THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Traditional medicine experts must have invented all kinds of secret formulas of cure, but would still not be considered inventors. They were not entitled to apply for patents, unless they were the ones who scientifically proved it. The reason why Lakshmiamma Kanikkari, discoverer of the medicinal property of ‘Amruthapala’, does not share credits with the scientists at Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden Research Institute (TBGRI).
Amruthapala is an endangered plant usually found in the crevices of rocks. Lakshmiamma, who belongs to the Kani tribe, claimed that its tuberous roots could cure peptic ulcer. She being a ‘Visha Vaidyar’ acclaimed in and around her place in Kallar, her discovery attracted the attention of the scientists at TBGRI. They invested in proving its efficacy scientifically.
They discovered that along with peptic ulcer, the herb also has powers to arrest cancer-like afflictions. However, even as they wanted to, the scientists at TBGRI could not help it that Lakshmiamma did not get the credit, according to S Rajasekharan, Senior Programme Coordinator, Kerala State Biodiversity Congress, who was with the TBGRI then.
He says, “The patent for Amruthapala came through in 2003. However at that point, the scientific community never approved of a person who could not prove medicinal properties scientifically, as an inventor. They were referred to as informers.”
Lakshmiamma does not seem to care, as she introduces herself as a writer, though she was at the Kerala State Biodiversity Congress for her name as a healer. Her literary works are often expressions of anger against the world outside her settlement which belittles tribal people. For a sample, here is a title: ‘Kadum Nadum Mudiykkunna Viddikal’ (The Idiots Who Ruin Forests). Invariably the ‘pet’ frogs which stay in her house and challenges like wild boars are also written about.
Her poetry and essays get published in ‘Vithurodayam’ magazine, circulated in Vithura. She says she has seen Sooranad Kunjan Pillai and Telugu writer Panduranag Rao. She says she does not look forward to earn from the anti-venom treatment. “If we ask for money for treatment it is like bribe. We receive any amount that is given happily,” she says.
Elsewhere, scientists are still working on Amruthapala, which has become rare to get. Though its efficacy is proven, if drugs are not developed before 2023, the patent will lapse.
