KOCHI: After a long interval, Keralites can access ayurvedic medicines containing derivatives of antlers of hoofed animals to invigorate the spleen, strengthen bones and muscles and boost blood flow.
The State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) approved a request from the state-run Oushadhi to collect and use antlers shed by spotted deer and sambars in zoos to prepare medicines. Tonnes of antlers are stored at the Department of Museums and Zoos as their sale and use are banned under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
A senior Forest Department official said SBWL will send the application for clearance to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). He said since the state board has given its nod, no bottlenecks are expected.
Oushadhi has been manufacturing medicines made with antlers till the end of the ’90s, spurred by huge demand from North and Central Indian states. But lack of enough raw materials and strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 affected production.
K Gangadharan, director of Museums and Zoos, said there are around 750 hoofed animals in various zoos in Kerala and there is a huge stock of horns. “If the government allows their use, we have no problem in handing over the stock to Oushadi.”