Over-the-counter medicines come under scanner

The reason: They had put up banners showing ayurvedic medicines as general products and displayed samples of churnas without labels. Dr Gopalkrishna, one of the drug inspectors, said the participants –– who were from other states –– were told to follow the Karnataka government norms.

“The companies have asked for a day's time. A particular company had displayed samples of traditional medicines without labels. I told a representative of the company that this is not permitted here and asked him to comply with the norms,” he said.

When asked which brands provided authentic medicines amongst those on display at the range of stalls at the expo, he said, “People should consult a doctor before buying a medicine. Unfortunately, like allopathic medicines, people are buying Ayurvedic medicines also over the counter.”

Echoing similar views, Dr Mruthyunjaya of Shathayu Ayurveda, said people should avoid buying drugs merely on the basis of brands.

“Each person’s body composition is different. Even if two people are suffering from cold, an ayurvedic doctor will recommend different medicines for them, depending on their body composition,” he said.

Dr Shantala Priyadarshini, assistant professor, Government Medical College, Mysore, said although medicines could not be given on a general basis, there were certain herbs and fruits that could be given to everyone, like amla, which had anti-aging properties.