Editorial

Since ancient times many medicines are extracted from deadly poisons. Cobra venom, night shade, belladona, cocaine and mercury are only some of them. One has only to see the pharmacopoeia of ayurveda, homeopathy and allopathy to have an idea of the exotic sources of the medicines. The insulin making DNA is spliced into a common one celled bacterium E.coli, which is normally the culprit and causes severe problems in the stomach- The bacterium combined with DNA produces insulin in huge vats and is harvested in plenty. Antibiotics are obtained from fungi which also act as poison.

In Indian system as the medicines are tested for generations, their effects and antidotes are well known. To avoid reaction, right from food  to sleep all activities are strictly controlled when treatment is given. This is so in all traditional systems.

In allopathy, there is a constant research to discover new medicines. This research is propelled by huge companies and enormous amount money is spent on research. The system of patents, protectionism and free market economy ensure that the profits are very tempting. It is a just reward for the risk taken.

But here is a kink in this reasoning. How carefully and how long have the medicines been tested? It is found that mice and humans do not react the same way for all drugs.

Many medicines such as sulphanilamide were initially encouraging but within two months of Its introduction seventy six persons died from server' kidney and liver damage. Immediately the Food and Drug Act was passed and many of these medicines were banned In USA, the country where they were manufactured. This was in 1937. But sulphanilamide, nemusilide other medicines are still available in our markets.

Let us take the safest of medicines - the vitamins. These are bought a the counter and every doctor prescribes vitamins. Excess of vitamin A and calcium deform the bones of children. Now it is also found that vitamins A, E and D are soluble only in fat, whereas 6 and C are soluble in water and their excess is eliminated naturally. It is shocking that excess of vitamins cause severe damage to liver, kidney, arteries and bones. Osteoporosis is supposed to be caused by lack of calcium. It is surprising that overdose of vitamins can also cause osteoporosis.

We have to sensitize people about the need to take proper diet directly from fruits and vegetables and avoid the chemical form.

We are realizing that the old adage "excess of nectar is also poison” is true although even poison is traces acts as elixir in the hands of the skilled doctors.