Indigenous Drug Research Articles

A bibliometric review of drug and alcohol research focused on Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States experience a disproportionately high burden of harms from substance misuse. Research is therefore required to improve our understanding of substance use in Indigenous populations and provide evidence on strategies effective for reducing harmful use. A search of 13 electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1993 and 2014 focusing on substance use and Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Relevant abstracts were classified as data or non-data based research. Data-based studies were further classified as measurement, descriptive or intervention and their trends examined by country and drug type. Intervention studies were classified by type and their evaluation designs classified using the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) data collection checklist. There was a statistically significant increase from 1993 to 2014 in the percentage of total publications that were data-based (P<0.001). Overall, data-based publications were mostly descriptive for all countries (84-93%) and drug types (74-95%). There were fewer measurement (0-4%) and intervention (0-14%) publications for all countries and the percentage of these did not change significantly over time. Forty-two percent of intervention studies employed an EPOC evaluation design. Strategies to increase the frequency and quality of measurement and intervention research in the Indigenous drug and alcohol field are required. The dominance of descriptive research in the Indigenous drug and alcohol field is less than optimal for generating evidence to inform Indigenous drug and alcohol policy and programs. [Clifford A, Shakeshaft A. A bibliometric review of drug and alcohol research focused on Indigenous peoples of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:509-522].

Effect of Indigenous Drug Administration (KARELA) on Different Parameters Studied Among Healthy and NIDDM Subjects: A Hospital Based Study

Effect of Indigenous Drug Administration (KARELA) on Different Parameters Studied Among Healthy and NIDDM Subjects: A Hospital Based Study

Efficacy of Curcuma longa in osteoarthritis: Association of IL-1β, IL-10 and MMP-9 with severity of disease

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressively debilitating immune mediated inflammatory disorder in which various biomarkers have been reportedly increased. This study was carried out to establish a correlation between IL-1β, IL-10 and MMP-9 in various grades of OA of knee and to observe the effect of Curcuma longa (CL-an indigenous drug) in such patients through a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trial. After obtaining clearance from Institutional Ethics Committee, 160 patients of either sex aged between 40 to 80 years, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled and randomly divided in two groups. The grading of the disease was done according to Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading scale. Placebo and extract of CL were given along with the standard treatment to the two groups in blind manner. The assessment of the patients was done after two and four months. On day 0 the level of IL-1β, MMP-9 and IL-10 was found to be significantly higher in grade 3 and 4 patients as compared to grade 1 and 2 patients. After oral administration of CL extract there was significant clinical improvement (as compared to placebo) in all grades of patients as adjudged by WOMAC score and VAS. There was also significant decrease in levels of IL-1β and MMP-9 in parallel with the clinical improvement. Moreover, decline in the level of IL-10, after treatment with CL was not significant. It is concluded that IL-1β, MMP-9 and IL-10 have strong parallel association with severity of OA. Further, CL produced significant relief in the patients of OA of knee, when given along with standard treatment.

To Compare the Effects of Terminalia Arjuna with Rosuvastatin on Total Cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt;In India, CVD is a leading cause of death. Among the modifiable risk factors, hyperlipidemia is one of the important factors. Therefore lowering cholesterol level is a key factor in controlling this disease.&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives:&lt;/strong&gt; To compare the effect of Terminalia arjuna, an indigenous drug with Rosuvastatin on serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, in patients of either sex with dyslipidemia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Material and Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; An open prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in on 60 patients for the duration of 12 weeks. Patients were distributed into two groups of 30 patients each. Group I was given Rosuvastatin 10 mg daily and group II was given capsules containing bark powder of T.arjuna 500 mg twice daily. Patients TC and LDL-C levels were performed at baseline and then repeated at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. The results of both the therapies were then compared and statistically analyzed.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; T.arjuna leads to greater reduction in mean TC level than Rosuvastatin (-14.06±8.07% vs -10.10±5.39%), (- 24.73±10.69% vs -19.42±9.98%) and (-27.89±9.25% vs - 24.74±10.02%) at 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively. The difference between both the groups was statistically non-significant (p&amp;gt;0.05) at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. The reduction in mean LDL-C level was also greater with T.arjuna as compared to Rosuvastatin.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Both Rosuvastatin and T.arjuna were effective in causing significant decrease in serum TC and LDLC levels, but T.arjuna had a slight edge over Rosuvastatin as it showed greater reduction in TC and LDL-C levels as compare to Rosuvastatin. And was found to be safe and well tolerated.&lt;/p&gt;

Towards a Model National IPR Policy for India

Intellectual property rights (IPR), with the patent system at its cynosure, is one such issue which has been party to some of the most heated debates, staged in various international forums. In this regard, the vertex of contention is the age old ideological deadlock between private monopoly and public welfare, with the specific rights pertaining to innovations serving as the arena in this case. The global IPR landscape underwent a paradigmatic shift with the introduction of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement in 1994, which established a set of minimal standards for IPRs. India, being one of the signatories to the treaty, was compelled to critically change its patent system wherein it had to start awarding patents on drugs. The change, which came into effect on 1st January 2005, symbolized a proverbial ‘change of guard’ per se in the history of India, wherein the deliberate exclusion of pharmaceutical products from patent protection had led to the development of an indigenous world-class generic drug manufacturing hub. However, its anti-monopolistic stance has caused India to receive, time and again, a fair share of flak for its IPR policy, with the NATCO and the Novartis cases being notable examples derived from the recent past. The situation reached a climax in 2014 with the USTR citing India on its ‘priority watch list’, for the purported “inadequacy” of its IPR norms. This precipitated the establishment of a national IPR Think Tank and the subsequent circulation of a draft National IPR Policy on 24th December 2014. With a country characterized by a quantum of diversity as extensive as India’s, the task of formulating an all-inclusive public policy in any sphere is challenging. This is especially accentuated for IPR, given that it is basically an intangible good stemming from a failure of the efficient markets hypothesis. However, it is quite conspicuous that the changes in India’s IPR regime over time have mirrored its gradual evolution from colonialism, to sovereignty, and now to superpower-in-the-making. Based upon this precept, it is quite intuitive that India ought to place the interests of its citizens on the top-most pedestal in arriving at a flexible IPR policy, wherein TRIPS-plus norms should be deemed sub judice. By virtue of this policy brief/article, I intend to propose an ideal national IPR policy for India with the aforementioned goals in mind. Furthermore, the proposed policy brief aspires to be as realistic as possible in its claims/suggestions, and hopes to engage its readers in a bidirectional dialogue regarding its specificity and appropriability, with regard to the fabric of the current Indian polity. In achieving its stated objectives, the article adopts a two-pronged approach. Firstly, it leverages upon the draft National IPR Policy (dated: 24/12/2014) as a skeletal framework, and carried out an impartial analysis of the same. It identifies the flaws/gaps in the postulates of the document and suggests ameliorations, wherever relevant. Secondly, it identifies lacunae in the existing informal Indian IPR policy structure, and recommends due directions in the stated areas. In all its analyses and/or postulates, the article proactively aims to accord the fundamental Constitutional directive principle of the achievement of an egalitarian and meritocratic the role its key thrust area.

Clinical profile of pure red cell aplasia

Clinical and hematological profiles of twelve patients with Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) are described. It was more common in fifth decade and in males. Eight patients had mild upper respiratory tract infection, eight patients had indigenous drug intake history, eight patients had hepatomegaly, six had splenomegaly and three had palpable lymph nodes. Experience with corticosteroids and immune suppressive agents are described.

Prospects of consumer-initiated adverse drug reaction reporting in cardiovascular pharmacovigilance

Drugs used for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders are frequently reported to cause adverse drug reactions (ADRs), second only to antimicrobials. ADRs strain the patients' health and finances further and could prove fatal too. Pharmacovigilance programs aim to detect, monitor and understand ADRs in order to prevent them. Pharmacovigilance provides vital input to drug regulatory agencies to monitor safety of new as well as old drugs. Spontaneous reporting of suspected ADRs by healthcare professionals forms the backbone of pharmacovigilance programs worldwide including the Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI) launched in 2010. The PvPI has significantly contributed to strengthening pharmacovigilance in India but suffers from under-reporting of ADRs like similar programs worldwide. Consumer-initiated reporting of ADRs incorporated in pharmacovigilance programs of several countries has been found to decrease under-reporting rates besides supplementing traditional pharmacovigilance information. The PvPI has recently introduced the facility for consumers to report ADRs by contacting a hotline (1800-180-3024), through e-mail (pvpi.compat@gmail.com) or by filling specifically designed ADR reporting forms, either in English language or vernacular translations, and submitting them to the nearest ADR monitoring centre. This is a welcome step in empowering patients as consumers of drugs with the mechanism to monitor their safety. It could potentially fill the huge gap in spontaneous ADR reporting and supplement the indigenous drug safety database with patients' perspectives regarding ADRs e.g. effect on their quality of life. Whether it encourages rational prescription practices by doctors or enhances transparency regarding safety of investigational drugs in clinical trials needs to be seen.

A Review on Sappan Wood-A Therapeutic Dye Yielding Tree

The plant Caesalpinia sappan is a small leguminous tree upto 10m in height belonging to the Caesalpiniaceae family, with an orange-red hard Heartwood with spiny trunk, which besides being useful in turnery gives a red dye. It is commonly known as Brazil or Sappan wood, native to tropical Asia, also grown as a hedge plant. The plant is being used worldwide for a large number of traditional medicinal purposes including anti-tumour, antiinflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, cardioactive, neurotoxicity, anti-bacterial, antiacne, anemia, tuberculosis and some other activities. The main active constituent is Brazilin, and together triterpenoids, flavanoids, lipids, steroids, aminoacids etc are found. Leaves yield volatile oil, 0.16 to 0.25%; pods contain 40% tannin; seeds yield 32.1% and 34.4% mucilage and straw-yellow, edible oil(7.5%) having a characteristic smell; roots contains caesalpin-type diterpenoids along with sitosterol. In folklore medicine it is used as a herbal drinking water for its blood purifying, anti-thirst, anti-tumour and to improve complexion in Kerela. It has the potential to hit the market as a safe natural colouring agent with good medicinal value for pharmaceuticals, food products and beverages. The plant is one of the ingredients of an indigenous drug ‘Lukol’ which is administered orally for the treatment of non-specific leucorrhoea. The present article summarizes review on the plant, its phytochemistry and its pharmacological activity which have been reported.

Treatment of Eczema with an Indigenous Drug Manjishtha (Rubia Cordifolia Linn.) - A Preliminary Study

Eczema, a common skin disease is similar to Vicharchika as described in Ayurved literature. Twenty-one patients of different types of eczema were treated with 35% ointment of ManjishthaRubiacordifolia,Linn.),made in white petroleum jelly for two weeks. The results of this clinical study showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.5) by Student’s ‘t’ test with drop in basal severity index of signs and symptoms from 9.86 + .51 (S.E.) 3.72 + 0.12 (S.E.) after two weeks of topical treatment. Maximum improvement was observed in exudation, secondary infection and itching. Manjishtha ointment with improvised strength and complimented with oral treatment are proposed.

براہوئی ادب ٹی مشی آ دارو تا جاچ او کدکاٹ

This article describes the indigenous knowledge of folk medicine which is known as Mashi a daaro in Brahui folk literature. The folk remedies of Brahui have used as indigenous treatment. The exploitation of indigenous drug resources had increased the importance of the nomadic life of Brahui. The study of indigenous knowledge in Brahui folk lore shows the literary importance about folk medicine and other useful plants. Custom knowledge is generally accepted on / conveyed from herbalist (Hakims) and "Poopoo" (Traditional herbalists). At present time transmission of such knowledge from herbalists to folks had been enormously decreased. As we learn from the history of traditional herbalist or poopoo do not tell the specific prescription to the local people. So far credit goes to Brahui folk singers especially Murad Parkoi he saved the history of several herbs in his melodious voice.It further concludes that research should be carried out in the field of phyto-chemistry, pharmacology and biotechnology of these resources in order to save Brahui indigenous remedies

Market Menagerie: Health and Development in Late Industrial States by Smita Srinivas (review)

Reviewed by: Market Menagerie: Health and Development in Late Industrial States by Smita Srinivas Nasir Tyabji (bio) Market Menagerie: Health and Development in Late Industrial States. By Smita Srinivas. Palo Alto, CA: Stanford University Press, 2012. Pp. xviii+324. $60. Smita Srinivas's book comes with an arresting title, commendations from senior scholars on the dust jacket, and high expectations raised by her earlier empirical work on the pharmaceutical industry. Indeed, Srinivas's starting point holds promise: while India has developed a notable pharmaceutical industry, the access to health care for the bulk of Indians is precarious, for a range of reasons. For example, poor infrastructure (she mentions electricity cuts, water shortages, and an overall lack of public health facilities [p. 122]) makes the delivery of both preventive and curative health-care inputs to rural areas a matter of chance. The book promises to explain the reasons for this bias, whereby policies that so successfully encouraged indigenous drug production accompanied haphazard and fitful initiatives in the provision of health care. It appears as if the Indian government considered that the moral demands of a welfare state required only the production of cheap drugs; all else was left to the individual supplicant of medical care. To answer the question she poses, Srinivas uses three data sets: material [End Page 699] drawn from secondary sources on the macro-historical evolution of the drug industry; her own interview-based survey of industrial units; and, finally, a sort of potted history of health-care initiatives from various parts of the world. The incoherence marking the book stems from the mismatch of these data sets; there is no narrative fluidity in the transitions from one section to the next, leaving a reader with vague impressions of fleeting strings of words. Srinivas's attempt to knit together this data through the use of the menagerie image (of markets and states) of the title fails to provide a compelling forward thrust to her narrative. By "menagerie," she implies that actually existing markets are of various institutional forms, as are states, rather than the singular entities she posits that scholars in development studies often presume. This idea is well-taken, although it is hardly novel. Much of the empirical part of this book, dealing with India, is presented in a straightforward manner that obviates the need for the throat-clearing that takes place in the first fifty pages. Once we reach the central section (chapters 2-7), it appears to the reader that prospects are improving, based on the historical account and the field-survey results mentioned earlier. Srinivas points out that pharmaceutical policymaking is located in the Industry Ministry (under its various names). This ministry has the political clout to determine production priorities that diverge from the goals of the comparatively feeble Health Ministry. Also, it seems that international vaccine-procurement programs led by WHO, while expanding markets for Indian pharmaceutical products, also have initiated technological advances within the industry. However, the direction of technological advance has not necessarily been such as to improve the health-care prospects of the Indian population. This last insight is a genuine contribution made by the book. However, Srinivas omits even to attempt to explain why the Health Ministry has (apparently) a congenital history of political ineffectiveness. Among the ex-colonial countries, India is one of the few to have achieved independence under the pressure of a mass movement. To give meaning to this movement, the Indian National Congress, in 1929, began elaborating on its vision of society in an independent India. The National Planning Committee established by the congress in the late 1930s had a specific subcommittee on health. The point here is that in India, one would expect that there would have been political support for a universalized health-care system, which would have pushed developments in the drug industry along socially approved lines. That this did not happen is a historical fact, and there is sufficient secondary literature concerning this subject. Similarly, there is no mention of the more recent initiatives undertaken by the post-1991 neoliberal-policy regime: National Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (2005), National Rural Health Mission (2006), and National Health Insurance Programme (2008). That...

Traditional medicines and globalization: current and future perspectives in ethnopharmacology

The ethnopharmacological approach toward the understanding and appraisal of traditional and herbal medicines is characterized by the inclusions of the social as well as the natural sciences. Anthropological field-observations describing the local use of nature-derived medicines are the basis for ethnopharmacological enquiries. The multidisciplinary scientific validation of indigenous drugs is of relevance to modern societies at large and helps to sustain local health care practices. Especially with respect to therapies related to aging related, chronic and infectious diseases traditional medicines offer promising alternatives to biomedicine. Bioassays applied in ethnopharmacology represent the molecular characteristics and complexities of the disease or symptoms for which an indigenous drug is used in “traditional” medicine to variable depth and extent. One-dimensional in vitro approaches rarely cope with the complexity of human diseases and ignore the concept of polypharmacological synergies. The recent focus on holistic approaches and systems biology in medicinal plant research represents the trend toward the description and the understanding of complex multi-parameter systems. Ethnopharmacopoeias are non-static cultural constructs shaped by belief and knowledge systems. Intensified globalization and economic liberalism currently accelerates the interchange between local and global pharmacopoeias via international trade, television, the World Wide Web and print media. The increased infiltration of newly generated biomedical knowledge and introduction of “foreign” medicines into local pharmacopoeias leads to syncretic developments and generates a feedback loop. While modern and post-modern cultures and knowledge systems adapt and transform the global impact, they become more relevant for ethnopharmacology. Moreover, what is traditional, alternative or complementary medicine depends on the adopted historic-cultural perspective.

Treating Indigenous Australians with Alcohol/Drug Problems: Assessing Quality of Life

This study investigated the quality of life (QoL) of clients in an Indigenous Australian residential alcohol and drug treatment center. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a random sample of Indigenous clients utilizing the Self Evaluated Individual Quality of Life–Direct Weight tool. The findings from this study provide support for the inclusion of QoL as important in understanding the recovery process from substance misuse. A discrepancy was found between the self-reported aspirations of clients and the focus of the treatment provided, and recommendations were provided for inclusion of new areas in the education provided to the clients of this service.

The health and well-being of Indigenous drug and alcohol workers: Results from a national Australian survey

The increasing demand for alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services among the Australian Indigenous population, complex organisational challenges and limitations, and high unemployment rates are likely to negatively impact Indigenous AOD workers' health and well-being. Building the capacity of Indigenous AOD workers is vital, as they play a crucial role in the delivery of treatment services and offer essential support to their communities. A national online survey was conducted to examine organisational, workplace and individual factors that might contribute to levels of stress and well-being among workers who provide services to Indigenous clients. A total of 294 eligible surveys were completed; 184 (63%) from Indigenous and 108 (37%) from non-Indigenous AOD workers. Multiple regression models were conducted to assess the significant predictors of mental health and well-being, job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion, and turnover intention. Indigenous AOD workers typically experienced above average levels of job satisfaction and relatively low levels of emotional exhaustion. However, 1 in 10 reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, a key predictor of turnover intention. Indigenous workers also experienced significantly lower levels of mental health and well-being and greater work/family imbalance, which was a significant contributor to emotional exhaustion. The findings highlight the importance of implementing workforce development strategies that focus on achieving culturally appropriate, equitable and supportive organisational conditions for Indigenous AOD workers. Preventing or managing levels of stress, ensuring adequate and equitable salaries and benefits, and providing more opportunities for career and personal growth may increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover intention among Indigenous workers in the drug and alcohol field.

Targeting Oxidative Stress in Epilepsy: Study of Effect of Antioxidants on Anticonvulsant Profile of Jatamansone

Nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as Indian nard or spike nard or nardus root, is an indigenous Indian drug used in treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, syncope and mental weakness. It has been reported to possess anticonvulsant, neuroprotective activity and antioxidant activity. In the present paper, Jatamansone, a major component of volatile oil was isolated and characterized by spectral analysis. It was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity by MES and scPTZ tests alone and in combination with well known antioxidants like alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri, volatile oil of Syzygium aromaticum and pure gallic acid. Results obtained have shown significant change (reduction) in the recovery time in MES screen for Bacopa monnieri and Syzygium aromaticum (39.33s and 6.66s at 1.0 h and 4.0 h) compared to (113.66s and 123.33s at 1.0 h and 4.0 h time interval) of control while gallic acid was found to show insignificant effect (126.66s and 96s) respectively. These data are compared with standard anticonvulsant drug, Phenytoin. Antioxidant data for Jatamansone and its combinations was evaluated by DPPH model. In this screen, Jatamansone has shown IC50 value of 14.80 mg/ml alone and 6.1 μg/ml in combination.

Indigenous drug delivery system for use in nerve blocks

Indigenous drug delivery system for use in nerve blocks

Developing Trauma Training for an Indigenous Community: Hopefully Not Seagulls

The impact of trauma—personal, intergenerational, and communal—in Indigenous communities is indisputable. However, it is rarely discussed in terms of traumatic stress responses and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. A recent national speaking tour by Professor Stevan Hobfoll, focusing on community-based aspects of trauma recovery, led to a request to provide some introductory trauma training to staff at a remote Indigenous alcohol and drug service. The author discusses issues to be considered when non Indigenous social workers and other helping professionals provide training on treating trauma to counselling staff in such a service. The author outlines the development of the program, its delivery, follow-up, and evaluation. The paper also considers the concept of trauma-informed care and where to go to from here for the trainers and the community.

Indigenous anti-ulcer activity of Musa sapientum on peptic ulcer.

Background:Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), encompassing gastric and duodenal ulcers is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. The pathophysiology of PUD involves an imbalance between offensive factors like acid, pepsin and defensive factors like nitric oxide and growth factors. The clinical evaluation of antiulcer drugs showed tolerance, incidence of relapses and side-effects that make their efficacy arguable. An indigenous drug like Musa sapientum possessing fewer side-effects is the major thrust area of present day research, aiming at a better and safer approach for the management of PUD.Material and Methods:The unripe plantain bananas (Musa sapientum) were shade-dried, powdered and used for phytochemical analysis and as antiulcer drug. In our present study Group I rats served as control and were treated with saline, Group II was indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats, Group III received aqueous extract of Musa sapientum along with indomethacin and Group IV received esomeprazole along with indomethacin for 21 days. The anti-ulcerogenic activity was investigated by performing hematological, mucosal, antioxidant profile in comparison with the standard drug esomeprazole.Results:Our findings from High - Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed that Musa sapientum has an active compound a monomeric flavonoid (leucocyanidin) with anti-ulcerogenic activity. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. All our results are in congruous with the results of standard drug esomeprazole.Conclusion:It could be clearly concluded that administration of the aqueous extract of Musa sapientum at the dose used in this study tends to ameliorate ulcers. Its use in indigenous medicine should be scientifically scrutinized with further research.

Quantitative Determination of L-DOPA in Seeds of Mucuna Pruriens Germplasm by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography.

Mucuna pruriens Linn. is an important medicinal plant used for treatment of Parkinson's disease and many others in ancient Indian medical system. L-DOPA extracted from seeds of Mucuna is a constituent of more than 200 indigenous drug formulations and is more effective as drug than the synthetic counterpart. A densitometric high performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method was developed for quantification of L-DOPA content present in the seeds extract. The method involves separation of L-DOPA on precoated silica gel 60 GF254 HPTLC plates using a solvent system of n-butanol-acetic-acid-water (4:1:1, v/v) as the mobile phase. Quantification was done at 280 nm using absorbance reflectance mode. Linearity was found in the concentration range of 100 to 1000 ng/spot with the correlation coefficient value of 0.9980. The method was validated for accuracy, precision and repeatability. Mean recovery was 100.89%. The LOD and LOQ for L-DOPA determination were found to be 3.41 ng/spot and 10.35 ng/spot respectively. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be precise, specific and accurate for quantitative determination of L-DOPA. It can be used for rapid screening of large germplasm collections of Mucuna pruriens for L-DOPA content. The method was used to study variation in fifteen accessions of Mucuna germplasm collected from different geographical regions.

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