M2M Herbal & Ayurveda Innovation Challenge

Problem Statement:

Test Strips for Heavy Metal Identification

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Any metal (or metalloid) species may be considered a ''contaminant'' if it occurs where it is unwanted, or in a form or concentration that causes a detrimental human or environmental effect. Metals/metalloids include lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag), and zinc (Zn). Excessive levels of these metals/metalloids can be damaging to the humans.

Various cases studies and reports of Heavy metal induced health hazards have been reported despite the stringent Regulatory guidelines/control over the limit of heavy metals in formulation/nutraceuticals. Regulatory guidelines of various countries have strict norms for the control of heavy metals levels in formulations, Which builds a hurdle in export of the ayurvedic products.

Currently methods used for analysis/detection of Heavy metals in raw material/formulations involve tedious and expansive methodology/instruments. Most ayurvedic and herbal drug manufactures does not have access to such facilities and are dependent on other facility providers for the same.

A rapid and bench side method for detection of heavy metals will be helpful not only in rapid identification of impurities, quality control but also will be time saving and economical for Ayurvedic and herbal industries.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Rapid detection method for heavy metals for quality control

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Ayurvedic Herbal and Food Industry and consumers

Expected Outcomes:

To develop a rapid and reliable strip based test for detection of Heavy metals

Impact:

Inexpensive testing method for heavy metal analysis will not only help in raising the quality of products but it will also reduce the chances of related health hazards to users

Problem Statement:

Development and validation of Ayurvedic prepation for as treatment of Epilepsy

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Epilepsy is well known and studied neurological disorder showing abnormal brain activity with seizures and periods of uncommon behaviour. As per the reports of WHO 70% of people does not receive any treatment for this conditions due to non-availability of treatment or economic issues.

Currently used allopathic medicines have limitations such as drug associated adverse effects and they show relapse of seizures after discontinuation.

In Ayurveda literature there are various references to preparation for treatment of epilepsy (Apasmara) or epilepsy like conditions (insanity/unmad) e.g. Brahmighritham, Brihad Panchagavya Ghrita, MansamritaGutika, Sarswatarista.

But these formulations are considered under non-pharmacological treatments of epilepsy, due to non-availability of robust scientific evidences. Generating Pharmacological evidences along with the standardize methods of preparation will not only provide strength but also will led to an effective and affordable treatment of epilepsy.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Evidence based medicine for Epilepsy

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patient

Expected Outcomes:

Pharmacologically validated formulation for epilepsy

Impact:

A validated herbal formulation will be helpful in the treatment of patients who are not getting treatment

Problem Statement:

Ayurvedic formulations/extracts in treatment/management of viral/hemorrhagic fever

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Hemorrhagic fever is illness caused by infection of different viruses of families of viruses Arenaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Filoviridae and Flaviviridae (Dengue virus, yellow fever virus). Majorly they are RNA viruses with recent outbreaks of zoonotic transmissions and pandemic like situations.

Symptoms of these infections mainly include fever, illness with muscle ache at early stages of infections and haematological disorders at later stages.

For most hemorrhgic fevers there is no specific treatment. Currently used treatment is only supportive care using intravenous fluids or oral rehydration solutions along with antipyretic and antiretroviral drugs. Apart from these only vector control measures are advised.

In various ayurvedic books a special section is dedicated for treatment of fever “jawardhikar” with many formulations in different conditions/types of fever.

Development and evaluation of modern dosage forms of such formulations/combinations will be helpful in finding treatments for haemorrhagic fever and associated complications.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Effective treatment for fatal Haemorrhagic (viral) fever

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Public

Expected Outcomes:

Scientific screening of formulas given in ayurvedic medicines for finding cure for haemorrhagic fever

Impact:

In recent two years viral disease outbreaks have shown dramatic rise in new strains of viruses and especially with haemorrhagic complications.

Problem Statement:

Ayurvedic formulations in effective management of Parkinson’s disease

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Parkinson’s disease is one of the nervous system disorders in which the locomotor activity of patient is affected. It is considered as progressive diseases which is chronic and worsens over time if not managed effectively.

Various medications are being used for effective management of Parkinson’s but due to geriatric condition there therapeutic level management and safety ratio in unpredictable.

Modern medicine interact with food and changes in diet habits due to age factors and other medical conditions can affect body adversely.

Ayurvedic or herbal formulation can achieve therapeutic efficacy. Ayurvedic drugs/herbs as a part of food/along with diet plan (“pathya”) can provide a better way to manage Parkinson with less chances of drug-food interactions.

Evaluation of ayurvedic formulations in “medhya” section of Ayurveda along with the advised food habits can lead to effective management of Parkinson’s disease.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Herbal medications or alternative therapy in Parkinson’s disease

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Geriatric patients who need special care

Expected Outcomes:

An herbal alternative from Ayurveda will provide better and easy mode of managing quality of life

Impact:

Enhancement of quality of life will have a positive impact on overall health of patient

Problem Statement:

Novel Dosage Formulation for Gastritis/Hyperacidity

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

One of the most common disease seen in today’s world is gastritis or commonly known as acidity.

Various drug have been used for treatment of acidity but they have their own limitations and drawbacks (Recent incident of Ranitidine). Various drugs/medicines (e.g. Antibiotics) when used for treatment in various conditions increases in the gastric acid production and causes the discomfort.

Herbal formulations with action for combating acidity will be a good treatment as it will be safer and cost effective.

Ayurvedic texts contains references for such formulations under the title “Amlapitta dosh” but very few have been scientifically evaluated and being used.

Various different ayurvedic formulations are available as churna for acidity. Churna don’t have any flavours, bulk dose, ease of use hence lack patient compliance. Granules or drop based ayurvedic formulation will enhance the patient compliance and acceptability of the formulation.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Developing a novel Ayurvedic formulation for acidity with increased patient compliance and acceptability.

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patient

Expected Outcomes:

A better formulation with enhanced appearance and stability will increase the drug compliance.

Impact:

Novel Formulations of churna will enhance the patient’s compliance and acceptability.

Problem Statement:

Herbal remedy for memory enhancing/Focused attention/ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder)

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

In recent years with increasing use of gadgets and techniques we are facing issues with focus/concentration. In the century of internet or “Online Brain” we are becoming dependent on it for every small information.

Although research has proven that young generation is better at multitasking with ability to process information faster but facing issues with works which involve focus and concentration resulting in easy distraction and loss of focus on learning/result achievement.

Focused attention is required as it assist in study, improves the memory and help in focusing and finishing a job or goal. Similarly children and adults having ADHD (Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder) face similar issues of focused attention.

Various formulation in ayurveda are described for memory enhancement in “medhya varg” of formulations. Pharmacological evaluation of such drugs/formulations need to be carried out. These formulations can provide solution for memory enhancement/issues of focused attention/ADHD.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Lack of concentration/memory enhancement /Focusing issue in generation

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Children and teenagers

Expected Outcomes:

Any method or mode of increasing the ability to concentrate/focus will improve the result oriented approach

Impact:

A herbal remedy for Memory enhancement/ Focused attention/ADHD will be useful worldwide

Problem Statement:

Herbal Treatments/formulations for Burn treatment (Agnidaha)

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Burn or injuries caused by burning is one of major treatment concern in recent years. Industrialization and use of various chemical based products in daily life results in increasing cases of burn and fire accidents.

Currently major therapy for burn injuries involves fluid replacement, painkillers with topical applications. In ayurvedic books preparations for topical applications and oral have been described for treatment of burn wounds.

Scientific evaluation or validation of efficacy of such products will be helpful in generating a good alternative for patients. Therapy of patient with burn require care and mostly patient fill emotional and social trauma due to cumbersome method/treatment.

Suitable treatment with self-application dosage form (Spray Based) will help in prevention of such trauma to patient and will be helpful in care of patient.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Treatment for burn wounds

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patient with burn injuries

Expected Outcomes:

Scientific evaluation for ayurvedic formulations for burn wounds

Impact:

Ayurvedic formulations for treatment for burn wounds

Problem Statement:

Ayurvedic formulation in prevention and cure of mastitis

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Bacterial infections during lactation poses medical and emotional problems of mothers. These infections results in loss in production of milk and damage to tissue. Situation may get more severe if the infection spreads into blood or treatment is delayed.

Treatment using antibiotics can be done but choice of suitable antibiotic with good efficacy and without side effects to mother and child is still a problem for farmers/veterinarians.

Ayurvedic formulations can provide a better alternative for treatment of mastitis, as herbal drugs have no side effects and various herbs are antibiotic in nature. Screening of such drugs for antimastitic activity with novel dosage forms is required to provide suitable solution.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Herbal treatment for mastitis

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Lactating cattle’s/dairy industry

Expected Outcomes:

A herbal formulations for the control and cure of mastitis

Impact:

A cure/controlling formulation of mastitis will not only help in prevention of mental and emotional trauma to mothers along with relief form disease but it will help in preventing economic burden if used in veterinary area

Problem Statement:

Herbal preservatives an interminable requirement

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Preservatives are the agent used in various products to prevent microbial growth and decomposition. Generally used preservatives in herbal/Ayurveda formulations are chemical based.

Although various herbal antioxidants are also used as preservatives in various formulations. There is a need of new/herbal preservatives for various end users.

Herbal preservatives having antioxidants with pharmacological action will be added advantage in formulation in synergistic action.

Screening of herbal agents for herbal preservatives useful for varied pH range (2.0 to 13.0), stability of formulations etc. will be helpful in generating a range of herbal preservatives.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Herbal preservatives as alternative for chemical preservatives

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Ayurveda, Pharma and Food industry

Expected Outcomes:

Herbal preservatives will be a better alternative for chemical alternatives.

Impact:

-

Problem Statement:

Insomnia a new world nightmare

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Insomnia is the condition in which person have trouble in falling asleep or staying asleep irrespective of opportunity for full night sleep. It affects every aspect of life such as impairment in decision making, reduced work performance and have negative impact of normal life.

With the increased use of gadgets more number of persons are showing symptoms of insomnia. The major reasons behind the insomnia is considered as stress and modern medicine based treatment include use of anti-stress agents. Anti-stress agent are sometime habit forming in nature and very difficult of reduce their usage by patient.

An ayurvedic treatment of insomnia will be advantageous as it will not be habit forming as well as it is easy to reduce the dose and usage of such medications.

Plants have been used for calming and smoothening effect which can help in relieving stress. Such plants or ayurvedic formulations (such as mamsyadi kwatha/manas mitra vataka etc.) need to be evaluated for their efficacy along with standardization.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Ayurvedic treatment for insomnia

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

General public having sleep disorder

Expected Outcomes:

To achieve better quality of life with eliminating the insomnia and stress

Impact:

With increased use of tech gadgets and stress in life improper sleep leads to more stress with worsening of quality of life

Problem Statement:

Development of Herbal Antiseptic Wound Closure Spray

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Cut and wounds closing is a major issue in first aid and minor surgical procedures. Paramedical staff and hospital staff requires attention and skilful care of wounds along-with cumbersome materials for disinfection and wound closure.

A medicated spray based containing ayurvedic/antiseptic medications with or without medicated sprays of (tissue glues/superglues) will provide a better alternative for providing rapid first aid therapy. Rapid wound closure will be helpful not only in prevention of infection along-with major blood loss in injuries due to calamities, accidents, sport injury and soldierly duties.

Development of spray based formulation will help in better wound closure with less surgery/suture marks over site along with easy application.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Rapid first aid /minor surgery wound closure kit

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patients

Expected Outcomes:

Wound closure/healing spray

Impact:

A rapid wound closure/healing spray will be helpful in rapid first aid kits at accident sites or area with less medical facilities

Problem Statement:

Development and formulation of Ayurvedic blood thinning agents/Thrombolytic agents

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Blood clotting is a natural protective mechanism for homeostasis, but in certain situations it can cause severe health problems such as stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism etc.

Regularly used clot dissolving agents used have drawbacks such as increased chances of internal bleeding, thrombocytopenia and other safety issues.

Currently used medicines are naturally derived but we still need an effective and safer herb/ayurvedic formulation for effective and safer management of clotting/thrombus. So Pharmacologically evaluation of Agents for thrombolytic activity is required.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Thrombus/clotting associated complications

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patients of cardiac, stroke and other clot related disorders

Expected Outcomes:

To develop effective and safer ayurvedic formulation of thrombus/clot treatment

Impact:

Effective management for Clots/thrombus treatment in diseases areas such as CVD and stroke

Problem Statement:

Nano formulations of vitamin D/E

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Vitamin D and E are obtained from biological sources and formulated into soft gel capsules. These are fat soluble vitamins hence generally formulated using oil as vehicle in soft gel capsules.

Nano formulations are being used to enhance the solubility of poorly water soluble drug to obtain formulations which are water soluble or water based. This result in better taste masking along with reduced dose incorporation of active ingredient.

Nano formulation also helps in enhancing the stability of Vitamin D and E in dosage form.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Water soluble Nano formulation will be helpful in enhancing the bioavailability of Vitamin D and E

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patients and Industry

Expected Outcomes:

Nano formulation based vitamin E dosage form

Impact:

Nano based dosage form will lead to enhancement of solubility, reduction of drug loading and taste masking

Problem Statement:

Ayurvedic formulations for effective management of Alzheimer's disease

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of cognitive and behavioural impairment. Accumulation of abnormal proteins such as amyloid in and around brain cells is considered as one major source behind the impairment of cognitive impairment.

In recent years various synthetic molecules and herbal extracts have been studied in chemical or surgically induced animal models of Alzheimer. However still these studies were not sufficient in providing any leading molecule/therapy for Alzheimer.

These studies were limited to single molecule or single plant extract where as in Ayurveda mixture of different plants have been used for memory enhancement and disease treatment. Mixture of different drugs may show a synergistic effect and could be more beneficial in comparison to single drug alone.

Pharmacological evaluation of using animal models of Alzheimer’s disease will help in development of formulations for effective management.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Alzheimer's disease is presenting a challenge for maintaining quality of life and needs an effective solution.

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Senior and super senior citizen with age related dementia

Expected Outcomes:

Ayurvedic tonic/formulation specifically for elder

Impact:

Effective management of Alzeimer’s will help in better quality of life for patient along with their confidence enhancement for independent life

Problem Statement:

Modern dosage form of Kwath

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Kwath (also known as kashyam) is ayurvedic preparations prepared by extracting the coarse powder drug using water as a vehicle. For preparing the kwath the powdered drug/drugs either soaked in water overnight or boiled in water.

A major challenge for the prepation kwath is to achieve correct temperature and time for kwath kalpana. In a common house it would be very difficult to achieve and standardize the process every time, which may lead to inappropriate prepation affecting the efficacy of the product.

Designing and development of new dosage forms with proper characterization and standardization of kwaths (Mahamanjisthadi, Maharasnadi -used for joint pain and Osetoarthiritis) as tablet/capsule will be a better alternative to traditional practices.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Conversion of ayurvedic formulation to modern dosage form

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patient and Pharma industry

Expected Outcomes:

Development of modern dosage form of kwath (Kshyam)

Impact:

With modern dosage form design of Kwath a standardized product will be made available to common public in a more useful manner

Problem Statement:

Herbal treatment for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Polycystic ovary syndrome is condition in which women faces a hormonal imbalance causing irregularity in reproductive physiology which may lead to mental and health stress.

As irregularity in physiology and ovulation hinders conceiving increase the level of stress thus further affecting the hormonal balance.

First and foremost treatment for this condition is to restore the normal reproductive physiology. Ayurvedic literature include formulation for restoring the balance and enhancing the ovulation.

Selection and Scientific evaluation of suitable formulations is required to obtain a herbal cure for the treatment of PCOS

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Herbal Treatment for PCOS

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Women facing PCOS/Hormonal imbalance disorder

Expected Outcomes:

A safer and effective treatment of PCOS

Impact:

Treatment for PCOS using herbal medications will be economical in comparison to in vitro techniques and will save patient from further mental and emotional stress.

Problem Statement:

Ayurveda for deaddiction

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Addiction of banned substances/tobacco /alcohol or any chemical is major health and economical issue in today’s life. It is biopsychosocial disorder. In this condition person have intense focus on the use of particular substance to such an extent that it impairs the day to day life activity along with socioeconomic stress to family members.

Deaddiction therapy which is currently used are reliant on use of substance of abuse and need special permission with special facilities (Deaddiction centre). Which is itself challenging due to chances of misuse and relapse when one is out of centre.

An ayurvedic alternative of herbal products such as valerian, chamomile and berberis etc. in modern dosage forms may be helpful in getting better alternatives/medium for drug de-addiction.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Drug/alcohol/chemical addiction is major challenge in current world with very less treatments

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Drug abuser/ Addict/ common people

Expected Outcomes:

A Safe herbal product to achieve deaddiction

Impact:

Successful deaddiction will not only improve the quality of life or person but also society

Problem Statement:

Ayurvedic/Herbal formulations for treatment of Lipoma

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue which develops under skin which are classified as benign growth.

Lipoma is generally treated with either via surgery or liposuction. In other treatment steroid injections are used to control the growth of lipoma. Surgical and steroidal treatments have limitations such as cost, special setup, and safety issues along with the cosmetic issues. Also lipoma can show reoccurrences.

An ayurvedic/herbal treatment for control/cure of lipoma need to be developed which can be used by patient at bed side. Such type of formulations will provide therapy for large population who are not able to afford the surgical therapy due to cost and cosmetic reasons.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Formulation/Product for control and cure of lipoma

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patient

Expected Outcomes:

A herbal/ayurvedic formulation for Management of Lipoma

Impact:

-

Problem Statement:

Ayurvedic mood stabilizer/antidepressants

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Depression /schizophrenia is a mental disorder whose root cause is still not clear. It affects person’s daily life and does not have defined set of symptom for diagnosis. Globally 264 million people of all age groups are suffering from depression. Depression leads to suicidal behaviour in persons which is second leading cause of death worldwide.

For management of depression drugs which are used are habit forming or show withdrawal symptoms. Herbal medications for such condition is listed in ayurvedic literature.

Screening of these need to carry out to generate evidences for their efficacy and safety using in vivo and clinical studies.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Effective Management of Depression

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Patients of depression/schizophrenia

Expected Outcomes:

A herbal formulations for effective management of Depression

Impact:

Depression is disorder which involve major emotional stress during the disease phase and social distress during the treatment, which may lead to discontinuation of therapy. Herbal treatment might be more acceptable and useful in management of this condition.

Problem Statement:

Pulmonary delivery of Herbal drugs for Asthma/Bronchitis

Problem Category:

Herbal & Ayurveda

Problem Description:

Asthma/ Bronchitis are major issues in current scenario due to increasing pollution related health hazard along with occupational related problem.

Within last decade there is increase in the cases of pulmonary related disorder. Few plant based products used in respiratory illness is also increasing. Still most of these product provide only symptomatic treatment. In Ayurveda various formulations or products have been described for respiratory ailments in the form of inhalation therapy.

Conversion of these formulation into modern pulmonary delivery dosage forms will help in providing a treatment for respiratory ailment.

What Exact Problem is being Solved?:

Pulmonary drug delivery system for herbal formulations

Critical Parameters to be considered:

-

Solution Needed:

-

Users:

Public and Industry

Expected Outcomes:

Novel drug dosage form for pulmonary dosage form

Impact:

Pulmonary delivery of formulations for respiratory ailments