Himalaya’s story goes back 78 years, when its founder, M. Manal, saw a villager in Myanamar pacifying a restless elephant by feeding it the root of a herb, Rauwolfi serpentina. Fascinated by the plant’s effect, he had the root scientifically tested. After researching the herb, Serpina®, the world’s first anti-hypertensive drug was launched in 1934.
Himalaya’s big breakthrough came in 1955 when it introduced Liv 52, a formulation that has became one of the world’s top selling medicines for liver ailments. This success set Himalaya on a growth path which continues until today.
In addition to pharmaceuticals, Himalaya Herbal Healthcare, as it is now called, offers a head-to-heel range of herbal healthcare products spanning the entire wellness spectrum. Over 200 products in therapeutics, personal care and animal health constitute the company’s portfolio today. Says Ravi Prasad, Executive Director, Himalaya Global Holdings Ltd, “We believe that Ayurveda will always remain an esoteric science unless it is interpreted in the language of modern science. Safety and efficacy of a herbal product needs to be established through research in order to gain the trust of consumers and the medical fraternity.”