GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANTS AND AYURVEDA: EVALUATING RISKS, CONFLICTS AND CONCERNS IN HERBAL MEDICINE

The advancement of genetically modified (GM) crop technology has revolutionized modern agriculture by en-hancing yield, nutritional value, and stress resistance. However, this biotechnological innovation has also raised concerns within traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda. This review provides an integrated anal-ysis of the development and applications of genetically modified crops, highlighting both their agricultural ad-vantages and potential health risks. Special emphasis is placed on the philosophical and therapeutic conflicts between Ayurveda and GM technology, particularly through the lens of the Bt brinjal controversy in India. Ayurvedic principles emphasise the inherent, unaltered nature of plants, wherein their therapeutic properties are influenced by subtle factors such as Rasa (taste), Gunas (inherent qualities), Virya (potency), Vipaka (post-digestive effect), and Prabhava (specific pharmacological action). Genetic alteration may disrupt these qualities, posing a challenge to Ayurvedic pharmacology and the safety of herbal formulations. The article emphasizes the need for proper safety evaluation and collaboration across different fields to ensure that modern developments align with traditional knowledge and support ecological balance.