Historic Jamnagar Declaration Adopted for Mercury Use in Ayurvedic Medicines
In a significant development for traditional medicine, the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar, Gujarat, organized a national conference titled 'Rasameemamsa-2026' where a historic "Jamnagar Declaration" was adopted. This declaration focuses on ensuring the availability of mercury for the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines, marking a pivotal moment in the field.
Genesis and Proposal by Prof Anand Chaudhary
The genesis of the Jamnagar Declaration was sparked by a proposal from Prof Anand Chaudhary of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). He participated as a subject expert in the two-day conference held on March 6 and 7 at ITRA. The declaration was subsequently presented to the public by ITRA leaders Prof Tanuja Nesari and Prof BJ Patgiri, highlighting its importance in the Ayurvedic community.
Strategic Framework for Revolutionizing Ayurvedic Formulations
Prof Chaudhary explained that this strategic framework is designed to revolutionize the quality, safety, and efficacy of Rasaushadhi Ayurvedic Formulations, which combine herbs with metals and minerals. By bringing together a transdisciplinary cohort of experts from institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), regulatory bodies such as the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), and leading pharmaceutical industries, the declaration establishes a rigorous roadmap for the future of ayurvedic chemistry and therapeutics.
Key Recommendations and Sustainable Mercury Management
Following extensive deliberations, it was resolved to formulate a set of recommendations to guide future research and practices aimed at strengthening the quality, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of Rasaushadhi, particularly mercurial formulations. A primary pillar of the Jamnagar Declaration is the call for sustainable mercury management through the establishment of Mercury Banks. These banks are intended to ensure a regulated and safe supply of mercury for medicinal purposes.
Additionally, the declaration mandates the adoption of safer pharmaceutical operational practices to minimize occupational hazards during the processing of lead, arsenic, and sulphur. This move aims to protect workers and enhance the overall safety standards in Ayurvedic medicine production.
Impact on Ayurvedic Medicine and Future Directions
The adoption of the Jamnagar Declaration represents a major step forward in integrating modern scientific approaches with traditional Ayurvedic practices. It underscores the commitment to advancing the field through collaborative efforts and stringent guidelines. This initiative is expected to boost confidence in Ayurvedic medicines globally by ensuring higher quality and safety benchmarks.
As the Ayurvedic community embraces these new standards, the Jamnagar Declaration sets a precedent for future innovations and regulatory frameworks in traditional medicine, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic outcomes and sustainable practices.
