Genetic modification of Ayurvedic herbs

[Guest guest]

Changes, modifications, adaptations are an essential part of  any evolving

Science. Over the centuries, Ayurveda has enriched itself by adapting newer

innovations. Hoever, the past century has witnessed, perhaps the lowest ebb,we

would ever again see. Why are allopathic/synthetic compounds more successful?

Quick acting, lower doses, pleasant formulations, aesthetic packaging and

aggressive marketing have made them quickly asscend to the top( Ofcourse,

packaged along with effects are loads of Side effects ). Ayurveda too had the

concept of lower doses for quick action. The concept of Satvas or extracts  is

nothing new. GM of Ayurvedic drugs, is perhaps a step forward in the direction

of reducing the quantity of dose. It is generally believed that a herb contains

several active principals which have contrast therapeutic actions and many

times, with counter effects.  For example, Sarpagandha contains active

constituents which are Hypotensive and

Hypertensive. It is well proven that a whole herb rarely has side effects.

Extracts being used in Ayurveda, contain all the active ingredients but exclude

the major percentage of fiber and polyschaccarides. If, by genetically modifying

the herb, we can increase the percentage of active ingredient, then it would be

of a great service to Ayurveda and humankind. But, if some of the lesser

predominant ingredients are totally excluded, it would be a dis-service to

Ayurveda. What is the fate of Resepine ( an active principal of Sarpagandha )

today ? By GM, we should try to increase the yield of  agriculturally grown

herbs but should not  tamper

otherwise.

V.V.Ram babu

[Guest guest]

I cannot condone any aspect of genetic modification - if you want to enrich

the plant enrich the soil - let the plant look after its properties itself

........

 

If man ever becomes spiritually enlightened then let him consider modifying

plants - but then would he find it necessary? I don't think so.

 

A British red beret soldier once wrote this down and gave it to me:

 

Until a man starts to think with his heart and a woman feel with her head,

the world will not improve.

 

Jane

[Guest guest]

Dear Sir,

 

GE is never so simplistic. The concept of " Horizontal Transfer " of

genetic material implies that genes do not work in a straight line.

If you throw a ball in a particular direction you can predict where

it will go and hit. But if you throw a bucket of water can you

predict all the directions the water will go? Similarly genes are not

particles but fluid in nature.

 

When genes are introduced into the genome of a foreign species there

is no knowing where that gene will go and lodge itself. It is even

difficult to predict how it will move and ultimately settle.

 

Genes do not work in isolation. They are influenced by the

environment. They are influenced by the working of other genes. And

yes, genes may be responsible for more than one function.

 

The whole of genetic engineering is both imprecise and unpredictable.

 

Genetic change is also irreversible.

 

There is the real problem of genetic contamination. If the genes

manually introduced do not stick to their intended position where is

the guarentee that contamination will be predictable? The

contamination will not be restricted to the particular herb but to

all other within that family.

 

Genetic modification has thrown up unexpected proteins. The L-

Tryptophan case shows how even well meaning changes can turn horribly

wrong.

 

I cannot accept the genetic modification of anything, let alone

medicinal herbs.

 

Regards,

Jagannath.

 

 

___________________

 

Changes, modifications, adaptations are an essential part of  any

evolving Science. Over the centuries, Ayurveda has enriched itself by

adapting newer innovations. Hoever, the past century has witnessed,

perhaps the lowest ebb,we would ever again see.