A khandani vaids (traditional physician) unique formula for asthma and cough has been internationally patented,and validated by the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER),Mohali,and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER),Chandigarh. The unique mixture of seven traditional herbs,passed down since generations,is being used to treat patients of chronic,dry and allergic cough,common cold,whooping cough,smokers cough and bronchitis. Another version of the formula is being hailed as a revolution in asthma relief. After extensive research,NIPER has validated that the mixture has proven efficacy against the respiratory tracts infective microbes. The formula has also been awarded under the TePP (Technopreneur Promotion Programme) of the Ministry of Science and Technology. Ours is a family of vaids. My father and grandfather said the knowledge has been with our family since 1800, Raj Shukla,the 67-year-old vaid told Newsline. Shukla received Rs 5 lakh from the Ministry of Science and Technology for sharing her formula with society. The formula is a mix of traditional Indian herbs Vach,Kulanjan,Bavchi,Kaali Mirch,Pippli,Mulethi and Sonth. Shuklas family hails from Jhang district of the pre-Partition Panjab. Now,she lives in Mohalla Riazpura near Central Town Gurdwara,Jalandhar. The exact concentration of the ingredients,experts say,makes her formula unique. It all began in 2006,when Shukla approached the NIPER with a sample of the formula. She expressed her fear that the unique knowledge would die with her,and if she disclosed it to others,she might be cheated. Dr Parikshit Bansal,the In-charge of the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Cell at NIPER,asked her to file a patent application. As Dr Bansal started to draft the patent application,he was surprised by the remarkable simplicity of her medicine. Similar medicines for asthma patented in Europe and USA are extremely complex. They are made with 12 to 15 herbs, Dr Bansal said. After the patent was filed,according to Dr Bansal, She wanted NIPER to add value to her medicine,so that it benefited the society. Thus,started a massive scientific effort spanning three years of detailed study at NIPER,which culminated in a remarkable product called Kafgon. Kafgon was found to be effective in all types of cough. It also provided remarkable relief in asthma. A few samples were provided to the Paediatric Department at PGI. The encouraging results prompted doctors to seek approval for a full-fledged clinical trial to assess the therapeutic potential of this formula. These days,clinical trial process to evaluate the potential of the medicine in asthma treatment is on at PGI. There are strong possibilities of the medicine being effective in tuberculosis as well,observed Dr Bansal. Talking about this formula,Dr Meenu Singh,Additional Professor of Paediatric Pulmonology,PGI said,We are conducting trials on this medicine for preventing asthma attacks due to viral infections. We will also use it for upper respiratory tract infections like flu,for both adults and children. Dr Bansal said the story of Kafgon showed how a small effort on part of the government in funding grassroots innovation can result in remarkable achievements.
