DRDO develops herbal drug for trials for troops

DRDO has developed for trials a herbal drug that could enhance the performance of troops deployed in high altitudes and other stressful operational
environments, government said today.

DRDO`s Leh-based lab, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), has come out with a unique herbal formulation called "Performax" of ten important herbs to have
adaptogenic properties, Defence Minister A K Antony told the Rajya Sabha.

In written reply, he said, "Animal studies conducted showed nearly 36 percent increased physical performance during exposure to altitude of 25,000 ft. Human studies are also
being planned."

Antony informed the House that the drug has a calorific value of 211.8 C and is rich in adaptogens and antioxidants, including vitamins.

The drug is a completely herbal product with no toxic effect and can be used as herbal-prophylactic and dietary supplement for the troops.

"The formulation can be used as a prophylactic to improve physical and mental performance of the troops deployed at high altitude and other stressful operational environments. It can improve respiratory, circulatory, nervous and hormonal
functions to cope with higher levels of stress," Antony said.

Replying to a question on DRDO and its collaboration with a UK-based defence lab, he said, "DRDO has signed Letter of Arrangement (LoA) with Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), United Kingdom in September."

The LoA will facilitate DRDO and DSTL to pursue collaborative research and development in areas of defence by leveraging their research and technology development capabilities, Antony said, adding that it would provide both sides an opportunity to access and share critical technologies and visit each others laboratories.