Hyderabad-based NIN researcher gets patent to treat menopausal syndrome
The non-hormonal therapy, developed by Dr Vandana, under the mentorship of Dr B Dinesh Kumar, former Scientist G and Head of Drug Division, NIN, addresses menopausal syndrome, which is expected to affect over 1.2 billion women worldwide by 2023
Hyderabad: The quest for a non-hormonal formulation that could potentially extend proper care for women suffering from menopausal syndrome, appears to have found a solution right here in Hyderabad, and that too through the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda.
In a first of its kind, an Ayurvedic-based therapy for menopausal care, developed by the city-based researcher from National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Dr Vandana Singh, has been granted a patent.
Derived from ancient Sanskrit literature and based on the principles of Ayurveda, Dr Vandana has developed a non-hormonal formulation that could potentially extend proper care to women suffering from menopausal syndrome, a major public health issue that is expected to impact over 1.2 billion women worldwide by 2030.
At present, the traditional treatment to deal with menopausal syndrome is Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT), which is associated with adverse effects including vaginal bleeding, liver issues, and increases risk of breast cancer, heart disease and strokes. As a result of these inherent risks, the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) advised restrictions on long-term use of HRT.
“Our Ayurvedic formulation does not have such adverse impact on health while dealing with menopausal syndrome. Our non-hormonal Ayurveda therapy features an indigenous grass as the key ingredient. The formulation follows all Ayurveda principles and helps with osteoporosis, fatty liver and metabolic syndrome,” says Dr Vandana Singh.
Mentored by Dr B Dinesh Kumar, former Scientist G and Head of Drug Division, during the development of the non-hormonal Ayurveda therapy, Dr Vandana says her research involved plant species identification, quality standards, proof of concept, regulatory compliance and prototype formulation.
“This non-hormonal, safe and effective solution aims to enhance the quality of life of menopausal women. The work has already been recognized globally, including a shortlist for the Alice and Albert Netter prize 2023 by European Society of Gynecology. The study has already been published in scientific journals and acknowledged by peer review groups and professional societies,” she says.
Dr Vandana points out that the non-hormonal therapy also paves the way for future advancements in women’s health research in Ayurveda.
