Eighty one years ago, on a visit to Burma, Himalaya's founder, Mr. M. Manal, saw restless elephants being fed with a root to pacify them. The plant from which this was taken is Rauwolfia serpentina. Fascinated by the plant's effect on elephants, he had it scientifically evaluated. After extensive research, Serpina®, the world's first anti-hypertensive drug, was launched in 1934.

This legacy of researching nature forms the foundation of Himalaya's operations. Himalaya uses the tools of modern science to create pharmaceutical-grade ayurvedic products. We have pioneered research that has converted Ayurveda's herbal tradition into a complete range of proprietary formulations dedicated to healthy living and longevity. Today, these products have found acceptance with medical fraternities and serve the health and personal care needs of consumers in 82 countries. 		 
   
 
Mr. M. Manal forms The Himalaya Drug Company. His vision:
Put ayurveda on par with modern medicine.
His elder brother, Mr. M. Misal, joined him a few years later and they set about building the company together.
Launch of Serpina, the world's first anti- hypertensive drug, derived from Rauwolfia serpentina.
Dr. Roshan M. Captain, Ph.D., joins the company and spearheads research and development.
 
Liv.52, a hepatoprotective, is launched and goes on to become one of the world's top-selling drugs.
Mr. Meraj Manal, the founder's son, joins the company.
Mr. Karstein, a German pharmaceutical consultant, directs the company's focus towards allopathic medical practitioners.
An advanced manufacturing facility is set up in Bangalore. The facility grows to become the corporate headquarters.
 
The company's R&D center moves to Bangalore. Research and development becomes a very important aspect of the company's focus.
The company opens its US office at Houston, Texas.
The Animal Health Product range for commercial livestock is launched.
Himalaya Herbals launches its personal healthcare products in India.
 
The company launches a special range for pets called the Companion Care range.
The company adopts a new unified brand identity.
Well-being Division formed.
ISO 9001: 2000 certification awarded for design, manufacture and marketing of herbal health care products.
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Nabeel Manal, the founder’s grandson, joins the company.
Himalaya celebrates seventy-five years.
UK-based National Quality Assurance gives Himalaya ISO-14001:2004 certification for environment management.
Soliga Forest Honey, a Certified USDA Organic honey sourced from the forests of South India, is launched. Collected by the Soliga Tribe, the honey is sourced by Himalaya at a fair trade price.
 
 
Introduction of Organique by Himalaya, a range of personal care products formulated with organic herbs and oils.
Using innovative patent-pending technology, the company introduces a Certified USDA Organic range of Pure Herbs.
Liv.52 HB, the world’s first herbal drug for the effective management of Hepatitis B, is introduced.