Herbal products are medicines derived from plants. They are used as supplements to improve health and wellbeing, and may be used for other therapeutic purposes. Herbal products are available as tablets, capsules, powders, extracts, teas and so on. Herbal medicines are thought to be safe as it is natural, but in fact it can cause serious adverse effects and interaction with other drugs and supplements. An herb is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, or therapeutic properties.
Indian consumers are increasingly transitioning towards herbal and natural offerings, especially in analgesics, cold, cough and allergy (hay fever) remedies and dermatological. The demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplement, cosmetics etc are increasing in both developing and developed countries, due to the growing recognition that the natural products are non-toxic, have less side effects and easily available at affordable prices. This facilitates the development of new technologies and ensures a high quality product.
Few Indian major players are as under
· Amrutanjan Health Care Ltd.
· Aphali Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
· Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd.
· Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd.
· Aura Nutraceuticals Ltd.
· Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.