and tastes good.

SERVES: 8-10
PREPARATION TIME: 45 mins
BAKING TIME: 40 mins

INGREDIENTS:

6 large, carrots peeled, cored and quartered lengthways
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
40 g unsalted butter
80 g caster sugar
12 drops ginger juice
One small spoon of cinnamon powder
A pinch of clove powder
A small spoon of Nutmeg powder
Add one pinch of crushed Basil
A handful of roasted almonds peeled
165 g plain flour
30 g ground almond powder
1/2 tsp. salt
160 g unsalted butter
4 large eggs
170 g Maple syrup
3 tbsp. boiling water
1 1/2 tsp. bicarbonate of soda

METHOD:
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Line the tin with nonstick baking paper.
2. Take the carrots mix with the lemon juice. In a large frying pan, melt the butter and sprinkle half the caster sugar. Put the carrots into the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes or until brown on one side then turn and cook for a further 5 minutes until the other side is brown. With a flat spatula carefully remove the pear quarters and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Add the Maple syrup and the rest of the caster sugar into the same pan and stir frequently for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes syrupy. Add in ginger juice, cinnamon powder, clove powder, crushed basil,the roasted peeled almonds and nutmeg powder. Pour this syrup into the baking tin spread the syrup evenly over the bottom of the tin.
4. Start to arrange the carrots from one corner so that they cover the bottom of the tin and are facing the same direction. Set aside.
5. Mix together the flour and salt in a bowl. Also add the butter and sugar together for around 5 minutes on a medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time at a lower speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.
6. In a small bowl, add the boiling water to the bicarbonate of soda and add it to the flour mixture
7. Scrape the mixture into the tin on top of the arranged carrots and bake for 25 minutes at 175°C.
8. After 25 minutes reduce the oven temperature to 160°C and bake for 10 minutes more.
When done, the top should bounce back when lightly touched. Cool in the tin for 1 hour, and then loosen around the edges of the cake. Place a tray over the top of the tin and carefully but quickly turn upside down.

The cake is ready to eat.

Career Options after BAMS

Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and health, is a unique heritage of India. In spite of its glorious past as a global Medicare system, presently its official practice is limited only to India and certain neighbouring countries. With the changing concepts of health and disease and shifting scenario of health needs of the present times, there has been an amazing arousal of interest which is likely to be accelerated with the growing trends of information technology, economic globalization and industrial activism. As far as career is concerned, students after passing BAMS had only one option that is starting their own practice. However, things have changed as many new avenues have opened up for BAMS graduates. The areas in which ayurvedic graduates can build up a successful career are:

  1. Clinical Practice
  2. Academics
  3. Research
  4. Management and Administration and
  5. Drug Manufacturing

The right career, however, will depend on a person’s own interest, basic and some specific qualities which a particular field may demand.

The various career opportunities are:

  • Clinical Practice: A student of Ayurvedic practice needs to have a thorough knowledge of Ayurvedic Samhitas and Sutras. To keep up with the changing times they also need to well aware of modern medical science and familiar with the diagnostic tests in vogue nowadays. Students are also suggested to gather practical experience for at least a year or two under a senior practitioner before setting up his own practice. Students can also add extra elements like Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic dietetics, Counseling, Physiotherapy, etc., by doing additional diploma/certificate courses available.
  • Academics: A student interested in higher studies can go for a postgraduate degree course in Ayurvedic medicine. All students interested in pursuing an MD in Ayurvedic medicine will have to clear an entrance test to get through. Anyone who has 10 years of clinical experience or 5 years of teaching experience is eligible for PhD. Almost all institutions have facilities for PhD. There are M.Sc programs also available in various science disciplines like Anatomy, Microbiology for BAMS students, which are offered by many universities in various universities like the University of Madras, Kasturba Medical College,Sri Ramachandra Medical College, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, etc. to name a few.
  • Research: Other courses available for students interested in Ayurvedic medicine are MSc or PG Diploma in Clinical Research. These courses are available at various institutions and universities throughout the country. Cranfield University (UK), through its branches in India, offers a masters degree in clinical research. The duration of these courses varies from 6 months to 2 years. The course modules are extensive with more focus on data analysis and management. After completion of this course, students can get a job as Clinical Research Associate in the research unit of pharmaceutical companies.
  • Management:  MPH (Masters in Public Health), MHA (Masters in Health Administration) and MBA (Hospital and Healthcare management) are in great demand nowadays. Some other courses that offer great career enhancement are courses in Sports Medicine, Disaster Management, Industrial Management, Preventive and Promotive healthcare, Masters in Personnel Management.
  • Drug Manufacturing: It is the need of the hour that many Ayurvedic graduates come in this field and use their knowledge and skill. Courses such as BPharm (Ayurveda) in Jamnagar and BHU, MSc (Pharmaceutical Medicine), MBA (Medicinal Marketing) (MUHS, Nasik), Diploma in Herbal Medicinal Manufacturing (Pune University and IPER Pune) help students in this domain.

Pharmaceutical Companies like Branolia Chemicals are constantly into research to produce quality ayurvedic medicine for their clientele.

 

The All India Institute of Ayurveda Inaugurated in Delhi

On occasion of Ayurveda Day on Oct 17 the Hon’ble Prime Minister dedicated to the nation All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA). Modelled on the pattern of AIIMS, AIIA is expected to be in the forefront of Ayurveda research in the country and facilitate synergy between the traditional system of medicine with the modern medical diagnostic and research tools/methods. This is a big step towards mainstreaming Ayurveda in modern medical science.  Some salient features of AIIA is given below for ready reference:

aiia-updated

Own Campus: A state of the art campus has been built in Delhi’s Sarita Vihar area on 10 acres of land with a total outlay of 157 crores. The institute has a 200-bed referral hospital attached to it. It currently has a functioning OPD and provides medicines free of cost.

Academic Program: The institute will offer postgraduate and doctoral courses in various Ayurvedic disciplines. The MD/MS and doctoral programmes have already been started

Departments: It has departments of neurology, degenerative diseases, rheumatology, musculoskeletal care unit, diabetes and metabolic/allergic disorders care unit, Yoga, Panchakarma clinic, Kriya Kalpa, Diabetic retinopathy, and infertility clinic. Once fully operational the institute is slated to have 25 Speciality departments and 12 clinics with 8 interdisciplinary research laboratories.

Laboratories: Facilities includes pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and radiology laboratories or diagnostic facilities.

Patients: The medical facilities are open to everyone needing medical care and attention through the Ayurveda medicine system. It is also expected that the facility will encourage medical tourism and provide an alternative treatment regimen for chronic health problems.

Branolia Chemical Works thanks the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Ministry of AYUSH (Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopath) for the brilliant initiative of setting up an apex Ayurveda research facility.  Such a facility was sorely missed by the Ayurveda medicine industry.

Branolia Chemical Works manufactures a number of high-quality Ayurvedic medicines including Branolia, Kulleron, Honey Guard, Bellytone, Bitocough and Livonia.