Pannir Soppu or Pannir Patre (Kannada) is a flowering plant grown in the Nilgiris. Boasting of over 400 species, it’s also found in the Pushpawati river bed and a few other places in India. Some other variants are found in South Africa too.
It has been around for ages. But its status changed about a year ago in India. On February 19, 2015, the Indian Patent Office granted South Africa-based Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) a patent for libido enhancement or treatment of erectile dysfunction. CSIR now also holds an international patent for its invention using Pannir Soppu or geranium.
Another expert, Dr G Gangadharan, director, MS Ramaiah Indic Center for Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, said: “…The government’s intentions are laudable but there seems to be a lack of focus. Out of the 40,000-odd formulations that the government has documented only 1,500 are in the market. That’s a great indication of how much work needs to be done. Ayurveda is one thing India can give the world and there must be a sustained, focused effort.”